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User Manual for Appsys ProAudio models including: FLX-AES50 Digital Audio Converter, FLX-AES50, Digital Audio Converter, Audio Converter, Converter
Appsys ProAudio FLX-AES50 96x96 Channel Format Converter For AES50 | Full Compass Systems
FLX-AES50
FLX-AES50 2. INTRODUCTION 2.1. Purpose The FLX-AES50 device is a digital audio converter, providing two built-in AES50 interfaces (96x96 channels @ 48kHz) and additional slot for one AUX card.
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FLX-AES50 AES50-to-anything Digital Audio Converter
User's Manual
User's Manual
Table of Contents
1. QUICK REFERENCE............................................................................................ 4
2. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................. 5 2.1. Purpose.................................................................................................... 5 2.2. Box Contents............................................................................................ 5 2.3. Conventions used in this manual..................................................................5
3. POSSIBLE SETUPS............................................................................................. 6 3.1. Available AUX cards..................................................................................6 3.2. Available FLX devices................................................................................7 3.3. FlexLink connection...................................................................................7
4. AUDIO ROUTING............................................................................................... 8 4.1. Modes and indication.................................................................................8 4.2. Selecting the Route Mode...........................................................................9 4.3. Remarks................................................................................................... 9
5. CLOCK SETTINGS............................................................................................ 10 5.1. Clock sources and indication.....................................................................10 5.2. Selecting the Clock Source.......................................................................10
6. ACCESSING INTERNALS................................................................................... 12 6.1. Opening the device.................................................................................. 12 6.2. Inside view............................................................................................. 12 6.3. Installing AUX cards................................................................................. 12
7. DIP SETTINGS................................................................................................. 13 7.1. AES50 A+B channel mapping (DIP1).........................................................13 7.2. AUX channel location (DIP2).....................................................................13 7.3. AUX config (DIP4..6)...............................................................................14 7.4. FlexLink channel mapping (DIP7..9)............................................................15
8. SPECIAL OPERATING MODES...........................................................................16 8.1. Version Display....................................................................................... 16 8.2. LED Test................................................................................................ 16 8.3. Interface Self-Test...................................................................................16 8.4. Firmware update...................................................................................... 17
9. SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................................. 18
10. ACCESSORIES............................................................................................... 18 10.1. Rack mount kits..................................................................................... 18 10.2. Additional (redundant) power supply........................................................18
11. APPENDIX..................................................................................................... 19 11.1. Warranty.............................................................................................. 19 11.2. Manufacturer contact.............................................................................19 11.3. FCC Compliance....................................................................................19
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FLX-AES50 11.4. Recycling.............................................................................................. 20 11.5. Document Revision History.....................................................................20 11.6. About this document.............................................................................. 20
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User's Manual
1.
QUICK REFERENCE
Power switch and "power good" indicators. LEDs light up blue when power is available on the respective port.
Mode indicators/selector. Long-press the "Select" button to change the audio routing between the interfaces. Wait four seconds to activate the selected mode.
Clock indicators/selector. Long-press the "Select" button to change the clock source and sample-rate. Wait four seconds to activate the selected mode.
AES50 ports A and B
AUX slot. Accepts optional card for standalone use
DIP switches, mostly to control output data format. See 7. DIP Settings
USB port (firmware update only, no audio)
Redundant DC input ports
FlexLink: optional connection to second flexiverter, or to multiverter.
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FLX-AES50
2.
INTRODUCTION
2.1. Purpose
The FLX-AES50 device is a digital audio converter, providing two built-in AES50 interfaces (96x96 channels @ 48kHz) and additional slot for one AUX card. It can be used in different setups, depending on the user's needs:
standalone, to convert between the built-in AES50 and an AUX card (AES50-to-anything)
standalone in-line: signals are transparently passed between both AES50 ports and split to the AUX card (plug-in recording split), while maintaining stagebox remote control
together with another flexiverter, connected via FlexLink (for up to 160x160 channels),
together with the multiverter, connected via FlexLink. This provides remote control, channel-wise routing and SRC (Sample Rate Conversion).
