Active Two-Pair Sender Dual Microphone Preamplifier-Format-A-Black

The RDL DB-TPSM2A is a black active two-pair sender that combines two microphone preamplifiers with RDL TP Format-A output. Each channel accepts a balanced three-pin XLR microphone input and can serve one side of a stereo source or operate as an independent mono preamplifier. P48 phantom power supports condenser microphone connections, while rear-panel gain controls let each preamplifier be configured for LOW, HIGH, or AUTO operation. The module uses studio-quality precision active balanced circuitry and sends its two outputs through selectable Format-A signal pairs.

Ideal Use Cases

This model is suited to systems that need to place two microphone inputs onto an RDL Format-A transport path. It is especially relevant when the channels must remain independent, when a stereo microphone arrangement uses both preamplifiers, or when dynamic and condenser microphones may be connected to the same two-channel interface. Each output can be assigned separately to pair A, B, or C, allowing the sender to fit a defined pair plan without forcing both channels onto a fixed assignment.

It also fits daisy-chained Format-A layouts. Signal and power pairs pass through the RJ45 connectors, and the dual-pair module can be daisy-chained with a single-pair Format-A sender. This makes the DB-TPSM2A a focused choice when two local mic preamplifiers and pair-level routing are required at one connection point.

Why Choose This Model

The key advantage is per-channel control. Two rear-panel gain selectors provide 40 dB LOW gain, 60 dB HIGH gain, or AUTO. In AUTO, the stated gain is 40 dB for condenser microphones and 60 dB for dynamic microphones. Separate rear-panel pair selectors also assign each preamplifier to Format-A pair A, B, or C. This combination gives both channels their own gain mode and output-pair destination within a shared two-input module.

Both XLR inputs are balanced, with pin 1 for ground, pin 2 positive, and pin 3 negative. Input impedance is greater than 1 kΩ balanced, and P48 provides 48 V phantom power in accordance with IEC 61938:2013.

Installation and Integration

The DB-TPSM2A is remotely powered through an RJ45 connector, with power delivered through the Format-A connection. Its requirement is 24 VDC at 80 mA, rising to 120 mA with phantom power, with ground-referenced power. The listed recommended supplies are the PS-24AS for the USA and PS-24AX for international use.

During setup, connect microphones to the two XLR inputs, select LOW, HIGH, or AUTO independently for each preamplifier, and choose the A, B, or C signal pair for each output. Because the module uses two Format-A pairs and passes signal and power pairs through its RJ45 connectors, pair assignments should be coordinated with the other Format-A senders or receivers in the chain. Operation is specified for ambient temperatures from 0°C to 55°C.

Performance Highlights

Audio bandwidth is specified from 20 Hz to 20 kHz within ±0.5 dB. THD is below 0.05%, and common-mode rejection is greater than 80 dB from 20 Hz to 5 kHz. Headroom above a +4 dBu output is greater than 18 dB. These figures document the active balanced design across frequency response, distortion, common-mode rejection, and available output headroom.

Maximum input level is greater than -18 dBu in LOW gain and greater than -35 dBu in HIGH gain. Residual noise below a +4 dBu output is specified below -85 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 40 dB gain with a 150 Ω source, and below -70 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 60 dB gain with a 150 Ω source. The source data also lists below -70 dB from 20 Hz to 15 kHz at 60 dB gain with 150 Ω sources.

What Makes It Different

The DB-TPSM2A combines two selectable microphone gain stages with independent Format-A pair routing. AUTO gain provides the stated gain for the connected microphone type, while fixed settings remain available when 40 dB or 60 dB is required. Its passthrough RJ45 arrangement, remote powering, use of two Format-A pairs, and supported daisy-chain connection with a single-pair sender define an integration role beyond microphone preamplification alone.

Final Assessment

For an RDL TP Format-A system requiring two balanced microphone inputs, the DB-TPSM2A brings routing and preamplification into one black module. Its two independently controlled channels, P48 phantom power, selectable 40 dB, 60 dB, or automatic gain, pair A/B/C assignment, RJ45 passthrough, and remote power provide a direct way to prepare two microphone signals and place them onto two selected Format-A pairs with documented audio performance.