Studio Technologies announces enhanced Model 5422A Dante Intercom

Studio Technologies, US-based manufacturer of audio, video, and fiber-optic solutions, announces the enhanced Model 5422A Dante® Intercom Audio Engine. Like the original Model 5422, the new design is a cost-effective solution for creating party-line (PL) intercom circuits when used with Dante-compatible products. The “A” version offers a Auto Mix function for party-line and audio mixing applications. The unit also includes expanded network connectivity with three Gigabit Ethernet ports, which can better meet the needs of larger, multi-network installations. Additionally, the unit’s main and programmable logic firmware can now be updated using a standard USB flash drive.

The Model 5422A uses Dante audio-over-Ethernet to support a variety of broadcast, production, and related applications. In addition to creating “virtual” PL intercom circuits, the unit can provide other Dante-based on-air, talent cueing (IFB), audio mixing, and specialized interfacing resources. The Model 5422A features low-latency 32-bit digital processing for sonic quality and is available in two versions – one with 32 input and output channels, and the other with 64 input and output channels.

“With the Model 5422A, we’ve made significant improvements in both audio performance and application compatibility,” says Gordon Kapes, president of Studio Technologies. “With Auto Mix we feel that users will experience an increased level of satisfaction with party-line intercom audio. And larger or more sophisticated installations can benefit from the ability to maintain separate Dante audio and management networks. Finally, with support for firmware updates using a USB flash drive, a facility’s network security restrictions will no longer interfere with the ability to keep units up-to-date.”

Auto Mix is an audio level control function that’s implemented in FPGA logic such that that all party-line users contribute an equal audio level to an intercom channel so as to enhances intelligibility and reduce listener fatigue. In addition to being part of the Model 5422A’s party-line capability, Auto Mixcan also be used when using the unit’s audio mixing (summing) mode.The Model 5422A also features an audio control mode that allows multi-channel switching functions to be easily implemented. High-frequency audio tones provide control of Dante audio input channels that are routed to normally-active and normally-inactive audio output channels.

The Model 5422A offers three Ethernet network connections as compared to the two provided by the Model 5422. Providing three independent “GigE” ports allows two of them to be designated for Dante redundancy while the third is used to access the Model 5422A’s management port. This allows independent networks to support dual Dante audio paths and the unit’s monitoring and configuration web pages.

The ability to update a Model 5422A using a standard USB flash drive helps support personnel. This is unlike the Model 5422 whose firmware update method utilizes the file transfer protocol (FTP) method. Model 5422A maintains Model 5422 features such as supporting both AC mains and 12 volts DC powering. Compatibility between Model 5422A and Model 5422 units ensures that applications can use a mixture of both units.

Versions Available:
Model 5422A-01: one 32-channel Dante audio engine
Model 5422A-02: two 32-channel Dante audio engines (64 channels total)

Audio Engine Configuration Options:
Group Size: the following group sizes can be selected for each 32-channel audio engine:
32 (one group)
24, 8 (two groups)
20, 8, 4 (three groups)
16, 16 (two groups)
16, 12, 4 (three groups)
12, 12, 4, 4 (four groups)
8, 8, 8, 8 (four groups)
8, 8, 8, 4, 4 (five groups)
8, 8, 4, 4, 4, 4 (six groups)
4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4 (eight groups)