Datasheet

Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 48D Dante Bridge, Issue 1, Page 2
Dante Audio-over-Ethernet
Audio data is sent to and received from the Model 48D
using the Dante audio-over-Ethernet media networking
technology. Two separate network interfaces allow com-
pletely independent configurations. Audio signals with a
sample rate of 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz and a bit depth of
up to 24 are supported. Up to four audio channels in each
direction can pass (be “bridged”) between the Model 48D’s
two network interfaces. (Four channels at 48 kHz sample
rate and two channels at a sample rate of 96 kHz.)
Sample rate converter (SRC) integrated circuits ensure
that audio that enters on one network interface exits the
corresponding network interface with correctly-aligned
digital audio information. Each interface has four Dante
input (receiver) and output (transmitter) channels. They
are associated on a one-to-one basis with the channels
both interfaces. For example, input 1 on Network A is as-
sociated with output 1 on Network B. Routing (subscribing)
of the Dante input and output channels to other devices
can be performed using the Dante Controller software
applications.
Applications
The Model 48D’s primary application is to interconnect
audio channels associated with two independent networks
that are supporting Dante-compliant equipment. Up to
four channels of audio in each direction can be “bridged”
between each network. Each Dante network can have its
own master clock, bit depth, and sample rate. Circuitry
within the Model 48D ensures that the audio signals can
pass between the networks with minimal degradation to
performance. The Model 48D’s two network ports are fully
metallically isolated and share very little network data. This
helps to ensure that the risk of security issues is minimized.
Only uncompressed PCM digital audio signals pass, by
way of sample-rate-converter (SRC) integrated circuits,
between the two network interfaces.
The most basic application for the Model 48D is to allow up
to four audio channels on two independent Dante networks
to be interconnected — there’s really no simpler means
of interconnecting Dante audio channels from between
two separate networks. With standard connectors and
PoE power, setup can be completed in just a few minutes.
This makes Model 48D units effective in both fixed and
portable applications. Ideal uses would include stadiums,
concert venues, media production studios, and education
facilities where “guests” frequently need to interconnect
their Dante equipment with “house” resources. One of the
Model 48D’s network connections can be secured while the
other remains “open” for guest use.
As the number of mobile broadcast facilities that utilize
Dante-compliant equipment increases so does the need to
interconnect them with a venue’s resources. But maintain
-
ing isolation between the two networks can be important
for reasons of both signal-integrity and security. In just
minutes the Model 48D can allow audio signals in both
directions to be traversing the two networks.
The Model 48D can also find use within a single Dante
network. The unit’s ability to link Dante audio channels
that have different clocking, bit depth, and sample rate
characteristics can be valuable. For example, one piece
of equipment may only support a sample rate of 96 kHz,
while the other devices connected to the network only sup
-
port 48 kHz. In this situation the Model 48D would allow
two channels in each direction to interconnect, while still
maintaining the required 96 kHz and 48 kHz sample rates.
In this application it’s interesting to note that both of the
Model 48D’s Ethernet ports would be connected to the
same local-area-network (LAN).
The Model 48D supports a maximum of four audio chan
-
nels in each direction which can seem to be a significant
limitation. But this small channel count should prove very
adequate for many applications. For example, live-event
venues may only need to interchange a few audio channels
with OTA (over-the-air) or web streaming mobile broadcast
facilities. The venue might send one or two channels of
scoreboard, replay, or stadium announcer audio. While the
mobile facility may only need to return program or “on-air”
feeds to the “house” audio console.