Ideal for bridging analog audio input devices with Dante AoIP audio infrastructure, the Studio Technologies Model 5204 is a dual analog line input to Dante audio interface that sports one etherCON output, two line-level XLR 3-pin inputs, and one 3.5mm stereo (or channel one and two) input. This device is useful for broadcasts, stadium AV, and corporate audio.
- The Model 5204 is perfect for use in conjunction with a variety of fixed and portable audio applications where one or two analog audio signals need to join a Dante network.
- When deploying, maintaining, or modifying Dante networks the unit can be a useful test tool, offering a simple, high-quality means of creating a 2-channel signal source.
- The simple user controls, along with an extensive set of status indicators, help to ensure optimum performance is maintained. With the unit’s compact size and PoE powering, it is simple to deploy multiple units to integrate a distributed set of sources into a Dante application.
- For permanent applications, the Model 5204 can reside within an equipment rack or be mounted using optional brackets underneath a table or on-air studio set.
- In a conference room setting, the unit can be permanently connected to a PoE-enabled Ethernet port, ready to accept a signal source from various user-provided devices.
One rotary control is used to adjust the input level, making it a simple task to optimize the conversion of the input analog audio source to the Dante output. The level knob is a push-in/push-out type which helps prevent inadvertent adjustment.
Using the push-in / push-out knob it’s a simple matter to adjust the input circuitry to match average (nominal) signal levels, which would typically be in the range of 0 to +4 dBu. And with a maximum input level of +24 dBu there will always be sufficient headroom for pro audio performance. Protection components in the input circuitry help ensure reliability for tough field applications.
An LED displays the status of the network connection.The Model 5204’s operating power is provided by way of the Ethernet interface, using the 802.3af Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) standard. This allows fast and efficient interconnection with the associated data network. To support PoE power management, the Model 5204’s PoE interface reports to the power sourcing equipment (PSE) that it is a Class-3 (mid-power) device. An LED is provided to indicate when power is being supplied to the Model 5204.
The bit depth is 24 and sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz are supported. Two bicolor LEDs provide an indication of the Dante connection status. The Model 5204 is compliant with the AES67 interoperability standard. In addition, the unit is compatible with the Dante Domain Manager (DDM) software application.
An auto-detect feature supports divider mode, short mode, and 1.2 / 1.2V charging modes. Besides charging, the port can allow a connected device to continuously send audio to the associated Dante network without requiring an external power source.