Active Single-Pair Sender-Twisted Pair Format-A-XLR mic input w phantom-Stainless

Ideal Use Cases

The RDL DS-TPS1A is an active single-pair sender for installations that need to place a balanced microphone signal onto an RDL TP Format-A twisted-pair system. Its XLR input provides 24 Vdc phantom power, making the module suitable for compatible phantom-powered microphones as well as other balanced microphone sources within the specified input range. Switch selection assigns the signal to Format-A pair A, B, or C, allowing the sender to be configured around the pair allocation of the connected system.

Remote powering through twisted-pair cable supports installations where power is supplied from another point in the system. The module can also accept local power and distribute it to connected modules, making it useful in daisy-chained systems containing single-pair or two-pair senders.

Why Choose This Model

The DS-TPS1A combines microphone interfacing, phantom power, gain selection, signal-pair assignment, and power distribution in one stainless model. Its balanced XLR input has a 1.2 kΩ impedance and supplies 24 Vdc phantom power in accordance with IEC 61938:2013. A rear-panel switch selects either 50 dB NORM gain or 63 dB HIGH gain, providing two defined operating levels without requiring external gain hardware.

Precision active balanced circuitry supports studio-quality signal handling. The Format-A output is presented on RJ45, while the two RJ45 jacks provide signal-pair and power-pair pass-through for system expansion. A blue power LED gives immediate visual confirmation that the module is powered.

Installation and Integration

The module measures 1.6 inches wide by 4.11 inches high by 1.89 inches deep. The minimum mounting-box depth for D- and DS-series versions is 2.4 inches. Its power requirement is 24 Vdc at 65 mA plus the requirements of any connected loads, and the supported ambient operating range is 0° C to 50° C.

Power may enter through the detachable terminal block or RJ45 connection. When local power is connected, the fused local power feed supplies connected modules. Alternatively, the DS-TPS1A can be powered remotely through the twisted-pair cable. Recommended power supplies, which are not included, are the PS-24AS for the USA and PS-24AX for international use.

During setup, the rear controls are used to select NORM or HIGH gain and choose Format-A signal pair A, B, or C. The pass-through arrangement permits the sender to be daisy-chained with compatible single-pair or two-pair senders while retaining signal and power continuity through the RJ45 connections.

Performance Highlights

• Frequency response is 100 Hz to 30 kHz within ±1 dB.
• An integral low-cut filter provides attenuation of -10 dB at 30 Hz.
• THD+N is less than 0.1% from 80 Hz to 20 kHz.
• Headroom above +4 dBu is greater than 18 dB.
• Noise below +4 dBu is less than -80 dB in NORM gain and less than -70 dB in HIGH gain.
• CMRR is greater than 65 dB in NORM gain and greater than 60 dB in HIGH gain from 50 Hz to 150 Hz.
• Maximum input level is -28 dBu in NORM gain and -40 dBu in HIGH gain.

These published figures define the module’s audio behavior across both gain settings and help installers select the appropriate mode for the connected microphone signal.

What Makes It Different

The DS-TPS1A does more than provide an XLR-to-RJ45 connection. It actively balances and amplifies the microphone signal, supplies phantom power, and lets the installer choose the specific Format-A pair carrying the output. Its RJ45 pass-through architecture also carries signal and power pairs onward, supporting modular system layouts without removing the selected pair-routing control from the sender.

The choice between remote and local powering adds integration flexibility. When local power is used, the fused feed can power all connected modules, subject to the stated requirement of 65 mA plus connected loads. The combination of rear-panel gain selection, pair assignment, pass-through connectivity, and a visible power indicator makes operating status and system configuration straightforward.

Final Assessment

For an RDL TP Format-A system requiring a balanced XLR microphone input, the DS-TPS1A provides a focused set of integration tools: 24 Vdc phantom power, selectable 50 or 63 dB gain, assignable A/B/C signal-pair routing, RJ45 pass-through connections, and local or remote powering. Its specified frequency response, low distortion, available headroom, and active balanced circuitry make it a precise single-pair microphone sender for compatible twisted-pair installations.