Model 43D Dante™ to IFB Interface User Guide Issue 1, September 2015 This User Guide is applicable for serial numbers M43D-00151 and later with application firmware 1.1 and later and Dante firmware 1.2 (Ultimo 2.2.2.5) and later Copyright © 2015 by Studio Technologies, Inc., all rights reserved www.studio-tech.
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Table of Contents Revision History ............................................................ 4 Introduction ................................................................... 5 Getting Started .............................................................. 8 Configuration ................................................................ 12 Operation ...................................................................... 13 Technical Notes .............................................................
Revision History Issue 1, September 2015: 1. Initial release. Issue 1, September 2015 Page 4 Model 43D User Guide Studio Technologies, Inc.
Introduction The Model 43D IFB Interface provides broadcast-standard powered and nonpowered analog audio IFB outputs from audio signals that are being transported using the Dante™ Audio-over-Ethernet media networking technology. IFB, also known as “interruptible foldback” or talent cueing, is a method commonly used for on-air talent and related personnel to receive one-way (listen-only) audio signals associated with live-event broadcasts.
use analog interfacing. Careful attention to circuit design and component selection ensures that excellent audio quality is maintained. Audio level meters provide confirmation of system performance during setup and operation. The Model 43D can be powered by Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) or an external source of 12 volts DC. Standard connectors are used for the powered IFB outputs, line-level IFB outputs, Ethernet, and DC power interconnections.
This may be more descriptive as the function is actually a program source that gets interrupted with talkback audio. The “program” channel is typically a continuous source of program audio. An alternate term is “program-only.” The source of interrupt audio is typically a producer or director who provides real-time information to the on-air talent. In other applications, talent will use a single-ear headset, “ear bud,” or in-ear monitor, keeping the other ear accessible to ambient audio.
audio quality is maintained. Additional LED indicators are provided on the front panel, offering status indications of the incoming power and two IFB power sources. Ethernet Data, PoE, and DC Power Source The Model 43D connects to a data network using a standard 100 Mb/s twisted-pair Ethernet interface. The physical interconnection is made by way of a Neutrik® etherCON RJ45 connector.
panel is going to be used as part of the installation it will typically be shipped in a separate carton. If the installation or specific application requires an external source of 12 volts DC it needs to be provided separately. An applicable power supply, the Studio Technologies PS-DC-02, is available as an option. Locating the Model 43D The location of the Model 43D may primarily depend on the length of cable needed to link the unit with the associated powered IFB devices.
Mounting a Model 43D to a dual-unit rackmount panel follows the same procedure but will apply to two units. Store both of the removed standard front panels and the eight “bump on” protectors for possible later use. Note that on the rack-panel’s graphics the unit on the left is designated as A while the unit on the right is designated as B. This is provided so that each can be easily identified during installation, troubleshooting, and operation.
Model 43D’s power with no interruption in operation. (Of course, normal operation will cease if both PoE and Ethernet data support are lost.) Powered IFB Outputs The Model 43D provides two, 2-channel powered IFB outputs. The powered IFB outputs are intended to directly support listen-only beltpacks such as the talent amplifier units available from Studio Technologies.
perform optimally when driving loads of 2000 (2 k) ohms or greater. The nominal level of the IFB line outputs is –10 dBu. As expected, a signal supplied by the Dante source that has a nominal level of –20 dBFS will result in a level of –10 dBu being present on its associated IFB line output.
to the MAC address of the Ultimo integrated circuit that’s present in the specific Model 43D. The four Dante receiver (input) channels have the default names of To Out1 Ch1, To Out1 Ch2, To Out2 Ch1, and To Out2 Ch2. Using Dante Controller these names can be revised as appropriate for the specific application. The Model 43D supports audio sample rates of 44.1 and 48 kHz along with several pull-up/pull-down values. The desired configuration can be made using the Dante Controller software application.
Upon Model 43D power up the status and meter LEDs will activate in test sequences. The PoE and USB LEDs, located on the back panel, will light one after another. On the front panel the input power, DC status, and audio level meter LEDs will light in a sequence. Once the test sequence has completed the two columns of level meter LEDs associated with output 2 will momentarily display the version number of the unit’s application firmware (embedded software).
meters represent the strength of the audio signals going to the four channels associated with the two, 2-channel IFB outputs. The meters are organized into two groups with each group representing the two audio channels being sent to the powered and, in the case of output 2, the line-level IFB outputs. The meters are calibrated to reflect the level relative to the –10 dBu reference (nominal) level of the powered and linelevel IFB outputs.
the two DC status LEDs on the front panel will steadily light. So under normal conditions where the performance is as expected both LEDs will be lit. If 24 volts DC or less is present on either powered IFB output a lowvoltage condition is detected. This would typically be caused by connected devices drawing too much current (more than 120 milliamperes) or a full short circuit being present. If an under-voltage condition is present for a continuous 1-second period a fault condition is recognized.
LAN. Even two Dante-enabled devices that are directly interconnected using an RJ45 patch cord will correctly acquire IP addresses and be able to communicate and transport audio. Using the Dante Controller software application the Model 43D’s IP address and related network parameters can be set for a fixed (“static”) configuration. While this is more involved than letting DHCP or linklocal “do their thing,” if fixed addressing is necessary then that capability is available.
Application Firmware Update Procedure It’s possible that updated versions of the application firmware (embedded software) that runs the Model 43D’s microcontroller (MCU) integrated circuit will be released to add features or correct issues. Refer to the Studio Technologies’ website for the latest application firmware file. The unit has the ability to automatically load revised files into the MCU’s nonvolatile memory by way of its USB interface.
7. At this time the Model 43D is functioning with the newly-loaded application firmware and the USB flash drive can be removed. But to be conservative, remove power first and then remove the USB flash drive. 8. Apply power to the Model 43D and “read” the application firmware version number by observing the output 2 level meters. Ensure that this is the desired version and that it’s different from that noted in step 2.
Specifications Type: transformer-coupled, capacitor isolated Power Sources: Nominal Level: –10 dBu Power-over-Ethernet (PoE): class 3 (mid power, ≤12.95 watts) per IEEE 802.3af Maximum Level: +10 dBu into 2 k ohms External: 10 to 18 volts DC, 1.0 amp maximum at 12 volts DC Network Audio Technology: Type: Dante Audio-over-Ethernet Line-Level IFB Outputs: 2 Frequency Response: –1 dB @ 20 Hz, –1.3 dB @ 20 kHz Distortion: <0.
