The SW5E from PreSonus is a 5-port AVB switch with PoE function, which is optimally suited for live applications thanks to its robust housing and above all its reliability. The five ports are so-called XLR Ethernet jacks, which, like normal XLR sockets, prevent accidental disconnection. The PoE technology - Power over Ethernet - allows AVB compatible devices not only to feed network data, but also to supply power so that no local power source is required. Four of the five ports offer this feature - rare in today's generation of AVB switches. The last port - without PoE - is again useful for linking additional switches to create a larger network. Basically, an AVB network is more than just a digital connection. Devices can be connected over long distances via CAT5e or CAT6 Ethernet cable and still deliver extremely low latencies. Further advantages over other protocols are the high-precision clock, which greatly reduces harmonic distortion and phasing. This keeps your audio signal clean and transparent at all times. AVB also ensures that everyone has enough bandwidth available for low latency audio - even if an employee is streaming a movie on the side. The SW5E therefore leaves nothing to be desired. Simple and safe - what more could you want?
I finally had to make the decision to invest in more MOTU AVB audio interfaces so that the synths, drum machines and effects units around my studio could be easily connected. The most painful part is buying a device that doesn't make sound - right? The pain did turn to satisfaction when everything (MOTU 16A, 1248, Ultralite, LP32) all interconnected seamlessly and immediately. I now have my studio configured for multiple purposes without having to move any cables: recording, writing, livestream are all within easy reach of an AVB preset change.