swXtch.io has introduced groundSwXtch for Audio over IP, a software solution designed to help broadcasters and media companies move audio in different major AoIP formats between locations and into the cloud. This is done using standard IP networks, including public internet connections. The application eliminates the need for specialized hardware that usually compresses and decompresses audio signals, which is a common part of traditional AoIP transport.
The tool supports widely used formats such as Ravenna, AES67, and ST 2110-30. It also allows audio to be broadcast to multiple destinations simultaneously without requiring changes to network settings or purchasing extra equipment. The audio remains in its original, high-quality, uncompressed form throughout the entire process, maintaining clarity and detail.
How it connects with existing tools
groundSwXtch uses the same core architecture as the company’s cloudSwXtch platform. This allows users to combine both tools into a single, integrated system that blends workflows happening in local facilities with those in the cloud.
The company has validated the performance of groundSwXtch in several real-world scenarios. These include live sports events, remote production setups, intercom systems that connect multiple studios, and audio mixing for distributed setups. The solution also supports radio workflows that link studios, newsrooms, and regional offices into a unified software-defined audio network. These tests show the app simplifies the setup process and reduces costs compared to traditional methods that rely on compressing and decompressing audio.
According to Brent Yates, CEO of swXtch.io, the industry has long focused on making audio codecs faster and more efficient. However, the company’s approach was to question whether codecs are necessary at all. By using native AoIP audio and a reliable IP network, the need for encoding and decoding is eliminated. This not only simplifies the infrastructure but also lowers costs and maintains the original signal’s quality. Yates explained that groundSwXtch allows broadcasters to move audio exactly as it was originally created, while making it much easier to manage and scale distributed production efforts.