Bi-Directional Mic/Line Dante Interface 4 x 2 w/PoE-Software Configurable-4 XLR In, 2 Out on Rear-Panel Terminal Block-Stainless Steel

Ideal Use Cases

The RDL DDS-RN40 is designed for audio systems that need to move analog signals onto and off a Dante network through one compact interface. Its four front-panel XLR inputs accept standard microphone or line sources and convert them to four Dante network channels. At the same time, two Dante network signals are converted to line-level analog outputs on a detachable rear-panel terminal block. This 4 x 2 arrangement addresses systems that require several local sources plus a pair of analog returns without separate input and output interfaces.

It is especially relevant when software-managed gain, phantom power, and output levels are required. A Q-SYS plug-in is available for configuration in a Q-SYS environment, while network control software handles the module’s setup and adjustment.

Why Choose This Model

Each input can be configured for microphone or line operation without relying on fixed hardware gain settings. Microphone gain selections are 35 dB, 42 dB, or 59 dB, while line sources can use unity or 12 dB gain. Software-selectable P48 phantom power supplies 48 Vdc for compatible microphones and follows IEC 61938: 2013. On the output side, each channel includes a software-controlled attenuator adjustable in 1 dB steps.

The DDS-RN40 also combines analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion in the same bi-directional module. This supports straightforward integration when both Dante inputs and Dante outputs are needed at a single system location.

Installation and Integration

Four XLR mic/line connections are positioned on the front panel, while the two balanced outputs use a detachable terminal block on the rear panel. The RJ45 network connector includes Link and Speed indicators, and the unit operates at a 100 Mbps transmission rate. Front-panel Sync and Power indicators provide additional operating status.

Power is supplied through PoE Class 0 in accordance with IEEE 802.3af. Configuration and adjustment are performed through network control software, including input gain, phantom power, and output attenuation. The module measures 3.52 inches wide, 4.11 inches high, and 2.09 inches deep. Its specified ambient operating range is 0°C to 40°C, with 30°C listed as the maximum recommended temperature.

Performance Highlights

The interface supports 24-bit conversion at sample rates of 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz, with 48 kHz designated as the default. Frequency response is specified from 20 Hz to 20 kHz within ±0.5 dB. The operating relationship is +4 dBu at -18 dBFS, while the reference level reaches +22 dBu at 0 dBFS.

For microphone operation, equivalent input noise is below -128 dBu at 59 dB gain and below -130 dBu A-weighted. THD+N is below 0.1% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at +4 dBu/-18 dBFS, and CMRR exceeds 65 dB from 50 Hz to 120 Hz. Crosstalk is specified below the noise floor at operating level with maximum microphone gain.

The balanced outputs provide a nominal +4 dBu operating level and a maximum level of +22 dBu. Output impedance is 150 ohms balanced, THD is below 0.01% at 1 kHz, and available headroom above +4 dBu or -10 dBV is 20 dB.

What Makes It Different

The DDS-RN40 combines four software-configurable XLR input paths with two balanced analog output paths in a compact stainless-steel model. Per-input microphone or line gain selection, individual P48 control, and per-output attenuation allow the interface to be adapted through software rather than manual internal adjustments.

RDL analog filtering complements the 24-bit conversion architecture, while the published noise, distortion, frequency-response, and crosstalk specifications define its audio performance. Q-SYS plug-in availability adds another configuration option for systems built around that environment.

Final Assessment

The RDL DDS-RN40 is a focused 4-input, 2-output Dante interface for installations requiring front-panel XLR mic/line connectivity, balanced analog returns, and network-based control. Its selectable gain ranges, software-controlled P48, 1 dB output attenuation, 24-bit conversion, and IEEE 802.3af PoE place the essential input, output, power, and configuration functions in one compact module.