Datasheet

Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 5418 Mic/Line Interface, Issue 1, Page 2
rack. Industry-standard connectors are used for the audio
input, audio output, Ethernet, DC power, and AC mains
interconnections.
Dante audio-over-Ethernet has found wide acceptance as
an audio “backbone” due to its ease of use, interoperability,
excellent audio quality, and wide adoption by a large number
of equipment manufacturers. The Model 5418 can serve as an
“edge” device for Dante network implementations, providing
high-performance input, output, and monitor resources in a
compact, cost-effective package. The unit can also serve as
a general-purpose “tool” to help extend Dante capabilities to
facilities and applications that were initially implemented to
support signals in the analog domain.
Dante Audio-over-Ethernet
Digital audio data associated with the Model 5418 is inter-
faced with a local area network (LAN) using Dante audio-
over-Ethernet media networking technology. Status LEDs
provide a real-time indication of Dante and LAN performance.
A major benefit of using Dante is its ability to use any stan
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dard Ethernet network implementation, including switches, to
directly transport professional audio signals. The Model 5418
supports digital audio signals with a sampling rate of 44.1, 48,
and 96 kHz and a bit depth of up to 24. These sampling rates
were selected for optimal support of broadcast, production,
industrial, and commercial applications.
The signals associated with the eight mic/line input channels
are converted to digital and then routed to transmitter (output)
channels on the Dante interface. Eight transmitter (output)
channels from one or more associated Dante-enabled devices
can be assigned to the Model 5418’s receiver (input) channels
using the Dante Controller software application. These input
signals are converted into analog and then, depending on the
unit’s configuration, sent to the analog output circuitry.
Network Ports
Using the Dante Controller software application, the Model
5418’s two Dante Ethernet ports can be selected to operate
in either the switched or redundant modes. In the switched
mode a single Ethernet connection is used for interconnection
with other Dante-compliant devices. The second Model 5418
Dante Ethernet port can be used to interface with another
piece of network equipment. In the redundant mode inde
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pendent Ethernet connections would be made to the unit’s
two Ethernet ports implementing Dante’s redundant network
capability.
The Model 5418’s third Ethernet port will always be used to ac
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cess the management web pages. This port can be connected
to an independent network that some facilities implement for
equipment monitoring and management purposes. The unit’s
maintenance port can also be connected to the network that
is being used for Dante. It would have a unique IP address
and would not interact with the Dante audio data.
Applications
The Model 5418 is a general-purpose mic/line input, analog
output, and monitoring device intended for a variety of audio
and audio-for-picture applications that utilize Dante. It’s suit
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able for use in demanding on-air broadcast and live-event
applications that require both excellent audio performance
and reliable operation. The rack-mounted unit is appropriate
for installation in fixed locations, serving the needs of systems
associated with stadium, worship, education, commercial, and
government facilities. Its lightweight enclosure also makes it
suitable for mobile and field uses.
The Model 5418 features an optimized set of controls and
indicators that makes it simple and intuitive to use. With the
unit’s headphone and level monitoring resources it’s easy for
operators to obtain optimal performance. And by providing
standard connectors for all inputs and outputs, along with
AC mains and DC powering, setup can be completed in just
a few minutes.
Mic/Line Inputs
The Model 5418 provides eight analog inputs that are com-
patible with microphone and line-level signals. The mic/line
input circuitry allows the level of the connected sources to be
boosted as required, converted to digital, and then output to
an Ethernet network by way of Dante. Each mic/line input can
be individually configured to meet the requirements posed by a