Lewis CaliburnCUK Group has signed a deal to exclusively distribute the LODE Audio brand of multi zone music streaming components to residential and commercial integrators in the UK and Ireland.
Designed and manufactured entirely in the UK, LODE’s range of multi zone music streaming systems are ideally placed to supply custom integrators with the bespoke tools needed for high audio performance, easy access and reliable integration quality in the market between mainstream multiroom solutions and ‘audiophile’ single room streamers.
Created for custom integrators by custom integrators, LODE understands the desire from its growing customer base for a CI-oriented streaming solution by providing local support for proprietary HD audio design, audio-over-IP architecture, control system drivers and ‘additive’ API technology.
LODE’s range comprises LA1D, LA2D and LA4D 1,2 and four-zone players, the compact POE powered LA1 Mini single zone player and LA DANTE 4-zone Dante system running on Ethernet from a router or switch.
The zone players feature ‘Hi Fi’ DACs with a wide 112dB dynamic range, an S/N of 112dB and vanishing THD at -93dB, upconverting all popular file formats, including MP3, M4P, M4A, Flac, WAV and AAC to 32bit/48kHz for output to stereo RCA, S/PDIF optical and coaxial for each zone.
LODE has determined that 32/48 gives the best balance of performance versus range/control practicality.
The brand’s CI-focussed ethos is also defined by a comprehensive range of control options for macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Crestron, AMX, Control4, RTI and ELAN. Via intuitive interfaces on tablet, phone and desktop, customers are able to navigate playlists on Tidal, Deezer, Soundcloud, and Pandora for instance, or radio from TuneIn, Internetradio, HotelRadioFM and SoundMachine, as well as local NAS music libraries. Apps and drivers are available from the LODE site (control system drivers via login).
LODE sets up via Web-UI and is scalable to up to 64 rooms of independent audio with any number of grouped rooms, and with the lowest audio and control latency. Uniquely it offers proprietary drivers for seamless integration with AMX, Crestron (for both Media Player and smart graphics installations), Control 4 (with Janus Technologies), Elan (with Intrinsic Group) and RTI automation systems.
Additionally, Lutron’s advanced TCP API integration allows LODE streamers to work with the Homeworks system, while LODE’s proprietary ‘additive’ APIs promise never to break existing installations during firmware upgrades.
What’s more, LODE’s built-in versatility allows the system to run straight from a router on LodeNet, a proprietary AoIP matrix that syncs all load boxes, allowing users to group zones for synchronised playback of content without the need of an external matrix.
Whatever the design choice, LODE’s in-house development team is on hand locally with a wealth of source code to reduce project development time and ensure the best user experience for integrators and end users.
LODE’s suitability for residential installation also applies to commercial, marine and hospitality environments with the addition of special features such as a custom scheduling tool for hospitality applications, which can be set up from the Web-UI to allow music to change in different rooms at different times. And given the ever-evolving use of audio-over-IP technologies within marine and commercial installation, LODE’s LA DANTE system is a fitting solution.
Commenting on the new partnership CUK MD Stuart Thomson says: “At a time when music streaming is a must-have for all households, we’re delighted to be offering a proven high performance platform that hands the power to determine quality back to CI integrators, and by the same token, demonstrate CUK’s commitment to the CI market.”
LODE’s Ed Stark adds: “By uniting CUK’s unwavering dedication to value-added service delivery with our CI tuned multi-platform in-house technology and local support expertise, this new distribution deal offers integrators a way to confidently reclaim the music streaming space with high quality audio, reliability and control.”