The Studio Technologies Model 5421A Dante Intercom Audio Engine is a high-performance, cost-effective, and flexible solution for creating party-line (PL) intercom circuits when used with Dante®-compatible products. It's directly compatible with the Studio Technologies' range of 1-, 2-, and 4-channel intercom beltpacks. The Model 5421A can also prove valuable in other general-audio and broadcast-related mixing and interfacing applications. The unit is suitable for use in fixed and mobile broadcast facilities, post-production studios, commercial and educational theater environments, as well as language interpretation and entertainment applications.
Only a Gigabit Ethernet network connection with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) support is required for the Model 5421A to provide a powerful resource in a variety of Dante applications. Front-and back-panel LEDs provide operating status indications. The Studio Technologies' STcontroller software application allows personnel to view and configure key operating parameters. The unit's lightweight "1/2-rack" enclosure can be used stand-alone or mounted in one space (1RU) of a standard 19-inch rack enclosure with an optional installation kit. To meet the latest interoperability standard the Model 5421A's Dante implementation meets the requirements of AES67 as well as supporting the Dante Domain Manager™ (DDM) software application. Using DDM, compliance with ST 2110-30 may be possible.
The Model 5421A provides one 16-channel audio engine which can be configured to provide from one to four "virtual" intercom circuits or other functions. The term "audio engine" was selected to describe a set of audio input, processing, routing, and output resources that can be configured to support specific intercom and audio requirements. Unlike general-purpose Dante digital matrix devices, the Model 5421A is optimized to allow direct support for theater, small broadcast, intercom, and broadcast applications.
Configuration and Functionality
Using the STcontroller software application, a configuration choice selects how the Model 5421A's 16-channel audio engine is segmented. This allows efficient use of the Dante channels to support the needs of specific applications. As all Dante intercom beltpacks are essentially 4-wire devices (having independent receiver (input) and transmitter (output) channels), "virtual" (simulated) party-line functionality must be created within the Model 5421A's digital processing resources.
Group Size
The 16 channels offered by the Model 5421A are configured into what are called groups. Simple configuration choices are accessed using the STcontroller software application and allow the number of groups and their sizes to be selected. Group configuration can range from one group having 16 channels to four groups each having four channels. The size of a group will dictate how many devices and associated users can be part of any one party-line. Five choices allow a range of group configurations to be selected with the default setting being two 8-channel groups.
Group Labels
From the factory, the Model 5421A will assign a unique, although somewhat-generic name (Dante label) to each group. However, using the Dante Controller application the name of each group can be edited as desired. A revised label would typically reflect how the specific group is going to be utilized. Labels such as Camera PL, Lighting, Pyro, IFB Mix, or Engineering would typically be used in broadcast- or live-event-oriented intercom applications.
Group Operating Modes
While the primary application for the Model 5421A is to create party-line (PL) intercom circuits, each group can be independently configured from among five operating modes: Party-Line w/Auto Mix, Party-Line, Summing Bus w/Auto Mix, Summing Bus, and Pass-Thru.