studio-tech 5204 Dual Line Input to Dante Interface User Guide

: June 1, 2024
: studio-tech

Table of Contents

studio-tech 5204 Dual Line Input to Dante Interface
User Guide
Introduction
Applications
Ethernet Connection
Dante Conﬁgurati
Operation
Technical Notes Ultimo Firmware Update
Identifying the Firmware Version Number
Speciﬁcations
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

studio-tech 5204 Dual Line Input to Dante Interface

Specifications

Model: 5204 Dual Line Input to Dante Interface
Serial Numbers: M5204-00151 to 02000
Application Firmware: 1.1 and later
Dante Firmware: 2.7.1 (Ultimo 4.0.11.3)

Product Information

The Model 5204 Dual Line Input to Dante Interface is a versatile audio device designed to support applications utilizing the Dante Audio-over-Ethernet media networking technology. It allows the conversion of two 2-channel analog line- level audio signals to two channels on a Dante connection, providing high- quality audio output with low distortion and noise.

The device features multi-step LED meters for monitoring output audio levels and supports a wide range of applications including TV, radio, streaming broadcast events, corporate and government AV installations, and Dante system testing.

Product Usage Instructions
Connections
Connect two analog line-level audio signals to the device using standard XLR connectors. Adjust input sensitivity using the rotary level control to match signal levels ranging from 0 to +4dBu. The device provides sufficient headroom for pro audio performance with a maximum input level of +24dBu.

Model 5204
Dual Line Input to Dante™ Interface

User Guide

Issue 1, August 2014
This User Guide is applicable for serial numbers M5204-00151 to 02000 with application firmware 1.1 and later and Dante firmware 2.7.1 (Ultimo 4.0.11.3)

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 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 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 desk-top situations or deployed as a permanent solution in ﬁxed applications. Standard connections 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 output signals. An obvious application is with legacy equip-ment 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 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 perfor-mance. 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 ana-log-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 referred to as 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 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.

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.

One note of interest: the dedicated charging port derives its power from the Ethernet with a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) connection. While the Model 5204’s audio and data circuitry takes very little energy, the dedicated charging port can source up to approximately 5 watts. As such, the Model 5204’s Ethernet interface will identify itself to upstream power-sourcing-equipment
(PSE), typically an Ethernet switch with integrated PoE, as a PoE class 3 powered device (PD).

Dante Audio-over-Ethernet
Audio data is sent from the Model 5204 using the Dante Audio-over-Ethernet media networking technology. As a Dante-com-pliant device, the Model 5204’s two audio channels can be assigned to other devices using the Dante Controller software application. 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 5204 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.

Connections
In this section signal interconnections will be made using the connectors located on the front and back panel of the Model 5204. An Ethernet data connection with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) capability will be made using either a standard RJ45 patch cable or an etherCON-protected RJ45 plug. Line-level signal sources will be connected using the 3.5 mm jack associated with line input A and the 3-pin XLR connectors associated with line input B. The USB- dedicated charging port can be connected to power or charge an external device.

System Components
Included in the shipping carton is a Model 5204 Interface and a printed copy of the user guide.

Ethernet Connection

A 100BASE-TX Ethernet connection that supports Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) is required for Model 5204 operation. This one connection will provide both the Ether-net data interface and power for the Model 5204’s circuitry. A 10BASE-T connection is not sufﬁcient and a 1000BASE-T (“GigE”) connection is not supported unless it can automatically “fall back” to 100BASE-TX operation. For PoE switch (PSE) power management the Model 5204 will enumerate itself as a PoE class 3 device.
The Ethernet connection is made by way of a Neutrik etherCON protected RJ45 connection that is located on the back panel of the Model 5204. This allows connection by way of a cable-mounted etherCON plug or a standard RJ45 plug. The Model 5204’s Ethernet interface supports auto MDI/MDI-X so that most cabling implementations will be correctly supported.

