Digital Audio to Network Interface-Dante

The RDL SF-DN4 is a digital-audio-to-network interface designed to convert two stereo digital audio sources into four Dante network audio channels. Its input connections support S/PDIF optical, 75 Ω coaxial S/PDIF on RCA jacks, and 110 Ω AES/EBU through transformer-isolated XLR connectors. This combination provides a direct connection point between supported digital audio sources and a 100 Mbps Dante network, with 24-bit audio support and selectable Dante output sample rates.

Ideal Use Cases

The SF-DN4 is suited to systems that need to place existing stereo digital audio sources onto a Dante network. It can accommodate source equipment equipped with optical S/PDIF, coaxial S/PDIF, or professional AES/EBU outputs without limiting the installation to one connector format.

Its conversion capacity is clearly defined: two stereo digital sources become four Dante network audio channels. This makes the model appropriate when the required channel count and source formats match that configuration. Input sample rates from 32 kHz through 192 kHz are supported, allowing the interface to accept a wide range of source sample rates within its stated operating range.

Why Choose This Model

The interface provides six physical digital audio inputs: two 110 Ω AES/EBU XLR inputs, two 75 Ω S/PDIF RCA inputs, and two S/PDIF optical inputs. The AES/EBU connections are transformer isolated. Together, these connections give installers three supported digital input formats for connecting the two stereo sources.

On the Dante side, selectable output sample rates include 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, and 96 kHz. The default output rate is 48 kHz. Audio bit depth support is 24 bits. These documented parameters make it straightforward to determine whether the SF-DN4 matches the sample-rate and bit-depth requirements of a planned Dante system.

Installation and Integration

Network connection is provided through an RJ45 connector with rear-panel Link and Speed indicators. The specified transmission rate is 100 Mbps, and power is supplied using PoE Class 0 in accordance with IEEE 802.3af. This places the network connection and documented power requirement on the Ethernet side of the installation.

The enclosure measures 4.23 inches wide, 1.68 inches high, and 5.77 inches deep, equivalent to 10.74 by 4.27 by 14.66 centimeters. The supported ambient operating environment ranges from 0° C to 50° C. Mounting options are not specified in the supplied product data, so placement should be planned around the listed enclosure dimensions and operating range.

Performance Highlights

The SF-DN4 supports input sample rates from 32 kHz to 192 kHz. Dante output can be configured for 44.1, 48, 88.2, or 96 kHz, with 48 kHz serving as the default setting. Supported bit depth is 24 bits.

Connection specifications are equally explicit. The two AES/EBU XLR inputs have 110 Ω impedance and transformer isolation, while the two coaxial S/PDIF RCA inputs have 75 Ω impedance. Two optical S/PDIF inputs complete the six-input connector complement. Five indicators provide operating information: Ethernet Link and Speed indicators on the rear panel, plus one Sync indicator and two Lock indicators on the front panel.

What Makes It Different

The defining feature of the SF-DN4 is the combination of three digital source connection standards in one Dante interface. Two XLR, two RCA, and two optical connections support the conversion of two stereo sources into four Dante channels. That format coverage is paired with selectable Dante sample rates, transformer-isolated AES/EBU inputs, front-panel synchronization and lock indication, and rear-panel Ethernet status indication.

Its PoE Class 0, IEEE 802.3af power requirement and 100 Mbps network specification further define how the interface integrates into the network environment. Rather than leaving core system requirements unstated, the supplied data identifies the supported input rates, Dante output rates, bit depth, connector impedances, operating temperature, and physical dimensions.

Final Assessment

The RDL SF-DN4 is a focused choice for converting two stereo optical S/PDIF, coaxial S/PDIF, or AES/EBU digital sources into four 24-bit Dante network channels. Its selectable 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz Dante rates, 32-to-192 kHz input support, status indicators, RJ45 network connection, and IEEE 802.3af PoE requirement provide the concrete information needed to evaluate it for a compatible digital audio installation.