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

The RDL DS-TPSM2A is an active two-pair Format-A sender with two microphone preamplifiers. It accepts two balanced microphone signals through three-pin XLR inputs, provides P48 phantom power, and delivers both channels through RDL TP Format A. Each preamplifier has independent gain and output-pair selection, allowing the module to support stereo operation or two separate mono microphone channels.

Ideal Use Cases

This model is suited to systems requiring two microphone preamplifiers at one location with Format-A signal transport through RJ45 connections. The channels can operate together as a stereo pair or independently as two mono preamplifiers. Support for both dynamic and condenser microphones makes the DS-TPSM2A useful when microphone types may differ between channels. Its pass-through arrangement also supports systems that need to continue signal and power pairs to another Format-A module.

Why Choose This Model

Each channel provides its own rear-panel gain selector with LOW, HIGH, and AUTO settings. LOW supplies 40 dB of fixed gain, while HIGH supplies 60 dB. In AUTO mode, the preamplifier provides 40 dB for a condenser microphone or 60 dB for a dynamic microphone. P48 phantom power is available for condenser microphones and is specified as 48 V in accordance with IEC 61938: 2013. These options allow each preamplifier to be configured for its connected microphone without requiring both channels to use the same gain mode.

Installation and Integration

The two XLR inputs use pin 1 for ground, pin 2 positive, and pin 3 negative. Each preamplifier has an independent rear-panel selector that assigns its output to Format-A pair A, B, or C. The module uses two Format-A pairs, while signal and power pairs pass through the RJ45 connectors. This design permits the DS-TPSM2A to be daisy-chained with a single-pair Format-A sender. Power is supplied remotely through an RJ45 connector rather than through a separate local input. The ground-referenced power requirement is 24 Vdc at 80 mA, increasing to 120 mA when phantom power is active. The recommended supplies are the PS-24AS for the USA and PS-24AX for international use.

Performance Highlights

The active balanced circuitry delivers a specified frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz within ±0.5 dB. Total harmonic distortion is less than 0.05%, and common-mode rejection is greater than 80 dB from 20 Hz to 5 kHz. Headroom is greater than 18 dB above a +4 dBu output. Maximum input level is greater than -18 dBu in LOW-gain mode and greater than -35 dBu in HIGH-gain mode, with a balanced input impedance greater than 1 kΩ.

• Two balanced three-pin XLR microphone inputs
• Two channels for stereo or separate mono operation
• Fixed 40 dB and 60 dB gain settings
• Automatic gain for dynamic and condenser microphones
• Independent Format-A pair A, B, or C selection
• P48 phantom power on the microphone inputs
• RDL TP Format A output through RJ45 connectivity

Residual noise below a +4 dBu output is specified at less than -85 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with 40 dB gain and a 150 Ω source. At 60 dB gain with a 150 Ω source, it is specified at less than -70 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

What Makes It Different

The DS-TPSM2A combines two independently configurable microphone preamplifiers with a two-pair Format-A sender. The ability to select pair A, B, or C separately for each channel provides routing flexibility within the Format-A connection. Automatic gain accommodates the stated gain requirements of dynamic and condenser microphones, while fixed gain remains available when a defined 40 dB or 60 dB setting is preferred. RJ45 pass-through and support for daisy-chaining with a single-pair sender extend its integration options.

Final Assessment

The RDL DS-TPSM2A is a focused solution for transporting two balanced microphone signals through an RDL TP Format A system. Its dual XLR inputs, P48 phantom power, independent pair routing, fixed or automatic gain, remote RJ45 power, and studio-quality precision active balanced circuitry provide the essential functions specified for a two-channel microphone preamplifier and active Format-A sender. It operates in ambient temperatures from 0° C to 55° C and has a listed shipping weight of 0.597 lbs.