Two-zone music server and first amplified music server launched

iOS users will also experience the latest version of the Lode Audio control apps, offering the best control experience available. The company also plans to announce additions to its music streaming service portfolio.

Lode Audio offers a range of products and solutions dedicated to the CI industry. In addition to its existing 4-zone LA4 and single-zone LA1 audio servers, the introduction of the LA2 two-zone audio server and the launch of the first of its amplified models announce the next phase of the Lode Audio product roadmap. 

Built on Lode Audio’s patented LodeNet all Lode Audio products can be used as a stand-alone unit or integrated with other Lode Audio products to offer up to 64 zones without the need for complicated network components.  Thanks to Lode’s audio over IP protocol LodeNet, this is all achieved without the issues of interference, latency and outages experienced by many wireless-based audio systems.  Whether being used in residential, commercial, hospitality or marine, Lode Audio offers a music server for any application.

Real CI integration
Crucial to the success of any CI product is reliability and control. Developed over a four-year period, the Lode Audio music server range is built around the company’s patented LodeNet audio distribution protocol. LodeNet is a low-latency digital matrix that offers up to 64 zones of groupable audio (each with Apple Airplay compatibility) for synchronous playback without the need of a hardware matrix.

Lode Audio products automatically log on to the LodeNet matrix as soon as they are powered up, therefore requiring very little set up other than selecting and signing into any of the integrated music streaming providers, whereby one login gives access to every zone within the system.

Lode Audio products are controlled by the company’s proprietary IP protocol, removing any of the conflicts and time delays associated with more traditional UPnP-based devices. Offering full wireless control via iOS and Android apps, control latency is negligible, whilst full browse control, super-quick cover art population, gesture swipe, single/grouped room control and full room lock control (allowing the user to see and control only one chosen room within a larger system natively) are standard. Significantly, the app has been designed to integrate seamlessly with third-party apps, offering full app-in-app functionality, enhancing the user experience. 

Lode Audio products also offer total integration with third-party automation platforms. The latest Crestron Media Player driver, Control 4 driver update and Command Fusion integration driver offer extended features, including dynamic browse and queue functions, as well as cover-art integration with a quick response time of background image change when tracks are skipped.

Stream or network stored content
All Lode Audio products offer full integration with major music streaming services available for both consumer and commercial applications. For the commercial sector, Hotel Radio FM is integrated whilst internet radio and SoundCloud are available to all. 

Where connected, off-line content can be easily navigated, giving easy local music library integration. For residential applications, full TIDAL integration is available out of the box, with a new high-resolution streaming service to be announced at the show.

CI can be Hi-Fi
Dedicated to re-introducing high-quality audio performance to the CI market, Load Audio has been developing the audio circuitry of its products. With internal audio circuits featuring DAC’s capable of High-resolution music file playback and medical-grade power supplies, Lode Audio products outperform the popular consumer audio products currently being used due to convenience within CI.

Built to last – no matter what the application
To enhance reliability and reduce physical and electrical noise, all Lode Audio products have fan-less designs. With the scourge of all CI products housed within equipment racks being heat dissipation, Lode Audio products are built in the UK to medical-grade specifications and feature chassis’ honed from single billets of aluminium for heat distribution.

With the Lode Audio product range, installers finally have a dedicated music source that has been built for the application yet will deliver the performance desired by even the most ardent audiophile.