For a detailed description of possible configurations see 3. Possible Setups.
2.2. Box Contents
1 FLX-AES50 Converter 1 HDMI cable 0.5m / 1.7 ft with locking screws 1 Power supply 1 Power cord (country specific) This manual
2.3. Conventions used in this manual
A button on the front is shown like this: Mode or Clock
A LED is shown like this: off / on / blinking
Filled circles with an exclamation mark indicates an action that must be performed ("Required").
A section marked with an "information" icon indicates a useful tip.
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3.
POSSIBLE SETUPS
The device can be used in three different setups, shown below:
flexiverter+AUX card
SETUP Double-flexiverter
flexiverter+multiverter
How it works
Converts between built-in interface and the AUX card, or splits AES50 to the AUX card.
For a list of AUX cards, see 3.1. Available AUX cards.
Devices are connected via FlexLink cable.
Converts between one FLX(+AUX) and the other FLX(+AUX).
Channels (all can be used at the same time)
96x96 AES50 @ 48kHz 48x48 AES50 @ 96kHz
or maximum capacity of the AUX card, whichever is less
96x96 AES50 @ 48kHz 48x48 AES50 @ 96kHz plus what the AUX card provides
Redundant power supply
up to 2x
up to 3x
Battery-powered yes
yes
operation
(DC 12-15V)
Sample Rate
no
no
Conversion
Signal splitting
yes (to AUX or FlexLink)
yes (to AUX or FlexLink)
Channel-wise
no
no
routing
Remote control no
no
Rack mount
1U total
1U total
Flexiverter connected to multiverter via FlexLink cable.
FLX(+AUX) serves as extension to the MVR-64
448x448 from multiverter plus 96x96 AES50 plus what the AUX card provides
up to 3x
yes
yes (with SRC-64 card in Multiverter) yes, to everything yes, via MVR-64 (web, telnet or serial terminal) yes, via MVR-64 (web, telnet or serial terminal) 2U total
3.1.
Available AUX cards
At the time of writing (2021-11), the following AUX cards are available. More will come, please check www.appsys.ch for updates.
Item AUX-ADAT AUX-AES3 AUX-AES67
Description 16x16ch ADAT I/O (2x Toslink In+2x out). Supports also S/PDIF 8x8ch AES3 I/O on 1x DB25, fully transformer isolated 64x64ch AES67 network card
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FLX-AES50
AUX-AVB1
16x16ch / 32x0ch / 0x32ch MILAN-approved AVB
AUX-DAC1
8ch analog outputs (1xDB25)
AUX-DANTE
64x64ch DANTE network card
AUX-MADI-COAX 64x64ch MADI for coaxial cable (BNC connectors)
AUX-MADI-OPTO 64x64ch MADI optical, SC connector (Multimode 125um 1310 nm)
AUX-MADI-SFP
64x64ch MADI for SFP (Small-Factor Pluggable) modules
AUX-WORDCLOCK BNC wordclock I/O
3.2.
Available FLX devices
At the time of writing (2021-11), the following FLX devices are available. More will come, please check www.appsys.ch for updates.
Item FLX-AES3 FLX-AES50 FLX-AES67 FLX-DANTE FLX-MADI
Description 16x16 channel AES3 flexiverter (with AUX slot) 96x96 channel AES50 flexiverter (with AUX slot) 64x64 channel AES67 flexiverter (with AUX slot) 64x64 channel DANTE flexiverter (with AUX slot) 128x128 channel MADI SFP & MADI coaxial module (with AUX slot)
3.3. FlexLink connection
The FlexLink connection is designed to connect Flexiverters with each other, or with the Multiverter. It provides:
192x192 channels bi-directional transmission of 24-bit uncompressed audio (fully transparent to AES3 compatible metadata bits)
Super-low link latency of 4 samples (ca. 83µs)
Dedicated, high-quality reference clock signal with automatic configuration
Power supply for connected devices (to reduce cabling), alternatively serves as redundancy scheme when both devices are powered: in case of power failure, both devices keep working from the remaining power supply.
