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

The RDL DDB-RN40 is a black, bi-directional 4 x 2 Dante network interface that connects analog mic and line equipment with networked audio systems. Four front-panel XLR inputs convert standard microphone or line-level sources into Dante network channels, while two Dante channels are converted to balanced line-level outputs on a detachable rear-panel terminal block. Network control software provides configuration and adjustment, and the interface operates through PoE Class 0 power under IEEE 802.3af.

Ideal Use Cases

The DDB-RN40 is suited to Dante systems that require four analog sources to enter the network and two network channels to return as analog line-level signals. Its selectable microphone gain, line gain and 48 V phantom power accommodate both microphone and line sources. The available Q-SYS plug-in also supports configuration within a Q-SYS environment. Front-panel XLR inputs provide direct source connections, while the rear terminal block supports balanced output wiring.

Why Choose This Model

Each input can be configured through software for the connected source. Microphone gain selections are 35 dB, 42 dB or 59 dB, while line gain can be set to unity or 12 dB. P48 phantom power is individually software-selectable and follows IEC 61938: 2013. On the output side, each channel includes a software-controlled attenuator adjustable in 1 dB steps. This combination provides control over input sensitivity, microphone powering and output level without physical gain or phantom selectors on the module.

Installation and Integration

The network connection uses an RJ45 port with Link and Speed indicators and supports a 100 Mbps transmission rate. Dante audio can operate at 44.1 kHz or at the default 48 kHz sample rate, with 24-bit analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion. Power is supplied using PoE Class 0 under IEEE 802.3af. Rear-panel Ethernet Link and Speed indicators show network status, while front-panel Sync and Power indicators provide immediate operating feedback. The module measures 3.52 inches wide, 4.11 inches high and 2.09 inches deep.

Performance Highlights

The DDB-RN40 provides a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz within ±0.5 dB. Its audio operating alignment is 18 dBFS at +4 dBu, with a reference level of 0 dBFS at +22 dBu. Equivalent input noise is specified below -128 dBu at 59 dB gain and below -130 dBu A-weighted. Input THD+N is below 0.1% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at +4 dBu/-18 dBFS, while common-mode rejection exceeds 65 dB from 50 Hz to 120 Hz. Crosstalk is specified below the noise floor at operating level across the 20 Hz to 20 kHz range.

The two balanced outputs deliver a nominal +4 dBu operating level and a maximum balanced level of +22 dBu. Output impedance is 150 ohms balanced, with THD below 0.01% at 1 kHz. Available headroom above +4 dBu or -10 dBV is 20 dB. RDL analog filtering complements the 24-bit conversion architecture and the specified low-noise performance.

What Makes It Different

The DDB-RN40 combines four software-configurable analog input paths with two Dante-to-analog output paths in one bi-directional interface. The four front-panel XLR connections, detachable rear output block, selectable mic and line gain, individual P48 selection and 1 dB output attenuation provide a defined control set for mixed microphone and line-level requirements. Configuration through network control software, along with the available Q-SYS plug-in, supports both direct network adjustment and integration into a Q-SYS environment.

Final Assessment

For systems requiring four mic or line sources to feed Dante and two Dante signals to return at balanced line level, the RDL DDB-RN40 provides the required conversion, software control and PoE operation in a compact module. Its 24-bit conversion, selectable gain structure, P48 phantom power, specified 20 Hz to 20 kHz response and balanced +22 dBu maximum outputs make its audio capabilities and integration requirements clear before installation.