AVPro Edge AC-AXION-8 8 HDMI Input, 8 HDBaseT/HDMI Output Matrix Switcher with Dolby & DTS Downmixing

Product Overview

The AVPro Edge AC-AXION-8 is an 8x8 HDBaseT and HDMI matrix switcher designed for commercial multi-zone AV distribution in installations requiring both high-fidelity video and flexible audio routing. Supporting 4K60 4:4:4 at full HDMI 2.0 bandwidth (18Gbps) with HDCP 2.3, it handles the full range of HDR formats including Dolby Vision and HDR10+, making it a capable backbone for high-end boardroom, hospitality, and multi-zone display environments. Its integrated per-input Dolby Atmos and DTS:X downmixing — delivered independently on all 8 inputs simultaneously — is a specification that distinguishes it from standard 8x8 matrix switchers requiring external audio processors. For integrators specifying a 4K60 HDBaseT matrix with native multi-zone audio downmixing, the AC-AXION-8 consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components.

Product Description

The AC-AXION-8 provides 8 HDMI 2.0 inputs and 8 output blocks, each delivering both an HDBaseT output and a mirrored HDMI output simultaneously. HDBaseT outputs utilize AVPro Edge's ICT (Invisible Compression Technology) to transmit full 18Gbps HDMI 2.0 content — including 4K60 4:4:4 and Dolby Vision — over standard Cat cable runs, with integrated per-output downscalers converting 4K to 1080p for legacy display zones. This means a single matrix can serve mixed installed environments where some displays are 4K-capable and others are not, without additional hardware at each endpoint.

Audio handling is a core strength of the AC-AXION-8. Every one of the 8 inputs supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X downmixing to 2-channel audio, operating independently and simultaneously across all inputs. The unit provides 8 digital optical Toslink outputs (supporting 7-channel LPCM, Dolby Digital, and DTS), balanced analog audio outputs (always downmixed), and three configurable audio de-embedding modes: bind audio to input, bind audio to output, or route audio as a fully independent matrix separate from video. Per-output volume control is also available. This depth of audio routing flexibility covers the majority of commercial multi-zone AV audio distribution requirements within a single chassis.

Control options are extensive: Web GUI, IR, RS-232, and LAN are all supported natively, with certified drivers available for Crestron, Control4, RTI, and ELAN control systems. EDID management includes 29 onboard presets. A front-panel LED setup screen allows on-site configuration without a laptop. The unit ships with two 48V power supplies, IR remote, mounting brackets, nine 3-pin terminal blocks, and eight 5-pin audio cables — everything needed for a complete rack installation.

Key Features

• 8x8 HDMI 2.0 Matrix with HDBaseT Outputs — Each of the 8 output blocks provides both HDBaseT and HDMI simultaneously, giving integrators flexibility to connect Cat cable runs and local HDMI displays from the same output block.
• 4K60 4:4:4 with Full HDR Support — Handles HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, BBC, and NHK formats at up to 12-bit deep color, ensuring compatibility with current and premium display systems.
• Per-Input Dolby Atmos & DTS:X Downmixing — All 8 inputs simultaneously downmix Dolby Atmos and DTS:X to 2-channel audio, eliminating the need for external audio processors in multi-zone deployments.
• ICT (Invisible Compression Technology) — Transmits full 18Gbps HDMI 2.0 content over standard Cat cable via HDBaseT outputs, preserving 4K60 4:4:4 and Dolby Vision signal integrity over long cable runs.
• Three Audio De-Embedding Modes — Audio can be bound to the video input, bound to the video output, or routed as a fully independent audio matrix — covering the full range of commercial multi-zone audio distribution scenarios.
• 8 Digital Optical Toslink Outputs — Supports 7-channel LPCM, Dolby Digital, and DTS for direct connection to amplifiers, AVRs, or DSPs in each zone.
• Balanced Analog Audio Outputs — Provides line-level balanced audio (always downmixed) on all 8 output blocks for professional audio distribution infrastructure.
• Per-Output 4K to 1080p Downscaling — Each HDBaseT output includes an independent downscaler, allowing 4K sources to feed 1080p displays in zones without requiring display replacement.
• 29 Onboard EDID Presets — Comprehensive EDID management prevents handshake issues across mixed display environments.
• Certified Control System Drivers — Native drivers for Crestron, Control4, RTI, and ELAN reduce integration time and ensure reliable control system operation.
• HDCP 2.3 Compliant — Full HDCP 2.3 support ensures compatibility with protected 4K content sources including streaming media players and UHD Blu-ray.
• Front Panel LED Setup Screen — Allows on-site configuration and routing adjustments without a connected laptop or control system.

Typical Applications

• Corporate boardrooms and executive conference rooms requiring 4K video with multi-zone audio distribution
• Hotel and hospitality AV systems with mixed room types and display configurations
• University lecture theaters and multi-room educational facilities
• Houses of worship with sanctuary, overflow, and lobby zones requiring independent audio routing
• High-end residential home theaters and whole-home AV distribution systems
• Broadcast green rooms and production facilities with multiple monitor zones
• Healthcare facilities with content distribution to patient rooms and public display areas
• Sports bars and hospitality venues with multiple independent display zones

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the AC-AXION-8 simultaneously route different sources to all 8 zones independently?

Yes. As a true 8x8 matrix, any of the 8 inputs can be routed to any combination of the 8 outputs independently and simultaneously. Each zone can display a different source at the same time.

Does the Dolby Atmos downmixing work on all 8 inputs at the same time, or is it limited to one active input?

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X downmixing operates independently and simultaneously on all 8 inputs. Each input processes its own audio downmix to 2-channel without affecting any other input's audio processing.

What Cat cable specification is required for the HDBaseT outputs?

HDBaseT over ICT requires Cat5e or higher. Maximum cable run length depends on the specific signal format and ICT compression settings; AVPro Edge provides cabling guidelines for full 4K60 4:4:4 transmission. For uncompressed local HDMI, the mirrored HDMI output on each output block can be used.

How does the independent audio matrix mode work?

In independent audio matrix mode, audio routing is decoupled from video routing entirely. You can route audio from any input to any output zone regardless of which video source that zone is displaying — useful for background music, paging, or broadcast audio distribution scenarios in commercial installations.

Is HDCP 2.3 supported end-to-end, including over the HDBaseT outputs?

Yes. The AC-AXION-8 maintains HDCP 2.3 compliance through the full signal chain, including over the HDBaseT outputs. This ensures compatibility with 4K protected content from streaming media devices and UHD Blu-ray players.

Which control system drivers are available, and are they certified by the respective manufacturers?

AVPro Edge provides drivers for Crestron, Control4, RTI, and ELAN. These are manufacturer-provided drivers distributed through each control system's module library. Contact Creation Networks for driver documentation and download links specific to your control system version.

What is the warranty coverage on the AC-AXION-8?

Contact Creation Networks for current AVPro Edge warranty terms applicable to the AC-AXION-8 and your purchase agreement. AVPro Edge products are supported through authorized distribution channels.