Uses standard HDMI cables (with locking screws), to provide easy field replacement in case of defects.
1 Estimated availability: Q1/2022
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4. 4.1.
AUDIO ROUTING
The flexiverter can operate in various routing modes, allowing you to pass audio between the available interfaces in many different ways. The LEDs in the "MODE" section indicate the involved interfaces.
Modes and indication
# Routing
Operation (Example)
AES50 A+ AES50 Port A
1
AES50 B (+AUX)
AES50 Port B AUX
<> FlexLink FlexLink
AES50 A+ AES50 Port A
2 AES50 B
AES50 Port B AUX
<> AUX
FlexLink
AES50 A
AES50 Port A
3
<> AES50 B
AES50 Port B AUX
+split to AUX FlexLink
Setup (blinking alternately)
AES50 Port A AES50 Port B AUX FlexLink
AES50 Port A AES50 Port B AUX FlexLink
AES50 Port A AES50 Port B AUX FlexLink
Remarks
AUX LED only active when card installed.
Stagebox remote control forwarding between ports A+B.
AUX can be mapped directly after AES50 A on FlexLink Lane1, or separate on Lane 3 (DIP 2) Converts 48+16ch or 32+32ch from/to A+B (DIP 1)
Stagebox remote control forwarding between ports A+B
Additional split of everything to FlexLink2 Splits 48+16ch or 32+32ch from A+B (DIP1)
Stagebox remote control forwarding between ports A+B
Additional split of everything to FlexLink2
LED color
off
green
white
Meaning Interface not active / involved IN and OUT valid
OUT valid, but no IN detected
2 All incoming data is also split (output) to FlexLink: AES50 Port A is split to Lane 1 (ch1-64), AES50 Port B is split to Lane 2 (ch65-128) and AUX is split to Lane 3 (ch129-192). The split is not indicated on the LEDs for clarity but is always active.
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FLX-AES50
LED color
red
red blinking yellow blinking
Meaning
No valid signal or no valid clock. If the clock LEDs show red, make sure the clock mode is set
correctly and a valid clock is supplied. If the clock LEDs show green, the clock is ok but the input is not
detected. Check the respective connection.
Interface is currently booting and not yet active
Mode setting active: Alternately blinking LEDs indicate the interfaces between which data is converted; constant lit LEDs indicate splitting destinations. Press MODE button again to cycle through available modes. After 4 seconds, the selected mode is applied automatically.
4.2. Selecting the Route Mode
Long-press the Mode button until the LEDs are blinking yellow. Current routing mode is shown by alternately yellow blinking LEDs, indicating
the interfaces where the signal is passed between. Press the Mode button repeatedly to cycle between available modes, until
the desired mode is shown. After four seconds without interaction, selection mode is terminated and the
current setting comes into effect.
4.3. Remarks
Routing between the selected interfaces is always bi-directional, meaning that audio is passed between them both ways. A working bi-directional link shows
green for both interfaces. If the LED shows white, the corresponding
interface does only output data but no input on it has been detected. If the LED
shows red, the interface is not connected, or the clock is invalid or missing.
Channel-wise routing and splitting (crosspoint switch/matrix) between all channels is possible when the flexiverter is connected to a multiverter. Routing is then done via the multiverter's web interface or via the command line.
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5. 5.1.
CLOCK SETTINGS
Clock sources and indication
The flexiverter can be clocked from every interface (acting as clock slave), or can run on its internal clock (acting as clock master).
Clock source
AES50 Port A AES50 Port B Internal ("INT") AUX FlexLink
"Clock" Indication (Example)
AES50 A
AES50 B AUX FlexLink
44.1 kHz 48 kHz
x2 x4
AES50 A AES50 B
AUX FlexLink
44.1 kHz 48 kHz
x2 x4
AES50 A \ INT
AES50 B / AUX FlexLink
44.1 kHz 48 kHz
x2 x4
AES50 A AES50 B AUX
FlexLink
44.1 kHz 48 kHz
x2 x4
AES50 A AES50 B AUX FlexLink
44.1 kHz 48 kHz
x2 x4
Remarks
Flexiverter acts as clock master.
