Providing a simple yet high-performance interfacing solution for broadcast and recording studios, the Studio Technologies Model 5418 is a robust analog to Dante interface that offers eight XLR 3-pin front-panel mic/line inputs, eight analog line outputs via DB-25, and three gigabit RJ45 Dante ports. Ideal for converting from analog to Dante or back, this unit provides wide interoperability.
The Dante ports include primary and secondary ports, and a third port dedicated to management and monitoring. A 1/4" TRS headphone output is available on the front panel. You can select P48 phantom power on each input, enabling support for virtually all types of microphones. The M5418 also provides a switchable 75 Hz high-pass filter per input channel. Metering and performance monitoring are easy with the clear onboard OLED screen. Along with Dante, the unit supports AES67 standards, and can be simply controlled and managed via the STcontroller and Dante Domain Manager software. With both AC and DC power inputs, you can enjoy the safety of redundant power sources, a vital feature for ensuring smooth operation during broadcasts, even when a power interruption occurs.
The signals associated with the eight mic/line input channels are converted to digital and then routed to transmitter (output) channels on the Dante interface. Eight transmitter (output) channels from one or more associated Dante-enabled devices can be assigned to the Model 5418’s receiver (input) channels using the Dante Controller software application. These input signals are converted into analog and then, depending on the unit’s configuration, sent to the analog output circuitry.
- Using the Dante Controller software application, the Model 5418’s two Dante Ethernet ports can be selected to operate in either the switched or redundant modes.
- In the switched mode, a single Ethernet connection is used for interconnection with other Dante-compliant devices. The second Model 5418 Dante Ethernet port can be used to interface with another piece of network equipment.
- In the redundant mode, independent Ethernet connections are made to the unit’s two Ethernet ports, implementing Dante’s redundant network capability.
- The Model 5418’s third Ethernet port is always used to access the management web pages. This port can be connected to an independent network that some facilities implement for equipment monitoring and management purposes.
The configuration choices can be made either locally or by way of the STcontroller software application. The preamplifier of each channel can be selected for 0 dB of gain to support line-level sources or 10 to 60 dB of gain, in 1 dB steps, for microphones. A source of P48 phantom power can be enabled to power condenser microphones. In addition, a high-pass filter (HPF) function can be enabled as required to reduce the presence of unwanted low-frequency content typically associated with hum, rumble, or wind noise.
- The analog outputs are electronically balanced, capacitor-coupled, and ESD (static) protected.
- High-quality components, including the important digital-to-analog converters, are used to provide low-distortion, low-noise, and sonically excellent performance.
- Robust circuitry provides protection from damage should a moderate DC voltage be accidentally connected, something especially useful in broadcast applications.
- The analog outputs are compatible with virtually all balanced and unbalanced loads with an impedance of 2 kilohms or greater.
If both AC and DC power sources are connected, the unit will be powered by the AC mains supply. Only if the AC mains source fails will a load be placed on the DC source. This allows a source of DC, such as a battery pack, to serve in a backup capacity. With this arrangement normal operation can continue even if AC mains power is lost.
The firmware in this module can be updated via the unit’s Ethernet connections, helping to ensure that the Dante capabilities remain up to date. All software files and configuration parameters are stored in nonvolatile memory.