Studio Technologies Model 545DC Dante to 2-Channel Party Line Intercom Interface

The Studio Technologies Model 545DC Intercom Interface allows two single-channel analog party-line (PL) intercom circuits and associated user devices to be incorporated into Dante audio-over-Ethernet applications. Single-channel analog party-line (PL) intercom systems are commonly used in theater, entertainment, and education applications where a simple, reliable, low-cost, and easy-to-use solution is desired.

Dante has become a major method of interconnecting audio signals and various devices using standard Ethernet networks. The Model 545DC directly supports both analog party-line (PL) and Dante, providing excellent performance in both domains. Single-channel analog partyline (PL) products from Clear-Com are directly compatible with the Model 545DC. The Dante audio-over-Ethernet media networking technology is used to transport the send and receive audio channels associated with the two single-channel party-line (PL) circuits. The Model 545DC's two hybrid circuits with automatic nulling action provide good separation of send and receive audio with high return loss and excellent audio quality. (These hybrid circuits are sometimes referred to as 2-wire to 4-wire converters.) The Model 545DC's digital audio signals are compatible with all equipment that utilizes Dante technology.

An Ethernet connection is all that's required to make the Model 545DC part of a sophisticated, networked audio system.

Key Features

• Dante audio-over-Ethernet technology
• Integrated party-line intercom power sources
• Analog hybrids with auto null capability
• Input and output level metering
• Excellent audio quality
• PoE and 12 VDC powering
• Standard connectors
• Table-top, portable, or optional rack-mount use

Technical Specifications

Power Sources
Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)
Class 3 (mid power) per IEEEr 802.3af
External
10 to 18 volts DC, 1.0 A max at 12 volts DC
Network Audio Technology
Type
Dante audio-over-Ethernet
AES67-2018 Support
Yes, selectable on/off
Dante Domain Manager (DDM) Support
Yes
Bit Depth
Up to 24
Sample Rate
48 kHz
Dante Transmitter (Output) Channels
2
Dante Receiver (Input) Channels
2
Dante Audio Flows
4; 2 transmitter, 2 receiver
Analog to Digital Equivalence
a -10 dBu analog signal on a party-line interface channel results in a Dante digital output level of -20 dBFS and vice-versa
Network Interface
Type
100BASE-TX, Fast Ethernet per IEEE 802.3u (10BASE-T and 1000BASE-T (GigE) not supported)
Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)
Per IEEE 802.3af
Data Rate
100 Mb/s (10 Mb/s and 1000 Mb/s not supported)
General Audio
Frequency Response (PL to Dante)
-0.3 dB @ 100 Hz (-4.8 dB @ 20 Hz), -2 dB @ 8 kHz (-2.6 dB @ 10 kHz)
Frequency Response (Dante to PL)
-3.3 dB @ 100 Hz (-19 dB @ 20 Hz), -3.9 dB @ 8 kHz (-5.8 dB @ 10 kHz)
Distortion (THD+N)
<0.15%, measured at 1 kHz, Dante input to PL interface pin 2 (0.01% pin 3)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
>65 dB, A-weighted, measured at 1 kHz, Dante input to PL interface pin 2 (73 dB, PL interface pin 3)
Party-Line (PL) Intercom Interfaces: 2
Type
Single-channel analog PL (XLR pin 1 common; XLR pin 2 DC; XLR pin 3 unbalanced audio)
Compatibility
Single-channel PL intercom systems such as those offered by Clear-Comr
Power Source, XLR Pin 2
28 volts DC, 150 mA maximum
Impedance, XLR Pin 3 - Local PL Power Not Enabled
>10 k ohms
Impedance, XLR Pin 3 - Local PL Power Enabled
200 ohms
Analog Audio Level, XLR Pin 3
-14 dBu, nominal, +7 dBu maximum
Call Light Signal Support, XLR Pin 3
DC voltage on pin 3; detects at >= 5 5 volts DC nominal; generates at 16 volts DC nominal
Mic Kill Signal Support, XLR Pin 2 - Local Power Enabled
Momentary break in DC voltage
Party-Line (PL) Hybrids: 2
Topology
3-section analog circuitry compensates for resistive, inductive, and capacitive loads
Nulling Method
Automatic upon user initiation, processor implements digital control of analog circuitry; settings stored in non-volatile memory
Nulling Line Impedance Range
120 to 350 ohms
Nulling Cable Length Range
0 to 3500 feet
Trans-Hybrid Loss
>55 dB, typical at 800 Hz
Meters: 4
Function
Displays level of audio input and output channels
Type
5-segment LED, modified VU ballistics
Connectors
Party-Line (PL) Intercom
Two, 3-pin male XLR
Ethernet
Neutrik etherCON RJ45 jack
External DC
4-pin male XLR
USB
Type A receptacle (used only for updating application firmware)
Configuration
Requires Studio Technologies' STcontroller software application
Software Updating
USB flash drive used for updating application firmware; Dante Updater application used for updating Dante interface firmware
Environmental
Operating Temperature
32 to 122 degrees F
Storage Temperature
-40 to 158 degrees F
Humidity
0 to 95%, non-condensing
Altitude
Not characterized
Dimensions/Weight
8.70 inches wide
1.72 inches high
8.30 inches deep
Weight
1.7 pounds; rack-mounting installation kits add approximately 0.2 pounds