Datasheet

Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 44D Audio Interface, Issue 3, Page 2
44D’s enclosure has a “1/2-rack” 1U form
factor and weighs less than two pounds,
making it well suited for use in portable
applications. Alternately, using one of the
optional rack-mount front panels, one or two
Model 44D units can be mounted in a single
space (1U) of a standard 19-inch rack enclosure.
Dante Audio-over-Ethernet
Audio data is sent to the Model 44D using the Dante
audio-over-Ethernet media networking technology. Audio
signals with a sample rate of 44.1 or 48 kHz and a bit depth
of up to 24 are supported. The two line input channels are
converted to digital and then routed to transmitter (output)
channels on the Dante interface. Two transmitter (output)
channels from an associated Dante-enabled source device
can be assigned to the Model 44D’s receiver (input) chan
-
nels using the Dante Controller application. These are then
converted into analog outputs.
Applications
The most basic application for Model 44D is for transporting
analog audio signals to and from one location to another
using the data transport resources of a local area network
— there’s really no simper means to getting high-quality
audio from “point A to point B” and back. With standard
connectors and PoE power, setup can be completed in just
a few minutes. This makes Model 44D units effective in
both fixed and portable applications.
The Model 44D can also find use when an application
already supports Dante. For example, ports on a matrix
intercom system that directly supports Dante, such as the
RTS® ADAM® with OMNEO®, can be routed to a Model
44D’s Dante output (transmitter) and input (receiver) chan
-
nels. The Model 44D will then provide two analog input and
two analog output interfaces for use in a variety of applica
-
tions. These can include interfacing with audio inputs and
outputs associated with audio consoles, providing talent
cueing (IFB) feeds, and interfacing with the audio outputs
of aerial camera systems.
The Model 44D’s tone generator mode enables the unit
to create 18 kHz and 20 kHz analog and digital sine-wave
audio signals. The 18 kHz tone is provided as a resource
when supporting remote-production (REMI) applications
that use the Studio Technologies’ Model 5422 Dante
Intercom Audio Engine. The tone can be used by a matrix
intercom system to facilitate creation of voice-with-tone
interruptible foldback (IFB) signals. When routed to the
Model 5422’s interrupt inputs these specialized IFB signals
will allow excellent talent cueing performance to occur.
The 20 kHz tone is provided for use in applications where
generation of a party-line call signal is desired. For example,
the 20 kHz tone can be connected to a matrix intercom
system which would be configured such that a button press
will cause 20 kHz to be sent out an intercom channel. This
can serve as a “trigger” signal for visual or audible alert
-
ing devices, such as the Studio Technologies’ Model 391
Dante Alerting Unit.
Line Inputs
The Model 44D provides two analog line-level input chan-
nels. A configuration choice allows the nominal level of
the input signals to be +4 or 0 dBu. When configured for
+4 dBu the unit will be compatible with SMPTE applica
-
tions where the nominal digital signal level is –20 dBFS. In
the 0 dBu configuration the line inputs are optimized for
EBU applications where the nominal digital signal level is
–18 dBFS.
The electronically balanced (differential) input circuits
are capacitor-coupled and ESD (static) protected for reli
-
able operation in a variety of applications. They are also
protected from damage should a moderate DC voltage be
accidentally connected. Sources can include analog I/O
cards on matrix intercom systems, audio consoles, wireless
microphone receivers, and broadcast routers.
Line Outputs
The Model 44D provides two analog line-level output chan-
nels. As with the line inputs, a configuration choice allows
the nominal level of the output signals to be +4 or 0 dBu.
This allows compatibility in applications where SMPTE (+4
dBu = –20 dBFS) or EBU (0 dBu = –18 dBFS) standards
may apply. The outputs are electronically balanced, capaci
-
tor-coupled and ESD (static) protected. The outputs are
compatible with virtually all balanced and unbalanced inputs
with an impedance of 2 k ohms or greater.