Only available with AUX installed. AUX card acts as clock master. Use an AUX-WORDCLOCK if you need BNC wordclock I/O. Clock is taken from the peer device (Flexiverter or Multiverter)
LED color off
green red
yellow blinking
Meaning Interface not active / not involved Selected, locked and synced
No valid clock. No input connected or no master clock signal detected
Clock setting active. Press CLOCK button to go to the next clock source. After 4 seconds, selection mode is terminated and the selected mode comes into effect.
5.2. Selecting the Clock Source
Long-press the Clock button until the LEDs are blinking yellow. Current clock source/modes is shown by blinking LED(s).
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FLX-AES50 Press the Clock button repeatedly to cycle between the available clock
sources. Depending on the source, you might need to select the desired sample rate ( 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz) and/or the appropriate multipliers ( x2 / x4). After four seconds without interaction, clock setting is automatically terminated and the selected clock source comes into effect.
When the samplerate is incorrectly set (e.g. 48k with 96k data), unwanted effects (double samples, zero samples, channel crosstalk etc.) may occur and might not be noticed immediately. Always double-check that the samplerate is set correctly on all involved devices!
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6.
ACCESSING INTERNALS
6.1. Opening the device
Required: Torx T10 screwdriver. Power off the device and detach all cables to avoid short-circuit or damage. Detach the device from the rack-mount kit. Remove the four top screws and the top cover by pulling it upwards:
6.2. Inside view
Screws for AUX cover plate AUX card connector
6.3. Installing AUX cards
Remove the screws holding the cover plate, and the blank cover plate
Insert the AUX card from inside, using the supplied cover plate.
Make sure it is correctly fitted to the card connector Secure the card using two cover screws
The card has been installed correctly if you are able to select an audio routing mode involving AUX (long-press MODE button to enter Route Mode Selection).
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FLX-AES50
7.
DIP SETTINGS
Fine-tuning of the flexiverter's built-in interface behavior and of the AUX card can be achieved via DIP settings on the back side. Changing the DIP settings will come immediately into effect. Default setting: all switches up.
7.1.
AES50 A+B channel mapping (DIP1)
Determines how AES50 ports are mapped to the 64 channels of the AUX card (has only an effect in routing modes #2 and #3):
48 channels from AES50 Port A+16 channels from AES50 Port B* 1 32 channels from AES50 Port A+32 channels from AES50 Port B 1 * Default setting
7.2.
AUX channel location (DIP2)3
Determines how the AUX channels are mapped to the FlexLink interface (has only an effect in routing mode #1).
FlexLink Lane 1 (ch1-64):
AES50 Port A (48 channels used)
FlexLink Lane 2 (ch65-128): AES50 Port B (48 channels used) 2 FlexLink Lane 3 (ch129-192): AUX (up to 64ch)
FlexLink Lane 1 (ch1-64):
AES50 Port A (48ch) + AUX (up to 16ch)
FlexLink Lane 2 (ch65-128): AES50 Port B 2 FlexLink Lane 3 (ch129-192): not used
* Default setting
3 Available from firmware 1.1 on
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User's Manual
7.3.
