Bettear FORGE XD 8-Stream Dante Auracast Expander

Bettear FORGE XD 8-Stream Dante Auracast Expander

The Bettear FORGE XD 8-Stream Dante Auracast Expander increases the broadcast capacity of compatible Bettear transmitters from two to eight audio streams. It receives professional Dante audio over Ethernet and transfers the processed streams to a connected CASTER or CASTER X transmitter for wireless distribution. The connected transmitter handles Auracast broadcasting.

Designed for conference interpretation, assistive listening installations, transportation hubs, museums, and multilingual events, the FORGE XD enables professional AV systems to distribute multiple audio programs simultaneously. Its eight Dante input channels support flexible configurations, including eight mono streams, four stereo streams, or combinations of both. Conference organizers can deliver separate language channels from existing Dante-enabled interpretation consoles and audio mixers. Museums and visitor centers can provide visitors with selectable audio programs, while transportation facilities can distribute multilingual announcements through compatible Auracast infrastructure. This compact Dante-to-Auracast stream expansion solution helps integrators build scalable wireless audio distribution systems without installing a separate transmitter for every audio channel.

The FORGE XD features three RJ45 Ethernet connections, including two 2.5 Gbps Bettear network interfaces and a dedicated Gigabit Dante audio interface. A web-based management interface enables remote configuration and monitoring over Ethernet, while a front-panel LED bar provides visual status information. The internal RK3568B2 quad-core processor runs Linux with 4GB LPDDR4X RAM and 8GB eMMC storage. USB-C Power Delivery supports multiple input voltages, and the compact enclosure accommodates desktop placement or wall installation using integrated mounting holes. The FORGE XD integrates with Bettear CASTER and CASTER X transmitters for professional multichannel Auracast deployments.

Key Features

• Eight-Stream Auracast Expansion: Increases a compatible CASTER transmitter's broadcast capacity from two streams to as many as eight simultaneous audio programs.
• Eight-Channel Dante Audio Input: Receives up to eight mono audio channels from compatible Dante-enabled mixers, interpretation consoles, and professional networked audio equipment.
• Flexible Mono and Stereo Configuration: Supports eight mono streams, four stereo streams, or mixed configurations, with each stereo stream using two input channels.
• Three Dedicated Ethernet Connections: Includes two 2.5 Gbps Bettear network interfaces and a 10/100/1000 Mbps Dante audio port for professional network integration.
• Web-Based System Management: Configure and manage the stream expander remotely through its Ethernet-accessible management interface.
• USB-C Power Delivery: Supports 5V, 9V, and 12V USB-C PD input for flexible power integration.
• Compact Desktop or Wall Installation: Small black enclosure features integrated mounting holes for wall installation without a separate mounting bracket.
• Integrated Processing and Status Monitoring: Quad-core processor, Linux operating system, and front-panel LED indicators support dedicated network audio processing.

Technical Specifications

General Information

• Manufacturer: Bettear
• Product Name: FORGE XD
• Manufacturer SKU: BTR-FORGE
• Product Type: Dante-to-Auracast Stream Expander
• Primary Function: Multichannel Audio Stream Expansion for Compatible Auracast Transmitters
• Supported Transmitters: Bettear CASTER and CASTER X
• Audio Input Technology: Dante Audio over IP
• Output Integration: Bettear Auracast Transmitter System
• Color: Black

Processor and System Specifications

• Processor: Rockchip RK3568B2
• Processor Architecture: ARM Cortex-A55
• Processor Configuration: Quad-Core
• Maximum Processor Clock Speed: 2.0 GHz
• System Memory: 4GB LPDDR4X RAM
• Internal Storage: 8GB eMMC
• Operating System: Linux

Dante Audio over IP Specifications

• Audio Networking Protocol: Dante
• Dante Input Channels: 8 Mono Channels
• Audio Sampling Rate: 48 kHz
• Audio Bit Depth: 24-Bit
• Audio Encoding: PCM
• Audio Source Compatibility: Compatible Dante-Enabled Network Audio Devices

Auracast Stream Expansion

• Maximum Broadcast Streams: Up to 8 with a Compatible CASTER Transmitter
• Standard CASTER Stream Capacity: 2 Streams
• Expanded Stream Capacity: Up to 8 Streams
• Supported Stream Configurations: Mono and Stereo
• Maximum Mono Configuration: 8 Mono Streams
• Maximum Stereo Configuration: 4 Stereo Streams
• Mixed Stream Configuration: Supported
• Mixed Configuration Example: 1 Stereo Stream and 6 Mono Streams
• Stereo Channel Allocation: 2 Input Channels per Stereo Stream
• Compatible Transmitter Models: CASTER and CASTER X
• Wireless Broadcasting: Performed by the Connected Auracast Transmitter

Ethernet Network Interfaces

• Total Ethernet Ports: 3 x RJ45
• Bettear Network Interface: LAN 1 and LAN 2
• Bettear Network Port Speed: 2.5 Gbps Each
• Dante Audio Network Interface: LAN 3
• Dante Network Port Speed: 10/100/1000 Mbps
• Network Management: Ethernet-Based Web Management Interface
• Network Audio Input: Dante-Enabled Ethernet Connection
• Transmitter Connectivity: Direct Ethernet Connection to Compatible Bettear Transmitters

USB Connectivity

• USB Data Port: 1 x USB Type-A
• USB Data Interface Standard: USB 3.2 Gen 1
• USB Power Input: 1 x USB Type-C
• USB-C Power Protocol: USB Power Delivery

Power Specifications

• Power Input Type: USB-C Power Delivery
• Supported USB-C PD Input Voltages: 5V, 9V, and 12V

Controls and Status Indicators

• Configuration Interface: Web-Based Management Panel
• Management Connection: Ethernet
• Status Display: Front-Panel LED Bar

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions (W x D x H): 4.7" x 2.6" x 1.2"
• Weight: 0.7 lb
• Finish: Black
• Installation Options: Desktop or Wall-Mounted
• Wall-Mounting Hardware Interface: Integrated Screw Holes
• Separate Mounting Bracket Required: No

Professional Audio Distribution Applications

• Multilingual Conferences: Distribute multiple language interpretation feeds from Dante-enabled consoles through compatible Auracast transmitters.
• Airports and Transportation Hubs: Support simultaneous audio programs for multilingual passenger information and announcements.
• Museums and Visitor Centers: Deliver selectable audio programs and language-specific content to visitors using compatible listening devices.
• Assistive Listening Installations: Expand the number of available audio programs within compatible Auracast listening systems.
• Live Interpretation Events: Route multiple interpreter audio channels through a single compatible transmitter for audience reception.

System Integration Note: The Bettear FORGE XD is a stream expansion device, not a standalone wireless transmitter. It requires a compatible CASTER or CASTER X transmitter to broadcast Auracast audio. The maximum of eight streams is shared across mono and stereo configurations, with stereo streams consuming two available audio channels.