Model 5202 Dante® to Phones and Line Output Interface

Applications

The Model 5202 is perfect for use in conjunction with the Dante Controller software application. Driving a pair of headphones or set of amplified speakers, audio flows and associated channels can be quickly confirmed for content as well as signal level. For field applications the unit can serve as both a test tool and a general-purpose source of analog audio outputs. With level controls associated with both the headphone and line outputs interfacing with virtually any analog audio input is a simple matter. For permanent applications there's no reason why a Model 5202 can't reside within an equipment rack or be mounted, using optional brackets, underneath a table or on-air studio set. The low-power circuitry is intended for continuous operation.

Headphone Output

A sonically-excellent 2-channel (stereo) headphone output is provided. It is capable of driving contemporary headphones, headsets, and earbuds to substantial levels at very low distortion. A rotary control is used to adjust the headphone output level. The level knob is a push-in/push-out type which helps prevent inadvertent adjustment. For flexibility the headphone output is provided on two separate 3-conductor jacks: a 3.5 mm on the front panel and a ¼-inch on the back. The audio quality of the headphone output is such that it can also be used as a 2-channel unbalanced line output. The output level control will make it a simple task to optimally interface the headphone output with inputs on personal computers, portable audio devices, and "semi-pro" equipment.

Line Outputs

The Model 5202 provides a 2-channel line-level, electronically-balanced analog audio output by way of standard 3-pin male XLR connectors located on the back panel. A rotary level control allows the nominal (average) level of the line outputs to be adjusted. Using the push-in/push-out knob it's a simple matter to achieve the desired nominal output levels which include –10, 0, or +4 dBu. And with a maximum output level of +24 dBu there will always be sufficient headroom for "pro" audio performance. Protection components in the output circuitry help ensure reliability in field applications.

The line outputs c.an serve a number of monitoring and interfacing uses. Audio amplifiers or amplified speakers can be directly connected. The level control can be used to adjust the speaker volume or used as a level trim function to match the speaker's input sensitivity. The line outputs can also serve as a source for interfacing with analog inputs on audio consoles, wireless in-ear or IFB monitor systems, as well as audio recording devices. The level control will help to ensure that the nominal level of the line outputs will match the requirements of the connected equipment.

Metering

Two 7-step LED meters provide a real-time level indication of the two Dante-supplied audio channels. Scaled in dBFS (decibels referenced to full scale digital) the meters offer a direct view of the signal levels as they arrive in the digital domain. 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 5202 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 5202'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 5202's PoE interface reports to the power sourcing equipment (PSE) that it's a class 1 (very low power) device. An LED is provided to indicate when power is being supplied to the Model 5202. 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.

Dante Audio-over-Ethernet

Audio data is sent to the Model 5202 using the Dante audio-over-Ethernet media networking technology. As a Dante-compliant device, two audio channels can be assigned to the unit using the Dante Controller software application. A single mouse-click is all that's required to route an audio signal to the Model 5202. Bit depths of up to 24 and sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz are supported. Two bi-color LEDs provide an indication of the Dante connection status. The Model 5202 uses Audinate's Ultimo^™ integrated circuit for implementing Dante. The integrated circuit's firmware can be updated via the Ethernet connection, helping to ensure that its capabilities remain up to date