AUX config (DIP4..6)
Many AUX card provide additional settings, which can be adjusted using these switches. The actual meaning depends on the type of AUX card installed:
AUX-ADAT
Channels 1-8: 4 ADAT format*4
Channels 1-2: 4 AES3/SPDIF format4
Channels 9-16: 5 ADAT format*4
Channels 9-10: 5 AES3/SPDIF format4
AES3 (Professional)4 6 only for non-ADAT
SPDIF (Consumer)4 6 only for non-ADAT
AUX-AES3
Single Wire (full channel count at 48k, 96k and 192k), 4 5 professional format for metadata*
Double wire (half channel count), 4 5 only in 96k and 192k modes
Quad wire (quarter channel count), 4 5 only in 192k mode
Single wire, 4 5 SPDIF (consumer) format for metadata
AUX-MADI-COAX AUX-MADI-OPTO AUX-MADI-SFP
96k frame*4 4
48k frame4 4
64ch output*4 5 6
57ch (use for DiGiCo stagebox control)4 5 6
56ch output4 5 6
reserved 5 6
AUXWORDCLOCK
* Default setting
True to samplerate*4 4
Always x1 (single speed)4 4
For cards not listed, refer to the manual of the respective card, or check for a newer version of this manual.
4 Applies to outputs only. Input format is always auto-detected, regardless of the switch setting
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FLX-AES50
7.4.
FlexLink channel mapping (DIP7..9)
The FlexLink interface can transmit 192x192 channels, organized in three lanes with 64 channels each. The channel assignment can be adjusted to meet the user's needs, particularly when the device is used in double-FLX configuration (to make sure that all interfaces and channels are mapped to the desired target on the peer FLX device).
DIP Lane 1 (ch1-64)
AES50 Port A 7 8 9
AES50 Port A 7 8 9
AES50 Port B 7 8 9
AES50 Port B 7 8 9
AUX 7 8 9
AUX 7 8 9 * Default setting
Lane 2 (ch65-128) AES50 Port B AUX AES50 Port A AUX AES50 Port A AES50 Port B
Lane 3 (ch129-192) AUX AES50 Port B AUX AES50 Port A AES50 Port B AES50 Port A
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8.
SPECIAL OPERATING MODES
Special operating modes are accessible by holding down the Mode button while switching on the device. Press Mode again to switch to the next mode:
Version Display LED Test Interface Self-Test Normal operation
8.1. Version Display
The firmware version "X.Y" and the hardware version "Z" are shown on the LEDs on the front panel:
- The number of pink LEDs lit indicate the major firmware number "X" - The number of orange LEDs lit indicate the minor firmware number "Y" - The number of green LEDs lit indicate the hardware version "Z"
Example: One (1) pink LED and three (3) orange LEDs means
"Firmware 1.3", zero green LEDs mean HW version 0.
Blinking LEDs mean that the currently installed firmware is a "beta" version. It is advised to upgrade to an official release version as soon as it is released.
Press Mode again to proceed to LED test.
8.2. LED Test
All LEDs on the front and on the back should show white. Press Mode again to proceed to Interface Self-Test.
8.3. Interface Self-Test
All built-in interfaces and the optional AUX card can be tested for correct operation by the user. This is done using the special self-test mode, in which the device outputs a special random test pattern on all channels. This pattern is looped back via an external cable into the corresponding inputs, where it is checked for consistency.
Self-test mode is indicated with "CLOCK" showing INT/48kHz in cyan color. The "MODE" LEDs indicate red (error/no connection) or green (loopback
data received ok) for the respective interface.
Connect AES50 Port A to Port B using a standard Cat5 cable
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FLX-AES50 If an AUX card is installed, connect all output ports of the AUX card to the
respective inputs using a loop-back cable. Note: NOT supported with AUXADC, AUX-AES67, AUX-AVB, AUX-DANTE.
8.4. Firmware update The firmware can be updated from any Windows PC over the rear USB port.
To update: Download the latest firmware from www.appsys.ch/FLX-AES50 Unpack the firmware package FLX-AES50-Firmware_x.y.zip Connect your PC via USB to the flexiverter Power ON the device Run the FLX-AES50_Updater.bat file from the firmware package and follow the instructions on the screen. Power cycle the device to effect the update.
Thanks to the special design of the updater, it is virtually impossible to damage ("brick") the device during update. If updating fails or is interrupted, restart the procedure. You can also can go back to any older firmware version at any time.
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9.
