Applications
The Model 5204 is perfect for use in conjunction with a variety of fixed and portable audio equipment that offer analog output signals. An obvious application is with legacy equipment that only offers analog outputs. A few simple connections are all that's required to covert those signals into the world of Audio-over-Ethernet. When deploying, maintaining, or modifying Dante networks the unit can be a useful test tool, offering a simple, high-quality means of creating a 2-channel signal source. For permanent applications there's no reason why a Model 5204 can't reside within an equipment rack or be mounted, using optional brackets, underneath a table or on-air studio set. In a conference room setting the unit can be permanently connected to a PoE-enabled Ethernet port, ready to accept a signal source from various user-provided devices.
Line Input A
Using a 3-conductor ("stereo") 3.5 mm jack, it's a simple matter to connect unbalanced sources to the Model 5204's line input A. These signals would typically be provided by personal computers, smartphones, or personal audio devices which have average (nominal) levels in the range of –20 to –10 dBu. One rotary control is used to adjust the input level, making it a simple task to optimise the conversion of the input analog audio source to the Dante output. The level knob is a push-in/push-out type which helps prevent inadvertent adjustment.
Line Input B
The Model 5204's line input B is designed for use with professional line-level analog audio signals. The 2-channel input is electronically balanced, capacitor-coupled, and uses two standard 3-pin female XLR connectors. A single rotary level control allows the input sensitivity of both channels to be adjusted. Using the push-in/push-out knob it's a simple matter to adjust the input circuitry to match average (nominal) signal levels which would typically be in the range of 0 to 4 dBu. And with a maximum input level of 24 dBu there will always be sufficient headroom for "pro" audio performance. Protection components in the input circuitry help ensure reliability in tough field applications.
Summing (Mixing) of the Input Signals
The two channels associated with line input A and the two channels associated with line input B are mixed (summed), sent to analog-to-digital conversion circuitry, and then transmitted over the Dante network. The two signals associated with the channel 1 (or "left") inputs are combined and sent out Dante channel 1. The two signals associated with the channel 2 (or "right") inputs are combined and sent out Dante channel 2. (There is no provision for creating a monaural signal which is typically not an issue as other connected Dante-enabled equipment can usually perform such tasks.)
Metering
Two 7-step LED metres provide a real-time level indication of the two audio output channels. Scaled in dBFS (decibels referenced to full scale digital) the metres offer a direct view of the signal levels as they are transported in the digital domain via Dante. Optimal audio performance requires transporting signals at their proper levels — without an accurate indication this can be difficult to achieve.
Ethernet Data and PoE
The Model 5204 connects to a data network using a standard 100 Mb/s twisted-pair Ethernet interface. The physical interconnection is made by way of a Neutrik® etherCON RJ45 connector. While compatible with standard RJ45 plugs, etherCON allows a ruggedized and locking interconnection for harsh or high-reliability environments. An LED displays the status of the network connection.
The Model 5204's operating power is provided by way of the Ethernet interface using the Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) standard. This allows fast and efficient interconnection with the associated data network. To support PoE power management, the Model 5204's PoE interface reports to the power sourcing equipment (PSE) that it's a class 3 (mid power) device. An LED is provided to indicate when power is being supplied to the Model 5204. Note that no provision has been made to allow an external power source to be connected. However, if the associated Ethernet switch does not provide PoE capability a commonly-available mid-span PoE power injector can be utilized.
For further information please view the attached Datasheet.