CASTER

Bettear CASTER - Auracast transmitter for assistive listening, white

The white Bettear CASTER is an Auracast™ transmitter that turns the signal from a mixing console or sound system into a live broadcast, received directly by Auracast™-enabled hearing aids, cochlear implants and earbuds, and by Bettear RTX receivers. Sound reaches listeners with latency below 40ms, and access can be open or protected with a password and AES128 encryption - with convenient joining via QR code.

Two sources connect through balanced analogue inputs and are broadcast as one stereo programme or two independent mono channels, e.g. two language versions. Automatic gain control and filters tidy up the signal, and a single PoE+ network cable is enough for power and control. Setup is done from the device's web panel or the Hive Central platform. The transmitter is designed for theatres, cinemas, lecture halls, conference rooms, museums, courtrooms and places of worship, among others.

Features

• Auracast™ broadcasting to Auracast™-enabled hearing aids, cochlear implants and earbuds, as well as Bettear RTX receivers

• Broadcast modes: stereo, dual mono (2 independent mono programmes) and timecode

• Input modes: stereo, mono and mix; input gain from -12dB to +32dB

• DSP processing: automatic gain control (AGC), high-pass filter (off/80/120/250Hz), low-pass filter (off/8/12/16kHz)

• Open or encrypted broadcasting (AES128, 4-16-character password) with QR code access

• Timecode over Auracast™ - synchronised playback of pre-loaded content on RTX receivers, up to 50 exhibits per transmitter

• Extender mode - receives audio from a Master transmitter over the network to extend coverage, multicast or unicast

• Hybrid mode - Auracast™ and Wi-Fi streaming with the Bettear B-SHOW server at the same time

• LAN 2 port with PoE out for daisy-chaining further devices, e.g. the Bettear B-PASS panel (CASTER-S licence required)

• Management from the built-in web panel or the Hive Central platform; text-based API (UDP 9000) and Crestron driver

Benefits

• Inputs: 2x balanced analogue (3-pin terminal block, 3.5mm pitch)

• Max input voltage: 2.1Vrms (4.2Vrms balanced)

• ADC SNR / THD+N: 110dB / -90dB

• Frequency response: 10Hz-22kHz; sample rate 48kHz

• Latency: below 40ms

• Radio: Bluetooth 5.3 LE (Auracast™), 2402-2480MHz; internal antenna

• Codec: LC3 (16/24/48kHz)

• TX power: adjustable 5-20dBm (range up to 100m at 20dBm, according to the manufacturer)

• Network: LAN 1 - 1Gbps (PoE+ in), LAN 2 - 1Gbps (PoE out, CASTER-S licence); DHCP or static IP

• Power: PoE+ or 12V DC, 2.5A (power supply not included - available: Bettear 12V/3A power supply)

• Dimensions: 200x200x51mm (bracket Ø84mm)

• Weight: 419g

• Operating temperature: -12°C to +40°C

• Mounting: wall/ceiling bracket (included) or 3/8" threaded stand

• Certifications: CE, UKCA, FCC, IC, RCM, MIC

• Colour: white

Bettear CASTER in white blends well with light walls and ceilings where it can be mounted. Also available: a black version (Bettear CASTER black), the Bettear CASTER X with an external antenna and the Bettear CASTER XD with a Dante® input.