ESi Planet 22c User Guide
- June 10, 2024
- ESi
Table of Contents
Planet 22c
User Guide
ESI – Copyright © 2022
Revision 2, March 2022
www.esi-audio.com
Introduction
planet 22c is an extremely compact interface box that provides 2 analog input
and 2 analog output channels at pristine reference audio quality in a Dante IP
audio network.
The lightweight and sturdy I/O solution is equipped with ultra high quality
24-bit / 96kHz analogto-digital and digital-to-analog converters. Supporting
balanced line audio signals with home 10dBV) and professional (+4dBu) signal
levels,it works as anideal interface wherever high quality audio is needed
within the Dante network. This makes planet 22c ideal to interface any analog
equipment such as a traditional mixer, studio monitors or PA speakers,
synthesizers or other electronic instruments and much more with the Dante
world. The linear frequency response and excellent audio quality even makes
planet 22c ideal for audio measurement purposes.
One of the best features is that it can be powered not only via the included
12V DC power adapter but also directly from the Ethernet cable as a PoE (Power
over Ethernet) device. This is perfect when using it in a remote location.
It can also be integrated into a modern music studio when using the optional
Dante Virtual Soundcard (DVS) software for PC or Mac which makes it compatible
with any modern DAW.
Hardware
The front and rear panel of the planet 22c hardware has these main features:
- balanced left channel 1/4″ TRS input with two LEDs indicating an active signal and a possible signal peak level.
- balanced right channel 1/4″ TRS input with two LEDs indicating an active signal and a possible signal peak level.
- balanced left channel 1/4″ TRS output with LED indicating an active signal.
- balanced right channel 1/4″ TRS output with LED indicating an active signal.
- RJ45 network connector to connect planet 22c to the Dante network with embedded network status LEDs.
- 12V DC power connector that connects to the included DC power supply. If planet 22c is not powered via the network cable (PoE operation), a power supply must be connected here.
- power LED that shows if planet 22c is operating.
- signal level switch for the output signals that allows you to define if the output level is set to a reverence voltage of -10dBV (common for home and HiFi audio equipment) or +4dBu (common for professional studio equipment).
- signal level switch for the input signals that allows you to define if the input level is set to a reverence voltage of -10dBV (common for home and HiFi audio equipment) or +4dBu (common for professional studio equipment).
Connection / Usage
Before using planet 22c, you need to decide if you use the included 12V DC
power supply or if you can provide power via the network cable (PoE). For PoE
operation either a PoE switch that supplies power via the network cable or a
so-called PoE injector is in between network cables is required.
planet 22c can convert analog audio signals to a digital signal on the Dante
network. A typical usage would be the output of a microphone preamp or an
analog mixing desk or a synthesizer or any other device. Verify the signal
levels your audio device works with, adjust the input signal level switch
accordingly and connect the audio cables. Within the Dante network these
signals then can be routed to any destination, i.e. to a digital mixing
console or the DVS software.
planet 22c can also convert digital signals from the Dante network to analog
audio signals. A typical usage would be to send signals to a pair of studio
monitors or to a power amplifier. Double check the input level of your audio
device and adjust the output signal level switch accordingly when you connect
the audio cables. From the Dante network these signals can be sent from any
source, i.e. from a digital mixing console or a computer using the DVS
software.
Both operations (converting analog to digital and converting digital to
analog) can be performed simultaneously.
Dante Controller software
The Dante Controller software is a free software from Audinate for Mac and PC
that allows you to configure the routing of audio signals between all devices
on the Dante network. It automatically detects any Dante compatible device
and provides options to label channels and change the routing with a few
simple clicks. 
Specifications
Analog Inputs
Analog Inputs
– ADC:| BurrBrown PCM1804DB 24-bit Stereo
– Connector:| 2x 6.3mm / 1/4″ fully balanced TRS
– Maximum Input Level:| +6dBV (-10dBV setting)
+20dBu (+4dBu setting)
– Impedance:| 10 kOhm
– THD+N:| 107dB A-weighted (@-3dBFS, -10dBV setting)
-105dB A-weighted (@-3dBFS, +4dBu setting)
– S/N:| 110dB A-weighted
– Dynamic Range:| 110dB A-weighted
– Frequency Response:| 20Hz to 20kHz +/- 0.1dB
– Crosstalk:| -110dB (20Hz to 20kHz)
– Signal LED:| > -58dBFS shows green,
0dBFS shows red
Analog Outputs
– DAC:| BurrBrown PCM1796DB 24-bit Stereo
– Connector:| 2x 6.3mm / 1/4″ fully balanced TRS
– Maximum Output Level:| 6dBV (-10dBV setting)
+20dBu (+4dBu setting)
– Impedance:| 110 Ohm
– THD+N:| 110dB A-weighted (@-3dBFS, -10dBV setting)
-108dB A-weighted (@-3dBFS, +4dBu setting)
– S/N:| 120dB A-weighted
– Dynamic Range:| 120dB A-weighted
– Frequency Response:| 20Hz to 20kHz +/- 0.05dB
– Crosstalk:| -116dB (20Hz to 20kHz)
– Signal LED:| > -48dBFS shows green
– PoE:| IEEE802.3af compliant
Input Voltage: 36V to 57V
Maximum Output Power: 12W
– Power Consumption:| 3.5W (Typical), +12V DC
General
– Dimensions:| around 10.5cm x 11cm x 2.5cm
– Weight:| around 236g
General Information
Trademarks
ESI, planet and planet 22c are trademarks of ESI Audiotechnik GmbH. Dante and
Audinate are legal trademarks of Audinate Pty Ltd., other product and brand
names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
The FCC and CE Regulation Warning
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation. Caution: Any
changes or modifications in construction of this device with are not expressly
approved by the party responsible for compliance, could void the user’s
authority to operate equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the
user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense. If
necessary, consult an experienced radio/television technician for additional
suggestions.
Correspondence
For technical support inquiries, contact your nearest dealer, local
distributor or ESI support online at www.esi-audio.com. Please also check our extensive Knowledge Base with Frequently
Asked Questions, installation videos and technical details about our products
in the support section of our website.
Disclaimer
All features and specifications subject to change without notice.
Parts of this manual are continually being updated. Please check our web site
www.esi-audio.com occasionally for the most recent
update information.