Studio Technologies 5204 User Manual
Model 5204
Dual Line Input to Dante™ Interface
User Guide
Issue 1, August 2014
This User Guide is applicable for serial numbers
M5204-00151 and later
Copyright © 2014 by Studio Technologies, Inc., all rights reserved
www.studio-tech.com
50278-0814, Issue 1
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................... 3
Connections .................................................................. 6
Dante Configuration ...................................................... 7
Operation ...................................................................... 7
Technical Notes ............................................................ 10
Specifications ............................................................... 11
Dual Line Input to Dante Interface
Model 5204
Introduction
The Model 5204 Interface is a generalpurpose audio device that supports applications utilizing the Dante™ Audio-overEthernet media networking technology. Two
2-channel (“stereo”) analog line-level audio
signals can be connected to the Model
5204 and then converted to two channels
on an associated Dante connection.
Analog audio signals connect to line input
A by way of a 3-conductor (“stereo”) 3.5
mm jack. This allows the direct interfacing
of signals from a variety of sources such
as personal audio and multimedia players,
smartphones, and personal computers.
These signals typically have an average
(nominal) signal level in the range of –20 to
–10 dBu. Line input B supports connection
of balanced analog audio signals using two
XLR connectors. Average signal levels for
these types of signals are typically in the
range of 0 to +4 dBu. Each input has an
associated dual-channel rotary level control
to optimize its audio performance. Following the level “pots” the signals from inputs
A and B are summed (combined or mixed
together) to create one 2-channel signal.
(The channel 1 signals of line inputs A and
B are summed to create output channel
1; channel 2 signals of line inputs A and B
are summed to create output channel 2.)
The two channels are then output by way of
the Dante interface. Multi-step LED meters
provide confirmation of the level of the two
output audio channels.
The audio quality of the Model 5204 is
excellent, with low distortion and noise and
high headroom. Careful circuit design and
excellent components ensure long, reliable
operation. A wide range of applications
can be supported, including TV, radio, and
streaming broadcast events, corporate and
government AV installations, and Dante
system testing.
For user convenience a dedicated charging port (DCP) is provided on a standard
USB type A connector. This allows power
ing and charging of associated devices,
such as personal audio players and tablets.
The compact, lightweight design allows the
Model 5204 to be used in portable or desktop situations or deployed as a permanent
solution in fixed applications. Standard connectors ensure fast, reliable deployment.
The unit requires only an Ethernet connection to supply both the data interface as
well as Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) power.
The Model 5204’s audio, data, and dedicated charging port use power provided by
the PoE connection.
Figure 1. Model 5204 Dual Line Input to Dante Interface front and rear views
Model 5204 User Guide Issue 1, August 2014
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 3
Dual Line Input to Dante Interface
Model 5204
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 Audioover-Ethernet. When deploying, maintaining,
or modifying Dante networks the unit can
be a useful test tool, offering a simple, highquality 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 userprovided 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
optimize 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 meters provide a real-time
level indication of the two audio output
channels. Scaled in dBFS (decibels referenced to full scale digital) the meters 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.
Issue 1, August 2014 Model 5204 User Guide
Page 4 Studio Technologies, Inc.
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