Datasheet

Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 5418 Mic/Line Interface, Issue 1, Page 4
The Model 5418’s analog outputs have a maximum level of
+24 dBu. This allows both compatibility and sufficient head
-
room in SMPTE®-compliant applications where digital audio
signals with a nominal level of –20 dBFS need to translate
into analog signals that have a nominal level of +4 dBu. For
flexibility a configuration menu choice allows the level of each
analog output channel to be individually adjusted (“trimmed”)
over a range of ±20 dB in 1-dB steps.
The analog outputs are electronically balanced, capacitor-cou
-
pled, and ESD (static) protected. High-quality components,
including the important digital-to-analog converters, are used
to provide low-distortion, low-noise, and sonically-excellent
performance. Robust circuitry provides protection from dam
-
age should a moderate DC voltage be accidentally connected,
something especially useful in broadcast applications. The
analog outputs are compatible with virtually all balanced and
unbalanced loads with an impedance of 2 k ohms or greater.
Input and Output Monitoring
A flexible yet easy-to-use monitor section offers users the abil-
ity to listen to and visually observe the level of the audio sig
-
nals that are associated with the eight mic/line input channels
and the eight analog output channels. A mode configuration
choice allows monitoring of either a single audio channel or a
pair of audio channels. This can be valuable when monitoring
monaural or stereo (dual-channel) signals. Using a ¼-inch
3-conductor jack, located on the front panel, a 2-channel out
-
put supports the connection of a pair of stereo headphones.
A rotary control allows the level of the headphone output to
be adjusted.
For application flexibility a 2-channel line-level analog moni
-
tor output can also be created. The analog outputs selected
for this function would be connected to inputs on amplified
loudspeakers or a power amplifier associated with monitor
loudspeakers. In this way the audio signals that are selected
for the headphone output will also be used by the designated
analog output channels. A configuration choice allows the
selected audio sources to be either pre (before) or post (after)
the rotary level control.
The front-panel OLED display provides “bar graph” signal
level metering. Depending on how the monitor section is being
used, one, two, or eight channels of level can be simultane
-
ously displayed. The meters are calibrated in dBFS, directly
reflecting the signal level in the Dante output (transmitter)
and input (receiver) digital domain.
Simple Installation
The Model 5418 uses standard connectors to allow fast
and convenient interconnections. 3-conductor female XLR
connectors, a 25-pin female D-subminiature connector, and a
3-conductor ¼-inch jack are used to interface with the mic/line
input, analog output, and headphone output audio signals. The
unit connects to local area networks (LANs) using three RJ45
connectors. Multiple LEDs on the unit’s back panel display the
status of the network connections. A detachable power cord
can be used to connect a source of mains power. Alternately,
a DC power source can be connected using a 4-pin XLR con
-
nector. The lightweight aluminum enclosure mounts in one
space (1U) of a standard 19-inch rack enclosure.
Operating Power
The Model 5418 allows an AC mains source of 100-240 V,
50/60 Hz to be connected by way of a standard detachable
mains power cord. It can also be DC powered using a 10-18
volt source that is connected via a broadcast-standard 4-pin
XLR connector. If both AC and DC power sources are con
-
nected the unit will be powered by the AC mains supply. Only
if the AC mains source fails will a load be placed on the DC
source. This allows a source of DC, such as a battery pack,
to serve in a backup capacity. With this arrangement normal
operation can continue even if AC mains power is lost.
Future Capabilities and Firmware
Updating
The Model 5418 was designed so that its capabilities can
be enhanced in the future. A USB connector, located on the
unit’s back panel, allows the application and FPGA firmware
(embedded software) to be updated using a USB flash drive.
The Model 5418 uses Audinate’s Brooklyn II circuitry to imple
-
ment Dante. The firmware in this module can be updated via
the unit’s Ethernet connections, helping to ensure that the
Dante capabilities remain up to date. All software files and
configuration parameters are stored in non-volatile memory.