top of page
Cadac CM-RT12 MegaCOMMS Router front panel showing 12 fibre-optic ports and display screen

MegaCOMMS Router

Overview

The CM-RT12 MegaCOMMS Router brings large-format fibre-optic networking to the CM ecosystem, managing up to 3,072 channels across twelve connected devices, with a system latency of 0.4 ms

CM-SR: Welcome
Cadac CM-RT12 front panel display with Scene Menu, Headphones, and Remote Setup options

CM-RT Router

Cadac CM logo

Introduction

The CM-RT12 MegaCOMMS Router expands the capability of Cadac’s fibre-based audio network, enabling larger, higher-channel-count systems while maintaining the simplicity and workflow of the CM-Series. In a compact 2U, 19-inch rack format, it delivers long-distance optical connectivity, intuitive console-based control, and maintains the through-system latency of just 0.4 ms.

 

Designed around a powerful routing engine, the CM-RT12 acts as the central hub for fibre-optic MegaCOMMS networks. It supports up to twelve connected devices and manages a full 3072 channels of audio within a single, unified infrastructure. This allows MADI or Dante interfaces, analogue inputs, or other system components to be placed exactly within the event space where they are needed, without compromising performance, workflow, or cost.

CM-SR: Introduction
Cadac CM-RT12 MegaCOMMS Router SFP fibre-optic ports and headphone section

Hardware

Overview

  • 12 LC fibre-optic port MegaCOMMS Router

  • Supports networks up to 3072 audio channels

  • Long-distance optical links up to 2 km

  • Console control via integrated Open Sound Control (OSC) messaging

  • Local monitoring with full-colour 2.4” display and headphone output

  • Redundant auto switching internal power supplies

  • Lightweight aluminium construction

  • 2U rack space

CM-SR: Hardware Overview
Cadac CM-RT12 front panel display with Scene Menu, Headphones, and Remote Setup options

Features

Highlights

  • Connect to 12 MegaCOMMS units within one unified star network

  • Maintains a system-wide latency of 0.4 ms

  • Automatic gain compensation between consoles (±20 dB)

  • Intuitive GUI console-based control

  • Dynamic scene-by-scene routing

  • Routing stored within the show file, with up to four maps stored locally

  • Long-distance single-mode fibre connectivity up to 2 km

  • Short-run connectivity using Direct Attach Copper cables

  • Redundant network configuration using paired CM-RT12 units

CM-SR: Features Overview

Designed for Scalability

Cadac’s intuitive and scalable MegaCOMMS ecosystem is designed for complex touring, theatre, broadcast, and installation applications, delivering predictable, ultra-low-latency performance at any scale.

CM-SR: Features

DYNAMIC ROUTING

Cadac CM-J50 console touchscreen displaying MegaCOMMS dynamic routing matrix

Routing on the CM-RT12 is handled entirely from within the CM-J50's familiar console interface. There's no separate software, no secondary control surface, and no need to leave the workflow you're already in. Engineers can define and store routing configurations as part of the show file, then switch between them scene by scene. Up to four routing maps can be held locally on the CM-RT12 at any time.

  • Fully integrated within the CM-J50 workflow.

  • All port and routing control handled directly from the console GUI.

  • Dynamic routing on a scene-by-scene basis.

  • Routing stored within the console’s show file, with up to four maps held locally on the CM-RT12.

  • Dynamic control via Open Sound Control (OSC) over Ethernet for fast, reliable operation.

GAIN COMPENSATION

Cadac CM-J50 rear panel showing analogue and digital inputs and outputs

I​n a multi-console MegaCOMMS network, gain adjustments made on the primary console are automatically propagated across the system by the CM-RT12. This means that when an engineer adjusts input gain at front of house, monitor world sees a compensating adjustment applied transparently, maintaining a consistent gain structure and 0.4 ms latency across the entire system, regardless of how many devices are connected.

  • In multi-console networks, gain adjustments made on the primary console are automatically managed by the CM-RT12.

  • Maintains consistent gain structure, 0.4 ms latency and audio performance across the entire system.