Line Input A
Line input A is intended for connection with a 2-channel (stereo) unbalanced line-level analog audio signal source. This will typically be associated with consumer and semi-professional devices such as personal audio players, AV equipment, and tablet and personal computers. These signals will typically have a nominal level in the range of –15 to –10 dBu. Devices are connected to line input A by way of a 3.5 mm 3-conductor jack located on the Model 5204’s front panel. As is standard for 2-channel (stereo) audio signals present on this type of connector channel 1 (left) is connected to the jack’s tip lead, channel 2 (right) to the jack’s ring lead, and the common connection to the jack’s sleeve.

Line Input B
Line input B is intended for connection with two balanced line-level analog audio signal sources associated with professional audio and video equipment. These will include devices such as audio consoles, video storage and playback systems, wireless microphone receivers, and audio testing equipment. The audio quality is such that using line input B for on-air broadcast or streaming applications would be appropriate. The two channels associated with line input B are analog, electronically balanced, and capacitor-coupled.
The Model 5204 provides two 3-pin female XLR connectors for interfacing signals with line input B. Pin 2 on a mating connector (3-pin male XLR) should be connected as signal + (high), pin 3 as signal – (low), and pin 1 as common/shield. With an unbalanced source connect signal + (high) to pin 2 and signal – (low/shield) to both pins 1 and 3.

USB Dedicated Charging Port
A USB type A receptacle is located on the back panel of the Model 5204. It allows connection to a wide variety of devices that obtain power for operation and/or charging via USB. No data is transferred to or from the Model 5204 with this connector, only power is provided. The dedicated charging port (DCP) is capable of automatically enumerating (“handshaking”) with a num-ber of the popular device protocols. This allows operation with most mobile phones, tablet computers, and personal audio devices. Using the appropriate cable, simply connect the dedicated charging port to the selected device. Up to 5 watts of energy can be delivered on a continuous basis. It’s possible that the device being pow-ered and/or charged is also serving as the source of analog audio for line input A. In this case two interface cables will be used to link the device with the Model 5204.

Dante Conﬁgurati

Several Model 5204’s Dante-related parameters can be conﬁgured. These conﬁguration settings will be stored in non-volatile memory within the Model 5204’s circuitry. Conﬁguration will typically be done with the Dante Controller software application which is available for download free of charge at www.audinate.com. Versions of Dante Controller are available to support Windows® and OS X® operating systems. The Model 5204 uses the Ultimo 2-input/2-output integrated circuit to implement the Dante architecture. However, only the two transmitter (output) channels are utilized. This dictates which parameters can be conﬁgured and what choices are available.
The two transmitter channels associated with the Model 5204’s Dante interface must be assigned to the desired receiver channels. Within Dante Controller a “sub-scription” is the term used for routing a transmit ﬂow (a group of output channels) to a receive ﬂow (a group of input channels). Note that as of the writing of this guide the number of transmitter ﬂows associated with an Ultimo integrated circuit is limited to two.
The Model 5204 will support audio sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz with a limited selection of pull-up/pull-down values. The Model 5204 can serve as the clock master for a Dante network but in most cases it will “sync” to another device.
The Model 5204 has a default Dante device name of ST-M5204 and a unique suf- ﬁx. The sufﬁx identiﬁes the speciﬁc Model 5204 that is being conﬁgured (it relates to the MAC address of the Ultimo integrated circuit). The two Dante transmitter channels have default names of Ch1 and Ch2. Using Dante Controller the default device and channel names can be revised as appropriate for the speciﬁc application.

Operation

At this point, an Ethernet connection with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) capability should have been made. The unit’s Dante conﬁguration settings should have been selected using Dante Controller software application. At a minimum the Model 5204’s two Dante transmitter channels should have been routed to receiver channels on an associated device. Analog signal source connections to line input A and line input B should have been made as desired. A device may have been connected to the USB dedicated charging port. Normal operation of the Model 5204 can now begin.

