Listen Technologies LW-215-04-09 – 4-Channel Wi-Fi Audio Server

Product Overview

The Listen Technologies LW-215-04-09 is a 4-channel ListenWIFI Wi-Fi audio server, the head end for assistive listening and language interpretation delivered over a venue's existing wireless network. It streams to up to 500 concurrent listening devices from a single 1RU rack unit, whether those are ListenWIFI receivers or patrons' own phones. Four balanced analog inputs on rear terminal blocks take feeds directly from a mixer or DSP. For a commercial assistive listening system in a building with managed Wi-Fi, this replaces the transmitter and antenna infrastructure an RF deployment would need.

Product Description

Channel count is the first specification decision. Four mono channels, or two stereo, covers a main programme feed plus interpretation, audio description or overflow room feeds without a second server.

Inputs are balanced at +4 dBu nominal on one terminal block connector per channel, mounted on the rear panel. Audio is carried at 48 kHz and 16 bits. The network side is a single RJ-45 at 10/100/1000 Mbps, with each listening device consuming 125 kbps of audio bandwidth. That figure is the one to take to the network team: 500 concurrent listeners is roughly 62 Mbps of sustained multicast-adjacent traffic, and the wireless design has to carry it.

The chassis is 1RU with rack ears included, 45 x 483 x 117 mm, in powder coated stainless steel. Power comes in over USB-C from a 100-240 VAC supply delivering 5 VDC at 2.4 A. Operating range is -10 ºC to +40 ºC, and the unit carries UL, FCC, CE, ROHS and UKCA approvals with a 2 year warranty.

Receivers are ordered separately: the LWR-1050 ListenWIFI receiver or the Meetinghouse variant for venues on that platform. Signage is a compliance requirement rather than an option, covered by the hearing assistance signage and venue awareness kit. A replacement power supply is stocked separately.

Key Features

• 4 mono / 2 stereo channels — Carries programme audio plus interpretation, audio description or overflow feeds from one unit.
• 500 concurrent listeners — Supports a full auditorium from a single server at 125 kbps per listening device.
• Balanced +4 dBu terminal block inputs — Takes feeds directly from a mixer or DSP output without an interface stage.
• 48 kHz / 16 bit audio — Delivers full-band audio quality rather than the narrowband typical of legacy assistive listening.
• Gigabit RJ-45 — Connects to the venue network on a single run at 10/100/1000 Mbps.
• 1RU with rack ears included — Installs in the existing AV rack without an additional shelf or mounting kit.
• Powder coated stainless steel chassis — Built for permanent installation in a commercial rack environment.
• UL, FCC, CE, ROHS, UKCA approved — Carries the approvals required for commercial and public sector specification.

Typical Applications

• Auditorium
• House of worship
• Conference room
• Boardroom
• Government space
• Training room
• Multi-purpose room
• All-hands room
• Commercial meeting space

Technical Specifications

Specifications sourced from the Listen Technologies ListenWIFI audio server product listing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many listeners does one server support?
500 concurrent listening devices, each consuming 125 kbps of audio bandwidth. Plan the wireless design around the aggregate figure rather than the device count alone.

What does the venue network need to provide?
A gigabit connection to the server and managed Wi-Fi coverage across the listening area with QoS configured for the audio stream. Receiver latency of 40 to 60 ms is dependent on network, traffic and QoS.

What audio sources can feed it?
Four balanced analog inputs at +4 dBu nominal on rear panel terminal blocks, taken from a mixer or DSP output.

Can patrons use their own phones?
Yes, and that is a large part of the appeal of a Wi-Fi based system. Venues with an accessibility obligation still generally need to provide receivers, which is what the LWR-1050 covers.

How much rack space is required?
1RU, with rack ears included. The chassis is 45 x 483 x 117 mm and weighs 1.6 kg.

Do I need more than one server?
Only if the venue needs more than 4 channels or more than 500 concurrent listeners. Channel count is usually the constraint that drives a second unit.

What warranty and support apply?
Listen Technologies specifies a 2 year warranty on this server. Contact Creation Networks for current terms, RMA handling and pre-sales design support.