Studio Technologies Model 545DR Dante Intercom Interface

Studio Technologies Model 545DR Dante Intercom Interface

The Studio Technologies Model 545DR Dante Intercom Interface connects a 2-channel analog party-line intercom circuit with Dante audio-over-Ethernet networks. It transports two send and two receive audio channels while supporting integrated party-line power, automatic hybrid nulling, call-light signaling, mic-kill signaling, and professional networked intercom applications.

Designed for broadcast, production, theater, and installed communication systems, the Model 545DR can bridge traditional RTS-compatible 2-channel party-line equipment into a Dante infrastructure. It can supply 29 VDC party-line power and termination, allowing compatible beltpacks to connect without a separate intercom power supply. Two digitally controlled analog hybrids automatically compensate for resistive, inductive, and capacitive line characteristics, including cable runs up to 3,500 feet.

Dante networking operates at 48 kHz with up to 24-bit audio and includes AES67-2018 and Dante Domain Manager support. Four front-panel LED meters provide immediate input and output level indication, while Studio Technologies STcontroller software handles configuration and status functions. The compact tabletop enclosure operates from IEEE 802.3af PoE or an external DC supply and can be installed in a rack or panel using separately available mounting hardware.

Key Features

• Dante Intercom Integration: Bridges a 2-channel analog party-line intercom circuit with two Dante transmit and two Dante receive channels.
• Integrated PL Power: Supplies up to 29 VDC at 240 mA for compatible party-line devices, reducing the need for a separate intercom power supply.
• Automatic Hybrid Nulling: Two analog hybrids automatically compensate for line impedance and cable characteristics to improve send-to-receive isolation.
• RTS-Compatible Interface: Supports 2-channel party-line systems using a common connection plus separate channel audio paths on a 3-pin XLR.
• Call and Mic-Kill Support: Handles 20 kHz call-light signaling and 24 kHz mic-kill signaling for compatible intercom equipment.
• PoE or DC Power: Operates from IEEE 802.3af Class 3 Power over Ethernet or an external 10 to 18 VDC source.
• Professional Dante Support: Provides AES67-2018 compatibility, Dante Domain Manager support, 48 kHz operation, and audio resolution up to 24 bits.
• Flexible Installation: Works as a tabletop unit or with optional mounting kits for panel, surface, or 1U rack installations.

Technical Specifications

Network Audio

• Network Audio Technology: Dante audio-over-Ethernet
• AES67 Support: AES67-2018, selectable on or off
• Dante Domain Manager Support: Yes
• Bit Depth: Up to 24-bit
• Sample Rate: 48 kHz
• Dante Transmitter Channels: 2
• Dante Receiver Channels: 2
• Dante Audio Flows: 4 total; 2 transmitter and 2 receiver
• Analog-to-Digital Equivalence: -10 dBu analog on a party-line channel corresponds to -20 dBFS Dante digital level and vice versa

Network Interface

• Ethernet: 100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet per IEEE 802.3u
• Data Rate: 100 Mb/s
• Unsupported Ethernet Rates: 10 Mb/s and 1000 Mb/s
• Power over Ethernet: IEEE 802.3af
• PoE Classification: Class 3

Party-Line Intercom Interface

• Interface Type: 2-channel analog party-line, unbalanced
• Wiring: XLR pin 1 common; pin 2 DC with channel 1 audio; pin 3 channel 2 audio
• Compatibility: 2-channel party-line intercom systems such as RTS systems
• Local Party-Line Power: 29 VDC, 240 mA maximum on XLR pin 2
• Impedance with Local PL Power Disabled: Greater than 10 kOhms
• Impedance with Local PL Power Enabled: 200 Ohms
• Analog Audio Level: -10 dBu nominal
• Maximum Analog Level, XLR Pin 2: +3 dBu
• Maximum Analog Level, XLR Pin 3: +7 dBu
• Call-Light Signal Support: 20 kHz ±800 Hz
• Mic-Kill Signal Support: 24 kHz ±1%

Party-Line Hybrids

• Hybrids: 2
• Topology: 3-section analog circuitry compensating for resistive, inductive, and capacitive loads
• Nulling Method: User-initiated automatic nulling with processor-controlled analog circuitry
• Nulling Memory: Settings stored in nonvolatile memory
• Nulling Line Impedance Range: 120 to 350 Ohms
• Nulling Cable Length Range: 0 to 3,500 ft
• Trans-Hybrid Loss, XLR Pin 2: Greater than 50 dB typical at 800 Hz
• Trans-Hybrid Loss, XLR Pin 3: Greater than 55 dB typical at 800 Hz

General Audio Performance

• PL-to-Dante Frequency Response: -0.3 dB at 100 Hz, -4.8 dB at 20 Hz, -2 dB at 8 kHz, -2.6 dB at 10 kHz
• Dante-to-PL Frequency Response: -3.3 dB at 100 Hz, -19 dB at 20 Hz, -3.9 dB at 8 kHz, -5.8 dB at 10 kHz
• THD+N, XLR Pin 2: Less than 0.15% at 1 kHz
• THD+N, XLR Pin 3: 0.01% at 1 kHz
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio, XLR Pin 2: Greater than 65 dB A-weighted
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio, XLR Pin 3: 73 dB A-weighted

Metering

• Meters: 4
• Function: Displays audio input and output channel levels
• Meter Type: 5-segment LED with modified VU ballistics

Connections

• Party-Line Intercom: 3-pin male and female XLR
• Ethernet: Neutrik etherCON RJ45
• External DC: 4-pin male XLR; pin 1 negative and pin 4 positive
• USB: USB Type-A receptacle for application firmware updates

Power

• PoE Power: IEEE 802.3af Class 3
• External Power: 10 to 18 VDC
• External Power Consumption: 1 A maximum at 12 VDC
• Optional Power Supply: Studio Technologies PS-DC-02, 12 VDC at 1.5 A

Configuration and Firmware

• Configuration: Studio Technologies STcontroller software
• Application Firmware Updating: USB flash drive
• Dante Firmware Updating: Dante Updater application

Environmental

• Operating Temperature: 32 to 122°F
• Storage Temperature: -40 to 158°F
• Humidity: 5 to 95%, non-condensing

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions: 8.7 W x 8.3 D x 1.7 H"
• Weight: 1.7 lb
• Deployment: Tabletop or optional panel, surface, and 1U rack mounting