Initial Operation
The Model 5204 will immediately begin to function as soon as a Power-over- Ethernet (PoE) power source is connected. At this time the USB dedicated charging port will become functional. However, full operation may take up to 20 seconds to begin. Upon initial power up the four status LEDs located on the back panel will begin to light. The meter LEDs on the front panel will light in a test sequence. After the meter LEDs complete their test sequence one meter LED associated with channel 1 and one meter LED associated with channel 2 will brieﬂy light to indicate the version number of the unit’s ﬁrmware (embedded software). Once that sequence has completed and the Dante connection has been established full operation will begin.

Ethernet, PoE, and Dante Status LEDs
Four status LEDs are located below the Ethernet connector on the Model 5204’s back panel. The PoE LED will light green to indicate that the Power-over- Ethernet (PoE) associated with the connected Ethernet signal is providing operating power for the Model 5204. The LINK/ACT LED will light green whenever an active connection to a 100 Mb/s Ethernet network has been established. It will ﬂash in response to data packet activity. The SYS and SYNC LEDs display the operating status of the Dante interface and associated network. The SYS LED will light red upon Model 5204 power up to indicate that the Dante interface is not ready. After a short interval, it will light green to indicate that it is ready to pass data with another Dante device. The SYNC LED will light red when the Model 5204 is not synchronized with a Dante network. It will light solid green when the Model 5204 is synchronized with a Dante network and an external clock source (timing reference) is being received. It will slowly ﬂash green when the Model 5204 is part of a Dante network and is serving as a clock master.

How to Identify a Speciﬁc Model 5204
The Dante Controller software application offers an identify command that can be used to help locate a speciﬁc Model 5204. When identify is selected for a speciﬁc unit the SYS and SYNC LEDs on that unit will slowly ﬂash green.

Level Meters
Two 7-step LED meters will display the level of the two Dante transmitter (output) channels. The meter steps are calibrated in dBFS which indicates the number of dB below the maximum possible digital signal level. The maximum level is 0 dBFS which occurs when the digital audio data is all “1”s. In typical applications a signal level of –20 dBFS would be the desired nominal (normal average) value. The ﬁve meter steps that have a threshold of –20 dBFS and less light with the color green. The step that lights at –15 dBFS and greater is yellow in color and indicates a “hot” or above average signal level. The top step lights red in color when a signal levels is –5 dBFS or greater, indicating that a poten-tially “clipped” (distorted due to excessive level) signal is present.

Input A
The signal connected to the tip (left chan-nel) connection of line input A’s 3.5 mm jack is associated with Dante transmitter
(output) channel 1. The ring (right channel) connection of the 3.5 mm jack is associated with Dante transmitter channel 2. The push-in/push-out rotary control adjusts the input level of both channels of line input A. In its fully counterclockwise position the input signal are essentially off (muted). Adjust the control such that normal input signals will cause the ﬁve green LEDs to light. Peak signals can cause the yellow LED
to light on occasion. But the yellow LED should never be continuously lit. The red LED should never light, except possibly in the case of an extreme peak. The red LED lighting on a regular basis indicates that the signal level is at risk of reaching digital 0 (0 dBFS) which is destructive to audio quality.

Input B
The signal connected to line input B’s channel 1 3-pin female XLR connector is associated with Dante transmitter (output) channel 1. The signal connected to line input B’s channel 2 XLR connector is associated with Dante transmitter (output) channel 2. The push-in/push-out rotary control adjusts the input level of both channels of line input B. In its fully counterclockwise position the input signals are essentially off (muted). Adjust the control such that normal input signals will cause the ﬁve green LEDs to light. Peak signals can cause the yellow LED to light on occasion. But the yellow LED should never be continuously lit. The red LED should never light, except possibly in the case of an extreme peak. The red LED lighting on a regular basis indicates that the signal level is at risk of reaching digital 0 (0 dBFS) which is destructive to audio quality.

