Digital Audio Selector-AES/EBU and S/PDIF

The RDL HR-DSX4 is a 4 x 1 digital audio selector that combines source selection, signal reclocking, and output format conversion. Its four source positions accommodate 110 Ω AES/EBU on XLR, optical S/PDIF, and 75 Ω coaxial S/PDIF or AES-3ID on phono jacks. A rear-panel selector establishes the output format as AES/EBU, S/PDIF, or AES-3ID. The unit supports digital audio resolutions from 16 to 24 bits and sample rates from 32 kHz to 192 kHz.

Ideal Use Cases

The HR-DSX4 is suited to professional audio systems that need to select one of four digital sources for a shared destination. Its combination of AES/EBU, optical S/PDIF, and coaxial S/PDIF or AES-3ID connectivity supports installations containing equipment with different digital interfaces. Output format conversion is useful when the selected source and connected destination do not use the same format. Local or remote-controlled switching allows the selector to operate directly or as part of a remotely managed system.

Why Choose This Model

This model brings selection, reclocking, and format conversion together in one device. Each of the four source positions provides access to the supported input formats instead of limiting the system to a single connection type. The four 110 Ω AES/EBU XLR inputs are transformer isolated, as is the AES/EBU output. An open-collector output identifies the selected input for integration with external monitoring or control equipment. Six indicators communicate power, the selected input, and remote-control mode. If a valid signal is not connected to the selected input, its input LED flashes to make that condition visible.

Installation and Integration

The input section contains twelve connections: four transformer-isolated 110 Ω AES/EBU XLR inputs, four optical S/PDIF inputs, and four 75 Ω coaxial S/PDIF or AES-3ID phono inputs. Output connections include a transformer-isolated 110 Ω AES/EBU XLR, an optical S/PDIF output, and a 75 Ω S/PDIF or AES-3ID phono jack. The rear-panel selector sets the required output format. Power requirements are a ground-referenced 24 to 33 Vdc supply at 50 mA. Recommended power supplies are the PS-24AS for the USA and PS-24AX for international use; the power supply is not included. The specified ambient operating range is 0° C to 50° C, and supported standards are AES3-2003 and IEC60958.

Performance Highlights

The HR-DSX4 handles sample rates from 32 kHz through 192 kHz and resolutions from 16 through 24 bits. Signal reclocking is applied as part of its 4 x 1 digital audio selection capability. Sure-Lok auto-recovery supervision monitors possible causes of latch-up and reinitiates signal lock. This supervision is intended to provide highly stable operation across the variety of conditions encountered in professional environments. The combination of wide sample-rate support and selectable output formatting allows the unit to accommodate multiple digital audio configurations without changing its core routing function.

What Makes It Different

The defining feature is its flexible format handling across four selectable source positions. The twelve physical inputs provide four connections for each supported input family, while the output section supports AES/EBU, optical S/PDIF, and coaxial S/PDIF or AES-3ID. The selected signal can be converted to the format established by the rear-panel selector. Transformer isolation is provided on the AES/EBU inputs and output, while Sure-Lok supervision adds automatic recovery of signal lock. Local and remote switching, selected-input open-collector status, and clear LED feedback extend the unit beyond basic manual source selection.

Final Assessment

The RDL HR-DSX4 is a focused solution for selecting, reclocking, and converting professional digital audio signals. It is best matched to systems requiring four-source selection across AES/EBU, optical S/PDIF, or coaxial S/PDIF and AES-3ID connections. Support for audio up to 24 bits and 192 kHz, transformer-isolated AES/EBU paths, remote switching, status output, and Sure-Lok supervision gives integrators a clearly specified set of routing and reliability features.