Datasheet

By each user receiving a mix-minus signal precise control of
each user’s sidetone audio level and overall audio quality can
be maintained. The Auto Mix function can be enabled for use
with the Party-Line mode and will offer Model 5422A users with
a level of audio performance that is unique among intercom
applications.
Summing Bus
When a group is configured for summing bus operation audio
sources assigned to the group’s input channels are mixed
(summed or combined). The resulting mix is routed to all the
output channels associated with that group. While essentially
providing a “unity gain” mixer function, using the Model 5422A’s
web menu pages allows the level of each input and output
channel can be adjusted over a ±20 dB range. The summing
bus mode can be useful for general-purpose audio mixing ap-
plications where multiple Dante channels need to be combined.
The Auto Mix function can also be enabled for use with the
summing bus mode. This will allow a Model 5422A to be use-
ful in applications well beyond broadcast intercom. This may
prove especially useful in audio applications that need require
combining many voice sources. Press conferences, sports
interview configurations, and government meeting situations
may all benefit from this capability.
IFB
The IFB mode is specifically included for productions that uti-
lize the Remote Integration (REMI) or At-Home model where
production personnel are located physically apart from on-air
talent. “Interruptible foldback” (IFB) talent cue signals, each
typically created from a program audio source and a voice-
only interrupt source, are critical for supporting the needs of
on-air personnel. Creating these in a REMI environment can
be challenging. However, by utilizing the Model 5422A’s IFB
capability this can become a simple matter. Each IFB function
uses two Dante input channels (program audio and interrupt
audio) and two Dante output channels (program with interrupt
and program-only). Configuration choices allow the presence
of interrupt audio to be recognized by voice-detect (VOX) or
tone-detect (TOX) algorithms. Each will allow creation of ex
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cellent talent cueing “feeds.” However, TOX provides a unique
operating scenario where an 18 kHz (nominal) tone, combined
with interrupt audio, can reliably activate and deactivate an IFB
function. In this way an IFB-active signal provided by way of a
proprietary data link isn’t required for fully “pro” IFB signals to
be created. During interrupt activity the program audio can be
attenuated (or fully muted) following a configurable parameter.
A Model 5422A can have as few as two independent IFB func
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tions by selecting a 4-channel group. Selecting a 32-channel
group can provide 16 independent IFB functions. As such, using
a Model 5422A-02 allows the creation of up to 32 independent
IFB functions.
Audio Switching
When a group is configured for Audio Switching operation
where an audio input source is routed will be controlled by way
of a high-frequency tone. The control tone is connected to a
separate Dante input, allowing full isolation between the input
audio source and the control tone signal. An audio source is
connected to a Dante receiver (input) channel and then routed
to a designated Dante transmitter (output) channel when
a control signal is not present. This is the “normally active”
input-to-output path. When the Audio Switching function’s
tone-detect (TOX) resource recognizes the presence of a
high-frequency control tone the audio input source is muted
on the normally-active output and routed to the normally-inac
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tive output. When the high-frequency control tone is no longer
present the switching action is reversed.
The Audio Switching function that could be described as logi
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cally implementing a “form-C” relay or SPDT switch contact
action. (Although the audio signal will only flow from the one
input to the two outputs.) The switching action is always per
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formed with no clicks, “pops,” or other audio artifacts added;
full audio fidelity is preserved. The Audio Switching function
can be useful for a wide range of applications. A single channel
of audio can be controlled for broadcast applications with the
audio source and control tone originating at separate locations.
Devices such as the Studio Technologies’ Model 348 Intercom
Station can generate compatible audio control tones. Multiple
Audio Switching functions can be easily configured to allow sup
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port for multi-channel applications. For example, a single control
tone could be used to control audio signals passing through to
a 16-, 24-, or 32-channel loudspeaker playback system.
Pass-Thru
Each group can be independently selected to run in a special
mode called Pass-Thru. This implements an audio function
that routes each Dante input (receiver) channel directly to an
associated Dante output (transmitter) channel. This simple
but sophisticated function will allow any Dante signal to uti
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lize the Model 5422A’s capability to support up to 32 Dante
flows. This can be useful as a “flow expander” when used in
an application that includes Dante-compatible products that
utilize Audinate’s Ultimo™ integrated circuit. (Many products
Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 5422A Dante Intercom Audio Engine, Issue 1, Page 3