Studio Technologies has announced new Model 545DC and Model 545DR intercom interfaces that are designed to allow users to utilize analog party-line (PL) intercom circuits with Audinate Dante Audio-over-Ethernet (AoE) applications.
“Analog party-line (PL) intercom remains a staple of broadcast, theatre, and industrial workflows, creating a need for seamless integration into modern Dante applications,” says Gordon Kapes, president of Studio Technologies. “Our enhanced intercom interfaces ensure that analog PL applications can become part of contemporary Dante-based applications. The supported audio quality is excellent, ensuring that all users are provided with effective intercommunications.”
The 545DC supports two single-channel PL intercom circuits and is directly compatible with single-channel analog party-line (PL) products from Clear-Com, while the 545DR offers one 2-channel interface and works directly with the RTS TW-series of 2-channel analog intercom circuits. Both can interconnect with Dante-supported devices such as matrix intercom systems, digital audio processors, and audio consoles. The interfaces are also compatible with the Studio Technologies line of Dante-enabled user beltpack, intercom station, and intercom audio engine products.
The 545DC is designed for use with single-channel analog party-line (PL) intercom circuits that are commonly used in corporate, industrial, theater, entertainment, and education applications. These PL circuits utilize one 3-conductor cable to provide power and one channel of intercom audio. The audio path also includes a DC-based call function that the Model 545DC directly supports.
The 545DR is intended for use in applications, typically broadcast, that provide two channels of analog PL on a single 3-conductor cable. High-frequency call signals are combined with voice audio and are supported by the Model 545DR. Each interface is capable of providing DC power, allowing direct connection of a limited number of analog PL user devices.
Both units can be powered by a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) connection or an external source of 12 volts DC. An etherCON RJ45 jack is used to interface the units with a 100 MB/sec Ethernet signal. Standard 3-conductor XLR connectors allow the analog party-line (PL) intercom circuits to be directly interconnected.
For assistance during installation and troubleshooting, they contain two sets of 5-segment LED level meters. Each set of two meters displays the level of signals being sent to and received from their associated party-line interface channel. Each unit has two analog hybrid functions that separate the PL intercom circuits’ send and receive audio channels. The software-controlled hybrid circuits provide high return loss and excellent audio quality.
Both units are housed in durable, lightweight aluminium 1/2-rack enclosures and are intended for desk or tabletop use. Optional mounting kits allow for one or two units to be installed in one space (1U) of a standard 19-inch rack enclosure.
Operating parameters are configured using the STcontroller software application that’s available free of charge and offered in versions that are compatible with WinOS and macOS operating systems.
