Monitor audio in NEO+ systems in real time with this NEXO feature

In large and complex public address and voice evacuation installations, quickly checking the messages being broadcast in each zone is essential. NEXO now makes this easier with its new audio monitor feature for NEO+ systems.

In this article, we explain what it is, how to use it, and its benefits for EN 54 systems.

What is the audio monitor function in NEXO?

This feature allows you to select a NEO+ system zone and instantly listen to the audio playing there through a speaker connected to NEXO’s analog output. The entire operation is managed using an MPS-8Z+ microphone as the control device.

Configuration is done via the NEXO Config Tool, where you define the microphone that will activate the function, the button that triggers it, and the zones that can be monitored.

How does it work?

To enable the audio monitor function, follow these steps in NEXO Config Tool:

ACSI & ACSINet -> Zone Monitor Configuration -> Open Edit mode -> Enable Zone Monitor on CH1 Output

Then, select the MPS-8Z+ microphone (ACSI address) that will act as the monitor, the activation button (from 1 to 64 available), and the corresponding zone for each button in the table.

To activate the audio monitor function:

1. Press “EVENT” on the MPS-8Z+ microphone.
2. Select the assigned activation button (e.g., button 8).
3. Choose the zone to monitor.
4. Press “TALK” to start listening.

To stop monitoring:

1. Press “EVENT”.
2. Press the activation button (e.g., button 8).
3. Press “TALK”.

The activation button is reserved exclusively for this function and cannot be used for other events, either as a trigger or as a zone monitor button (marked in yellow in the image).

Since ACSI bus addresses cannot be duplicated, sharing the audio monitor function across multiple microphones requires setting the address configuration to “<any>”, as shown in the following image. This way, any MPS-8Z+ microphone can activate the monitor, regardless of its ACSI address on the bus:

Benefits for public address and voice evacuation systems

This feature simplifies the operation of public address and voice alarm systems while offering key benefits for maintenance teams:

• Real-time supervision: Instantly check how audio is reaching each zone, what content is being broadcast, and its quality.
• Scalability: Add as many monitors as needed by integrating multiple NEXO units according to the system’s requirements.
• Seamless integration: The monitor function does not interfere with other audio inputs in NEXO, so the device remains available for ACSI or BGM sources.

This gives operators and maintenance teams a powerful tool to ensure that emergency messages and alerts are properly played in all system zones.

The NEXO network audio converter is one of the most powerful accessories in the NEO+ range, thanks to its AES67 Layer 3 technology. A single NEO+ system can connect up to 128 NEXO units, each supporting up to 32 additional devices (microphones or evacuation panels). This allows for up to 4,096 devices to be integrated via the ACSI Net protocol—ideal for large-scale distributed projects like airports or transportation networks.

For more details on configuring and using the new audio monitor function, refer to the NEXO user manual or contact our technical team.