Audio over IP is a rapidly expanding area of commercial audio enabling loudspeakers and other elements of your sound system to be connected simply and efficiently with slimline data cables which not only carry audio signals but provide power too.
The TOA IP-A1 IP network audio series combines TOA’s extensive audio expertise with common industrial standard protocols for audio transmission and network device control.
This enables the creation of fully integrated systems with communication, not only between IP-A1 series devices, but also with third-party devices and platforms such as SIP servers/phones, video management systems (VMS) or IP control systems.
Combining background music, paging and security products over a network is efficient and flexible. Manual and automated functions such as live speech announcements or prerecorded voice messages can be made Ad Hoc, triggered by an external control or scheduled in advance. You can even use AoIP to turn your SIP telephone system into a network paging solution.
Build your stand-alone solution without a server or primary system using peer-to-peer communication or extend your network system based on open protocols.
Your audio distribution system becomes flexible and scalable when you use the IP network to add TOA IP-A1 network audio products to your existing security or commercial communication system.
Take a look at the products below or click here to download the full TOA IP-A1 Series Brochure.
It is TOA’s IP-A1 network audio range: speakers, a small amplifier, a paging gateway and microphones that take audio over the IT network. Sites use it for paging, scheduled messages and background audio, often alongside security or a phone system.
A 100V system runs speaker cable from a central amplifier. AoIP devices sit on the network, many powered by PoE, so a ceiling speaker or horn can be added where there is a data point. You still need a network that can carry the audio. It does not remove the need to plan zones.
No. IP-A1 uses common IP methods — SIP, ONVIF, multicast — so it can talk to phone systems and video management platforms. It is not a Dante device and will not appear in Dante Controller. Use Dante ranges where the rest of the audio is already Dante.
Yes. A paging gateway or remote mic can turn a SIP call into a network announcement, so the existing phone system becomes the paging source. That suits offices and sites that already have IP phones. The phone system still has to be configured to reach the gateway.
It is an active speaker with a small amplifier and, on these units, memory for stored messages. It can play a live page, a scheduled message, or audio from a VMS. Coverage is one speaker, not a long 100V run of passive ceiling speakers.
Most are powered by PoE or PoE+. Check the product: a horn or a device with a larger amp may need PoE+. A switch without enough PoE budget will not run a row of speakers. Plan power at the switch, not only at the rack.
Yes. Devices can play stored messages on a schedule, from a contact, or ad hoc from a microphone panel. Onboard memory holds a limited set of messages. It is a paging and messaging system, not a full background-music streamer.
Peer-to-peer setups can run without a central server. Larger systems that tie into SIP or a VMS still need those platforms configured. “No server” means no dedicated audio server, not no network design.
An interface with mic/line in and out can bridge a network zone to an analogue amplifier or a local mic. It is a gateway, not a way to put IP speakers on a 100V line. Keep the two systems joined at line level.
Commercial Audio Solutions stocks the TOA IP-A1 range, including network speakers, the paging gateway and microphone panels. Call 01663 767888 or email sales@commercialaudiosolutions.com with whether you need SIP paging, VMS integration, or scheduled messages.