LOCAL MONITORING

Cadac CM-RT12 front panel with headphone output and MegaCOMMS port indicators

​The CM-RT12 includes a 2.4-inch full-colour front-panel display and a dedicated headphone output, allowing engineers to monitor any audio stream from any optical port. This makes it straightforward to check signal presence, verify routing, or diagnose issues at the rack, without interrupting the live mix. The comprehensive on-screen menu handles setup, monitoring, and troubleshooting in one place.

  • 2.4” full-colour front-panel display for intuitive visual feedback.

  • Integrated headphone amplifier for local monitoring of audio streams from any optical port.

  • Comprehensive menu structure for set-up, monitoring, and system troubleshooting.

FIBRE CONNECTIVITY

Cadac CM-RT12 fibre-optic MegaCOMMS ports with SFP LC connections

​All twelve LC ports on the CM-RT12 accept industry-standard 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP transceivers, supporting both multimode and single-mode fibre. For long-distance runs, up to 2 km, single-mode fibre provides reliable, interference-free connectivity between buildings or across large venues. For shorter infrastructure runs of up to 10 metres, Direct Attach Copper cables offer a cost-effective alternative without compromising performance.

  • All twelve LC ports accept industry-standard 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP 1310 nm MMF/SMF transceiver modules.

  • Install the number of transceivers required for the system, keeping configuration flexible and cost-efficient.

  • Up to 2 km connectivity over single-mode fibre between MegaCOMMS units.

  • Accepts Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables as a cost-effective alternative for runs up to 10 metres.

MISSION-CRITICAL

Professional live event using Cadac MegaCOMMS network for large-scale audio routing

​For productions where network failure is not an option, two CM-RT12 units can be configured in parallel to provide full network redundancy. A dedicated Word Clock connection maintains system synchronisation, and control data is distributed via a standard Ethernet router, keeping the architecture simple and proven. The CM-RT12 is built to the same road-ready standards as the CM-Series consoles, making it a natural fit for high-profile touring, broadcast, and fixed-installation systems where long-term reliability is a requirement.

  • Two CM-RT12 Routers can be configured in parallel for full network redundancy.

  • A dedicated Word Clock connection maintains system synchronisation.

  • Control data is distributed using a standard Ethernet router.

  • Designed for high-profile touring, broadcast, or fixed-install systems requiring maximum resilience.

MAINTENANCE

Cadac CM-RT12 showing firmware menu and Ethernet port for remote system maintenance

​Internal switch-mode power supplies are engineered to avoid any impact on audio quality, and comprehensive health status monitoring and diagnostics are accessible directly from the front-panel display. The CM-RT12 is built to the same component and construction standards as the CM-Series, ensuring consistent reliability across the entire system.

  • Firmware updates via the Router’s Ethernet port for fast, efficient updating.

  • Comprehensive health status monitoring and diagnostics.

  • Internal switch-mode PSUs engineered to avoid impact on audio quality.

  • Built to the same industrial design and component standards as the CM-Series.

Gallery

Cadac CM-RT12 MegaCOMMS Router front panel angled view
Cadac CM-RT12 MegaCOMMS Router left angled view
Cadac CM-RT12 MegaCOMMS Router front panel

Specification

General Specification

SCREEN

2.4-inch, 240 x 320 pixels, 262k colour display

AUDIO CAPACITY

3072 channels

MegaCOMMS

12 x duplex optical LC ports (requires Transceiver Cartridge)

FIBRE CABLE TYPE

Single-mode fibre (SMF)

TRANSCEIVERS

1000BASE-LX/LH SFP, 130 nm MMF/SMF

MAX FIBRE LENGTH

2km

SYSTEM LATENCY

0.4 ms (through the entire MegaCOMMS ecosystem)

CONTROL PROTOCOL

Open Sound Control (OSC) over Ethernet

HEADPHONES

¼ “(6.35mm) 3-pole (TRS)

With attenuator

FIRMWARE

Update via Ethernet

PSU

2 x internal PSUs

100-240V AC 50-60 Hz

Output requirements: +17 V, -17 V, +12 V

DIMENSIONS

482.6 mm width x 250 mm depth x 85.5 mm height

WEIGHTS

3.2 kgs / 7.05 lb (approx)

bottom of page