Studio Technologies 5204 Data Sheet

Model 5204 Interface

Dual Line Input to Dante

Key Features

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Dante™ Audio-over-Ethernet technology

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Two line-level inputs to Dante outputs

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Audio channel level metering

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Excellent audio quality

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PoE powered

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USB dedicated charging port with auto-mode selection

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Standard connectors; compact, lightweight design

Introduction

The Model 5204 Interface is a general-purpose audio device

that supports applications utilizing the Dante™ Audio-over-

Ethernet 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 inter

facing of signals from a variety of sources such as personal

audio and multimedia players, smartphones, and personal

computers. These signals typically have an average (nomi-

nal) 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

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inputs A and B are summed to create output channel 1; chan-

nel 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 confirma-

tion 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 govern

ment 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

powering 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 situa-

tions 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.

Applications

The Model 5204 is perfect for use in conjunction with a variety

of fixed and portable audio equipment that offer analog out

put 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,

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Model 5204 Front and Back Views

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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 optimize the conversion of the in

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put 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 pro-

fessional 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 ad

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justed. 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. Protec

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tion 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 trans

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mitted 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.

Ethernet Data and PoE

The Model 5204 connects to a data network using a stan-

dard 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 manage

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ment, 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.

Dedicated Charging Port (DCP)

A unique resource is the Model 5204’s dedicated charging

port. Using a standard USB type A receptacle, the port has a

5 volt output with a maximum current of approximately 1 amp.

This nominally 5 watt output should be sufficient to rapidly

charge a personal audio player, smartphone, or tablet device.

An auto-detect feature supports divider mode, short mode,

and 1.2 V/1.2 V charging modes. Besides charging, the port

can allow a connected device to continuously send audio to

the associated Dante network without requiring an external

power source. Note that in this situation interfacing a device

with the Model 5204 requires separate cables, one for the

analog audio source and one for powering/charging.

Studio Technologies, Inc.

Model 5204 Interface, Issue 1, Page 2