Bi-Directional Mic/Line Dante Interface 2 x 2 w/PoE-2 XLR In, 2 XLR Out-Black

The black RDL DDB-BN22 is a wall-mounted, bidirectional 2 x 2 Dante network interface that connects two analog audio inputs and two analog audio outputs to a Dante network. Two female XLR input jacks and two male XLR output jacks are located on the front panel. The interface supports microphone- and line-level operation, 24-bit digital audio, selectable sample rates, and Power over Ethernet.

Ideal Use Cases

This model is designed for installed audio systems that need two mic- or line-level sources and two analog outputs at a wall location. Each input provides independent phantom-power, mic/line, and gain selectors, making the interface suitable for connecting microphones or line-level equipment. Each output also includes mic/line selection, allowing Dante audio to feed equipment requiring either a nominal balanced line-level signal or a nominal microphone-level signal.

Why Choose This Model

The DDB-BN22 combines bidirectional Dante conversion and four front-panel XLR connections in a compact wall-mount format. Its microphone inputs provide switch-selectable gain of 40, 48, or 62 dB. Line input gain is selectable between unity, 8, and 19 dB. Switch-selectable P48 phantom power supplies 48 Vdc in accordance with IEC 61938:2013. These controls allow each input to be configured for its connected source without requiring separate external microphone preamplifiers or phantom-power devices.

Digital audio is transmitted through Dante over a 100 Mbps Ethernet connection. The interface supports 44.1 and 48 kHz sample rates, with 48 kHz as the default, and operates at a 24-bit depth. Its specified audio operating level is +4 dBu at -20 dBFS, while 0 dBFS corresponds to a +24 dBu reference level.

Installation and Integration

The unit mounts in a North American dual electrical box, with a 4-square deep box recommended, or in an RDL WB-2U international wall box. Installation is specified at an elevation of no more than 2 meters. The enclosure measures 3.52 inches wide, 4.11 inches high, and 2.09 inches deep.

A rear-panel RJ45 connector provides Dante network connectivity and includes Ethernet link and speed indicators. Power is supplied through PoE Class 0 in accordance with IEEE 802.3af. Front-panel Sync and Power indicators provide operating-status information, while the two rear indicators display Ethernet link and speed status. The specified ambient operating range is 0 to 40 degrees C, with 30 degrees C listed as the maximum recommended temperature.

Performance Highlights

The input stage has a specified frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz within ±0.5 dB. Input impedance is greater than 2.5 kΩ in microphone mode and greater than 5 kΩ in line mode. THD+N is below 0.1% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at +4 dBu/-20 dBFS, with a typical value of 0.015% at 1 kHz. CMRR is greater than 65 dB from 50 to 120 Hz, and input-to-input crosstalk is specified below the noise floor at operating level with maximum microphone gain.

The balanced line outputs operate at a nominal +4 dBu and support a maximum level of +24 dBu, providing 20 dB of headroom above +4 dBu. Microphone-level output is nominally -45 dBu into 150 Ω. Output impedance is 150 Ω balanced, output THD is below 0.01% at 1 kHz, and output noise is specified below -80 dB relative to +4 dBu and below -100 dB relative to +24 dBu.

What Makes It Different

Rather than providing only Dante inputs or only Dante outputs, the DDB-BN22 handles both directions in one wall-mounted interface. It places two female input XLRs and two male output XLRs together on the front panel while retaining independent source configuration. The combination of mic/line input selection, three gain settings, P48 phantom power, and mic/line output selection supports several analog signal levels through one Dante endpoint.

Final Assessment

The RDL DDB-BN22 is a focused solution for adding two analog inputs and two analog outputs to a Dante network in a compact wall-mounted form. Its front-panel XLR connections, configurable microphone and line operation, 24-bit audio, 44.1 or 48 kHz sampling, status indicators, and IEEE 802.3af PoE provide the documented functions needed for bidirectional network-audio integration.