Xilica in Practice: Modularity and True Network Integration over CATx

Why Xilica?

While many legacy brands continue to deliver closed, complex, and costly ecosystems, Xilica takes a radically different stance by focusing on:

• Complete network integration – all devices connect via CAT5e/6 (RJ45), no proprietary cabling
• Modular architecture – systems are configured specifically for the task at hand
• Native support for Dante, USB, Bluetooth, and GPIO — out of the box
• Seamless interoperability with third-party gear: cameras, microphones, control systems
• Xilica Designer – intuitive software with Lua scripting and customizable templates

This design philosophy puts flexibility and openness at the core of every project.

Hardware Overview

Modular DSP Platforms: Solaro FR1 and QR1
Xilica’s modular DSPs are built to adapt — not dictate. The two flagship models:

• Solaro FR1 (Full Rack): up to 16 I/O modules, 64×64 Dante channels
• Solaro QR1 (Quarter Rack): compact unit, 8 slots, built-in USB interface

Each DSP is custom-assembled per project, allowing users to mix analog/Dante inputs, USB/Bluetooth modules, and GPIO — all over Ethernet with PoE.

Key advantage: Unlike fixed-architecture platforms (e.g., Biamp Tesira or Q-SYS Core), Xilica’s DSPs can be reshaped and rebuilt with swappable modules — like Lego for AV professionals.

One Cable, Full Integration: CATx Everywhere

One of Xilica’s most powerful engineering principles: “Everything over Ethernet.” Audio, power, and control travel over a single CATx cable — minimizing complexity, maximizing reliability.

This applies across the entire system:

• Sonia C5 two-way ceiling speakers connect via CAT cable and receive PoE from the Sonia Amp
• Gio USB and Gio Bluetooth bring seamless BYOM functionality to laptops and mobile devices
• No analog XLRs required — everything is digital and networked

Installation efficiency: Compared to systems from Crestron, Extron, or QSC — which require separate wiring for mics, amps, and control — Xilica can cut cabling time and effort by 30–50%.

Built for Open Integration

Xilica embraces the real-world diversity of AV environments, not proprietary lock-in. Out of the box, it works with:

• Sennheiser TeamConnect Ceiling 2 (TCC2) – full Dante integration, control via API, beam angle metadata for PTZ tracking
• PTZ cameras Laia, Lumens and Aver  – support for presets and auto-tracking based on mic data
• Barco projectors and displays – controlled via TCP/IP or RS232 (over GPIO), with ready-to-use Lua drivers

Crucial difference vs. QSC: No paid licenses. No vendor certifications. Just plug, program, and deploy.

Control Interfaces & Use Scenarios

Control is essential — and Xilica delivers options tailored for both users and integrators:

• XTouch – IP-based touchscreen panel
• Lucia – compact controller with OLED display and rotary encoder
• Gio Bluetooth – fixed Bluetooth access point for mobile devices

Xilica Designer allows custom UI creation, templated workflows, and deep logic programming via Lua. Engineers can control audio scenes, mute states, volumes, camera presets, and more.

Engineering freedom: Where others (like Q-SYS or AMX) offer constrained GUI builders, Xilica gives low-level access to build exactly what the system demands.

Xilica Designer: Professional Software, No Strings Attached

Xilica Designer is a free, cross-platform software suite (Windows/macOS). No cloud account. No license fees. No activation.

It includes:

• Auto device discovery
• Integrated Dante routing tab
• Templates for third-party gear (Sennheiser, Lumens, etc.)
• Drag-and-drop audio processing blocks: EQ, compressors, AEC, mute, etc.
• Lua scripting for control logic
• Multizone audio and room combine/divide scenarios

Accessible yet powerful: Comparable in functionality to Q-SYS Designer, but with a far smoother learning curve and without restrictive licensing models.

Real-World Deployments

• Small Conference Room: QR1-UC under the table + TCC2 mic + XTouch + Gio Bluetooth — a fully networked BYOM setup with zoning and control.
• Tech Hub: A single Solaro FR1 DSP powers up to three rooms, each with Gio USB points for BYOM access.
• Lecture Hall / Courtroom: Sonia ceiling speakers deliver consistent voice coverage; Xilica Designer enables scene-based logic and dynamic configuration.

Why Engineers Choose Xilica

• Modularity: Configure only what you need. No waste. No compromise.
• CATx Infrastructure: Audio, control, and power over one cable — simplifying design, cutting labor, and improving reliability.
• Open Compatibility: Works with third-party gear — no vendor lock-in.
• Flexible Programmability: Lua scripting and GPIO/IP control give full system authority to the integrator.
• No Proprietary Traps: No license fees. No closed ecosystems. Complete freedom of design and deployment.
• Ease of Use: Logical architecture, free software, and a low barrier to entry — enabling fast project turnaround and long-term maintainability.

Conclusion

Xilica is a modern AV solution built with IT sensibilities, integrator flexibility, and engineering logic at its core.

For system designers and installers, it means faster projects, lower costs, and confidence in compatibility, performance, and scalability. In a world where AV increasingly merges with IT, Xilica provides a mature, adaptable, and transparent platform for the future.