Model 5421 Datasheet

Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 5421 Dante Intercom Audio Engine, Issue 1 , Page 2
Configuration and Functionality
Using the STcontroller software application a configuration
choice selects how the Model 5421’s 16-channel audio
engine is segmented. The allows efficient use of the Dante
channels to support the needs of specific applications. As
all Dante intercom beltpacks are essentially 4-wire devices
(having independent receiver (input) and transmitter (out
-
put) channels) “virtual” (simulated) party-line functionality
must be created within the Model 5421’s digital process-
ing resources. This requires that the maximum number of
participants (users) on any one “party-line” be defined and
an appropriate configuration be made.
The 16 channels offered by the Model 5421 are configured
into what are called groups. Simple configuration choices
are accessed using the STcontroller software application
and allow the number of groups and their sizes to be
selected. Group configuration can range from one group
having 16 channels (a complete audio engine being used for
a single group) to four groups each having four channels.
The size of a group will dictate how many devices and asso
-
ciated users can be part of any one party-line. Five choices
allow a range of group configurations to be selected with
the default setting being two 8-channel groups.
Using the Dante Controller application, each group can
be assigned a unique name. These names would typically
reflect how each specific group is going to be utilized.
Names such as Production, Lighting, Stage Manager, or
Follow Spot would be typically used in theater-oriented
intercom applications.
Technically, each group supports party-line operation by
creating a series of unique “mix-minus” outputs, one for
each channel in the group. These specialized outputs
allow each intercom user assigned to that specific group (a
“party-line”) to hear all members of that group except for
themselves. (Thus comes the term “mix-minus” or a mix of
all source but themselves.) By each user receiving a mix-
minus signal precise control of each user’s sidetone audio
level and overall audio quality can be maintained.
Applications
The Model 5421 is compatible with many Dante-compliant
devices including the extensive range of intercom beltpacks
from Studio Technologies. These include the single-chan
-
nel/dual-listen Model 372A and Model 373A, the 2-channel
Model 370A and Model 371A, and the 4-channel Model
374A. The Model 5421 will also function directly with other
Dante-supporting devices such as the Model 348 Intercom
Station and Model 391 Dante Alerting Unit. In addition, the
Model 5421 can function with matrix intercom systems,
audio consoles, and wireless intercom base stations.
Dante Audio-over-Ethernet
Audio data associated with the Model 5421 is sent and
received using the Dante audio-over-Ethernet media net-
working technology. Audio signals with a sample rate of
48 kHz and a bit depth of up to 16, 24, and 32 are supported.
Up to 16 Dante receiver (input) and 16 transmitter (output)
channels are available to implement virtual party-line (PL)
intercom circuits.
AES67 and DDM
Using the Dante Controller software application, the
Model 5421’s Dante interface can be configured to support,
or not support, AES67 digital audio signals. The unit is
also compliant with the Dante Domain Manager (DDM)
software application. DDM offers an enhanced set of net
-
work control and monitoring features making it ideal for
security-conscious applications. This may also allow the
Model 5421’s audio channels to support ST 2110-30.
Pro Audio Quality and Auto Mix
The Model 5421’s audio circuitry was designed to meet the
demands of professional audio applications, far exceeding
that of “typical” intercom products. Audio processing is
performed in the digital domain using a high-speed field-
programmable-gate-array (FPGA) integrated circuit. The
Model 5421’s Auto Mix function utilizes a sophisticated
FPGA-based algorithm to provide enhanced audio intel
-
ligibility. This feature is unique to party-line (PL) intercom
applications and offers the opportunity for users to obtain
the absolutely finest audio performance.
Status LEDs and Configuration
Two LEDs, located on the Model 5421’s front panel, provide
an indication of the Dante interface’s status. LEDs asso-
ciated with the back-panel R45 jack display the real-time