SPECIFICATIONS
Parameter Dimensions
Weight
Value
152x44x153mm (WxHxD) excluding connectors/buttons 152x44x163mm (WxHxD) including device-side connectors/buttons
560g
Operating temperature
0..+55°C, non-condensing
Storage temperature -40..+85°C, non-condensing
Power consumption AES50 Ports Cable lengths
Channel count
Sample rates Latency
Internal clock precision
+15V DC, 9W max (18W to power two devices via FlexLink) Triple-redundant input (2x DC, 1x via FlexLink)
Compatible to Behringer/MIDAS implementations at 44.1/48kHz and 88.2/96kHz Forwarding of Behringer/MIDAS Stagebox Remote Control Data between A and B
FlexLink
1m/3ft. max. recommended
AES50
100m/300 ft.
96x96 @ 48kHz 32x32 @ 96kHz, plus additional AUX channels depending on AUX card
44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz
Conversion AES50 <> FlexLink: 4 samples Conversion AES50 <> AUX: 4 samples plus AUX card latency (depending on AUX card)
Jitter: Phase RMS: <1ps, Peak-peak: <50ps. Stability: ±25 ppm including all effects including aging, temperatur, supply, calibration, shock, vibration
10.
ACCESSORIES
10.1. Rack mount kits
For integration in 19" racks, two kinds of rack mount kits / brackets are available:
RM-FLX1: For mounting one FLX device into 1U 19" space RM-FLX2: For mounting two FLX devices into 1U 19" space
10.2. Additional (redundant) power supply
PWR-FLX: Additional power supply to provide redundancy for single-FLX configurations
FlexLink Cable 0.5m. HDMI cable with locking screws
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FLX-AES50
11.
APPENDIX
11.1. Warranty
We offer a full two (2) year warranty from the date of purchase. Within this period, we repair or exchange your device free of charge in case of any defect*. If you experience any problems, please contact us first. We try hard to solve your problem as soon as possible, even after the warranty period. * Not covered by the warranty are any damages resulting out of improper use, willful damage, normal wear-out (especially of the connectors) or connection with incompatible devices.
11.2. Manufacturer contact
Appsys ProAudio Rolf Eichenseher Bullingerstr. 63 / BK241 CH-8004 Zürich Switzerland
www.appsys.ch info@appsys.ch Phone: +41 43 537 28 51 Mobile: +41 76 747 07 42
11.3. FCC Compliance
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
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User's Manual
This equipment has been verified to comply with the limits for a class B computing device, pursuant to FCC Rules. In order to maintain compliance with FCC regulations, shielded cables must be used with this equipment. Operation with nonapproved equipment or unshielded cables is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception. The user is cautioned that changes and modifications made to the equipment without the approval of manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.
11.4. Recycling
According to EU directive 2002/96/EU, electronic devices with a crossed-out dustbin may not be disposed into normal domestic waste. Please return the products back for environment-friendly recycling, we'll refund you the shipping fees.
11.5. Document Revision History
2: Added DIP2 settings 1: Initial release
11.6. About this document
All trademarks mentioned in this document are property of the respective owners. All information provided here is subject to change without prior notice.
Document Revision: 2 · 2022-05-15 Copyright © 2021 Appsys ProAudio · Printed in Switzerland
IDENT 9.00.16144.00
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Declaration of Conformity
FLX-AES50
The manufacturer:
Appsys ProAudio Rolf Eichenseher Bullingerstr. 63 BK 241 CH-8004 Zürich
Switzerland
declares under sole responsibility that the products mentioned below:
Flexiverter FLX-AES50
meet the requirements of the following standards:
EN 55024:2010 EN 55032:2015 Class B EN 61000-3-2:2006/A1/A2:2009 EN 61000-3-3:2009 EN 61000-6-3:2007/A1:2011
Therefore the product fulfills the demand of the following EC directives:
73/23/EWG
(Directive related to electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits)
89/336/EWG
(Directive related to electromagnetic compatibility)
The devices are marked accordingly. Zürich, 21.11.2021
Rolf Eichenseher (CEO)
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