Active Three-Pair Sender-Twisted Pair Format-A-XLR mic & stereo phono in-Stainless

The RDL DS-TPS3A is an active three-pair twisted-pair sender designed to place a balanced microphone input and stereo unbalanced line inputs onto RDL TP Format-A. Its XLR microphone input includes IEC 24 Vdc phantom power, while two RCA phono jacks accept left and right -10 dBV line signals. The module uses all three Format-A pairs: microphone on pair A, left line on pair B, and right line on pair C. This stainless model combines that routing with precision active balanced circuitry and flexible local or remote powering.

Ideal Use Cases

The DS-TPS3A fits audio systems that need to carry one microphone channel and a stereo line source through the same Format-A connection. It is especially applicable when the microphone and left/right source signals must remain assigned to separate pairs for downstream routing. The balanced 1.2 kΩ microphone input supports IEC 24 Vdc phantom power, while the two 10 kΩ unbalanced line inputs accommodate nominal -10 dBV sources through RCA phono connectors.

Why Choose This Model

Its three-input layout handles microphone and stereo program audio in one active module. Rear-panel selection provides 50 dB NORM or 63 dB HIGH microphone gain, supporting balanced microphone input levels from -45 to -65 dBu. Maximum microphone input is -28 dBu in NORM gain or -40 dBu in HIGH gain. The line channels provide 12 dB of gain, accept -10 dBV nominal inputs, and support a maximum level of +10 dBV. A blue LED gives a direct indication that the module is powered.

Installation and Integration

The DS-TPS3A provides its Format-A output through an RJ45 connection. Power can arrive remotely through the twisted-pair cable or locally through the detachable terminal block. When local power is used, the fused power feed supplies connected modules. The power requirement is 24 Vdc at 65 mA plus connected loads. Recommended supplies are the PS-24AS for the USA and PS-24AX for international use; the power supply is not included.

The module measures 1.6 inches wide, 4.11 inches high, and 1.89 inches deep. Models D- and DS- require a mounting box with a minimum depth of 2.4 inches. The specified ambient operating range is 0° C to 55° C. These dimensions, power provisions, and pair assignments provide the essential information needed to plan mounting, wiring, and connected-module loads.

Performance Highlights

The microphone path has a frequency response of 100 Hz to 30 kHz within ±1 dB, together with an integral low-cut filter rated at -10 dB at 30 Hz. Its THD+N is less than 0.1% from 80 Hz to 20 kHz. Microphone noise below +4 dBu is less than -80 dB in NORM gain and less than -70 dB in HIGH gain. Microphone CMRR is greater than 65 dB in NORM gain and greater than 60 dB in HIGH gain from 50 Hz to 150 Hz.

The line path extends from 20 Hz to 50 kHz within ±0.5 dB, with THD+N below 0.05% across that range and noise below +4 dBu of less than -95 dB. Available headroom above +4 dBu is greater than 18 dB. Published line-to-line crosstalk is less than 90 dB at 1 kHz and less than 75 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Separate line-to-microphone crosstalk specifications are provided for both microphone gain settings.

What Makes It Different

The defining feature is the direct use of all three Format-A signal pairs within one sender. Pair A carries the balanced microphone channel, pair B carries the unbalanced left line channel, and pair C carries the unbalanced right line channel. This fixed assignment keeps the microphone and stereo channels distinct through the Format-A link. The combination of an XLR microphone input, two RCA phono inputs, phantom power, selectable microphone gain, active balanced circuitry, and two powering methods gives the module a clearly specified role in a Format-A system.

Final Assessment

The DS-TPS3A is a focused choice for transmitting one phantom-capable microphone signal and stereo -10 dBV line audio over all three RDL TP Format-A pairs. Its documented gain choices, wide line response, RJ45 output, local or remote power capability, stainless configuration, and compact dimensions make it straightforward to evaluate against a system’s signal, mounting, and power requirements.