Line Inputs A & B Combine
It’s important to highlight that the Model 5204’s two 2-channel line inputs (A and B) combine in the analog domain. In effect
the Model 5204 is a dual-input 2-channel (stereo) mixer and Dante converter. A signal present on channel 1 (left) of line input A and a signal present on channel 1 of line input B will combine (mix together or sum) after (“post”) the two level controls. This combined signal is routed to the analog-to- digital converter circuitry and on to the Dante transmitter (output) for channel 1.
A signal present on channel 2 (right) of line input A and a signal present on channel 2 of line input B will combine (mix together
or sum) after (“post”) the two level controls. This combined signal is routed to the ana-log-to-digital converter circuitry and on to the Dante transmitter (output) for channel 2. But note that no monaural version of the input signals is created.

USB Dedicated Charging Port
There are no special instructions when using the dedicated charging port. Simply connect the desired device and the function will typically automatically start. The only limitations will be with the port’s 5 volt, 1-ampere (5 watt) maximum power supply capability.
A connected device that requires more energy for operation may not enumerate (handshake or negotiate) successfully. No damage will occur in this case.
There are no LEDs or performance indicators or conﬁguration settings associated with the dedicated charging port. It’s really just a “plug-in and go” feature.

Technical Notes Ultimo Firmware Update

The Model 5204 implements Dante connectivity using the Ultimo integrated circuit from Audinate. This 2-input/2-output device can be updated by way of the Model 5204’s Ethernet connection. As of the date of writing this guide it’s not evident as to whether or not newer ﬁrmware will ever need to be loaded.

Identifying the Firmware Version Number

As previously discussed in this guide, upon power up the meter LEDs are used to brieﬂy display the version number of the Model 5204’s ﬁrmware (embedded software). This information is typically only necessary when working with the factory on support issues. The meter LEDs will ﬁrst go through a display sequence followed by an approximately 1-second period where the version number will be indicated. The top row of seven LEDs will display the major version number with a range of 1 to 7. The bottom row of seven LEDs will display the minor version number with a range of 1 to 7. Refer to Figure 2 for details.

Figure 2. Detail of front panel showing the LEDs that display the ﬁrmware version. In this example, the version shown is 1.1.

Speciﬁcations

Network Audio Technology:
Type: Dante Audio-over-Ethernet
Bit Depth: up to 24
Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz
Network Interface:
Type: twisted-pair Ethernet with Power-over- Ethernet (PoE)
Data Rate: 100 Mb/s (10 Mb/s Ethernet not supported)
Power: Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) per IEEE 802.3af class 3 (mid power, ≤12.95 watts)
General Audio Parameters:
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±0.5 dB, line input B to Dante
Distortion (THD+N): 0.01%, measured at 1 kHz,
+4 dBu, line input B to Dante
Dynamic Range: >100 dB, A-weighted, line input B to Dante

Line Input A:

Type: 2-channel (“stereo”) unbalanced, capacitor- coupled
Input Impedance: 10 k ohms
Nominal Level: adjustable using rotary level control, –3 dBu @ 100% rotation
Maximum Level: +10 dBu

Line Input B:

Type: 2-channel (“stereo”) electronically balanced, capacitor-coupled
Input Impedance: 20 k ohms
Nominal Level: adjustable using rotary level control, +11 dBu @ 100% rotation
Maximum Level: +24 dBu

Meters: 2

Function: displays level of Dante output signals Type: 7-segment LED, modiﬁed VU ballistics
Dedicated Charging Port:
Function: powering and charging of connected devices; no data interface
Output (Nominal): 5 volts DC, 1 amp (5 watts) Compatibility: auto-detect supports divider mode, short mode, and 1.2 V/1.2 V charging modes

Connectors:

Ethernet: Neutrik etherCON RJ45
Line Input A: 3-conductor (“stereo”) 3.5 mm jack Line Input B: 2, 3-pin female XLR
Dedicated Charging Port: USB type A receptacle

Dimensions (Overall):