Datasheet

Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 5204 Interface, Issue 1, Page 2
offering a simple, high-quality means of creating a 2-channel
signal source. For permanent applications there’s no reason
why a Model 5204 can’t 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.
Line Input A
Using a 3-conductor (“stereo”) 3.5 mm jack, it’s a simple
matter to connect unbalanced sources to the Model 5204’s
line input A. These signals would typically be provided by
personal computers, smartphones, or personal audio devices
which have average (nominal) levels in the range of –20 to
–10 dBu. One rotary control is used to adjust the input level,
making it a simple task to optimize the conversion of the in
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put analog audio source to the Dante output. The level knob
is a push-in/push-out type which helps prevent inadvertent
adjustment.
Line Input B
The Model 5204’s line input B is designed for use with pro-
fessional line-level analog audio signals. The 2-channel input
is electronically balanced, capacitor-coupled, and uses two
standard 3-pin female XLR connectors. A single rotary level
control allows the input sensitivity of both channels to be ad
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justed. 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. Protec
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tion components in the input circuitry help ensure reliability
in tough field applications.
Summing (Mixing) of the Input Signals
The two channels associated with line input A and the two
channels associated with line input B are mixed (summed),
sent to analog-to-digital conversion circuitry, and then trans
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mitted over the Dante network. The two signals associated
with the channel 1 (or “left”) inputs are combined and sent out
Dante channel 1. The two signals associated with the channel
2 (or “right”) inputs are combined and sent out Dante channel
2. (There is no provision for creating a monaural signal which
is typically not an issue as other connected Dante-enabled
equipment can usually perform such tasks.)
Metering
Two 7-step LED meters provide a real-time level indication
of the two audio output channels. Scaled in dBFS (decibels
referenced to full scale digital) the meters offer a direct view of
the signal levels as they are transported in the digital domain
via Dante. Optimal audio performance requires transporting
signals at their proper levels — without an accurate indication
this can be difficult to achieve.
Ethernet Data and PoE
The Model 5204 connects to a data network using a stan-
dard 100 Mb/s twisted-pair Ethernet interface. The physical
interconnection is made by way of a Neutrik® etherCON
RJ45 connector. While compatible with standard RJ45 plugs,
etherCON allows a ruggedized and locking interconnection
for harsh or high-reliability environments. 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 Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)
standard. This allows fast and efficient interconnection with
the associated data network. To support PoE power manage
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ment, the Model 5204’s PoE interface reports to the power
sourcing equipment (PSE) that it’s a class 3 (mid power)
device. An LED is provided to indicate when power is being
supplied to the Model 5204. Note that no provision has been
made to allow an external power source to be connected.
However, if the associated Ethernet switch does not provide
PoE capability a commonly-available mid-span PoE power
injector can be utilized.
Dedicated Charging Port (DCP)
A unique resource is the Model 5204’s dedicated charging
port. Using a standard USB type A receptacle, the port has a
5 volt output with a maximum current of approximately 1 amp.
This nominally 5 watt output should be sufficient to rapidly
charge a personal audio player, smartphone, or tablet device.
An auto-detect feature supports divider mode, short mode,
and 1.2 V/1.2 V 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. Note that in this situation interfacing a device
with the Model 5204 requires separate cables, one for the
analog audio source and one for powering/charging.