Studio Technologies Model 5518 Mic/Line Interface

Studio Technologies Model 5518 Mic/Line Interface

The Model 5518 Mic/Line Interface provides a simple yet high-performance means of interfacing analog signals with applications that utilize the SMPTE^® ST 2110 suite of standards to implement audio-over-Ethernet networking connectivity. Redundant stream performance is also supported following the ST 2022-7 standard. Eight analog microphone- or line-level sources can be connected to the unit and then output in the digital domain by way of the Ethernet interfaces. Eight digital audio signals, which arrive by way of the Ethernet connections, are converted to analog and then output as balanced line-level signals. For application flexibility and troubleshooting a configuration choice allows other audio signals to be selected as the sources for the analog output channels. A monitor section allows the input and output signals to be selectively observed using a meter function, a headphone output and, if desired, two line-level analog outputs.

The Model 5518 is a fully professional product that offers the audio quality, features, and reliability required by 24-hour on-air and commercial applications. Located on the unit's front panel, the eight mic/line audio inputs use standard 3-pin female XLR connectors for easy interfacing with balanced and unbalanced sources. The input circuitry features adjustable gain, P48 phantom power, and high-pass filter functions. Configuration of the input channels can be made locally by using pushbutton switches and an OLED display. Configuration web pages, accessible using the Model 5518's web server, allow remote control of the input parameters. The analog mic/line input audio signals are converted to 24-bit PCM digital and then transported via the Ethernet network interfaces. The destination routing of the mic/line input signals is performed using commands from the Model 5518's JSON API and related software applications.

Eight digital audio signal sources can be routed to the Model 5518's inputs using JSON API commands. These input signals are then converted to analog and provided to users as balanced line-level analog outputs. One 25-pin female D-subminiature connector, located on the unit's back panel, provides access to the eight analog outputs.

The monitor section provides the user with the ability to select any input or output signal, or signal pair, for monitoring using the 2-channel (stereo) headphone output. A configuration choice allows selected analog outputs to provide a monitoring function for connection to inputs on amplified loudspeakers or audio power amplifiers. An OLED display, located on the front panel, offers level metering functions which allow the input and output audio signals to be visually monitored.

The Model 5518 provides three Gigabit Ethernet ("GigE") network interfaces, two to support redundant operation following the ST 2022-7 standard and the third for accessing the management menu system. An internal web server allows fast and flexible monitoring and configuration of the unit's audio input and output performance. Front-panel indicators, an OLED display, and pushbutton switches provide users with direct access to key operating parameters.

The Model 5518 can be powered by 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz mains or a source of 12 volts DC. Both can be simultaneously connected to provide redundant operation. The lightweight enclosure mounts in one space (1U) of a standard 19-inch rack. Industry-standard connectors are used for the audio input, audio output, Ethernet, DC power, and AC mains interconnections.

ST 2110 is an emerging technology that is expected to find wide acceptance as an audio, video, and ancillary data transport "backbone" due to its interoperability, flexibility, and expected support by a large number of equipment manufacturers. The Model 5518 can serve as an "edge" device for ST 2110-compliant implementations, providing high-performance input, output, and monitor resources in a compact, cost-effective package. The unit can also serve as a general-purpose audio "tool" to help extend ST 2110 capabilities to facilities and applications that were initially implemented to support signals in the analog domain.

For further information please refer to the attached data sheet.