Line-Level Bi-Directional Network Interface-2 Balanced Line Inputs, Dante Input-2 Balanced Line Outputs, Dante Output

The RDL RU-LB2 is a two-input, two-output bidirectional network interface that connects standard line-level analog audio with Dante network channels. It converts two analog sources into Dante outputs while converting two received Dante signals into balanced line-level outputs. The analog inputs accept unbalanced -10 dBV or balanced +4 dBu signals, and the outputs provide a nominal +4 dBu level. High-resolution 24-bit analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion supports 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz sample rates.

Ideal Use Cases

The RU-LB2 is suited to systems that need to move a pair of analog audio sources onto a Dante network while also returning two network channels to analog equipment. Its compact enclosure can be installed in a rack or mounted to a surface, making it adaptable to equipment rooms and other fixed audio installations.

• Connecting two standard line-level sources to Dante network channels
• Converting two Dante signals to balanced +4 dBu analog outputs
• Integrating balanced +4 dBu and unbalanced -10 dBV source equipment
• Adding two Dante inputs and two Dante outputs in a compact interface
• Monitoring analog input levels and received network audio from the front panel

Why Choose This Model

Each analog input includes a front-panel gain adjustment and dual-LED VU meter, allowing the input level to be set and observed directly at the unit. Separate signal LEDs indicate audio activity for the two received Dante channels. Network System and Sync indicators provide visible network status, while Ethernet Link and Speed indicators are located at the RJ45 connection.

The interface provides more than 18 dB of headroom above +4 dBu. Its stated audio specifications include a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response within ±0.5 dB, THD+N below 0.05%, CMRR greater than 60 dB from 50 Hz to 120 Hz, and crosstalk below 85 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

Installation and Integration

Two balanced inputs and two balanced outputs are provided on detachable terminal blocks. The outputs have an impedance of 150 Ω balanced or 75 Ω unbalanced and deliver a nominal +4 dBu signal. The input impedance is greater than 20 kΩ. Dante connectivity is provided through an RJ45 network connector operating at 100 Mbps.

The RU-LB2 measures 5.8 inches wide, 1.7 inches high, and 5.2 inches deep. It is equipped for either rack mounting or surface mounting. Power connections include a power jack and detachable terminal block. The stated requirement is 24 Vdc at 120 mA plus connected loads. Recommended power supplies are the PS-24AS for the USA and PS-24AX for international use. PoE and normal or hot-standby PoE operation apply specifically to the RU-LB2P model.

Performance Highlights

The RU-LB2 operates with 24-bit conversion and supports 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz sample rates, with 48 kHz identified as the default. Its operating reference is 18 dBFS equal to +4 dBu. The line-level inputs accommodate unbalanced -10 dBV or balanced +4 dBu sources, while the balanced outputs maintain a nominal +4 dBu operating level.

Noise is specified below -80 dB relative to +4 dBu while the output is active and below -95 dB when the outputs are muted. More than 18 dB of output headroom supports line-level signal peaks. RDL analog filtering complements the analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion, while the front-panel meters and indicators provide immediate confirmation of input levels, received signals, power, network synchronization, link status, and connection speed.

What Makes It Different

Rather than handling only analog-to-network or network-to-analog conversion, the RU-LB2 combines both paths in one enclosure. It interfaces two Dante inputs and two Dante outputs, with dedicated local connections for two analog inputs and two analog outputs. This arrangement reduces the need for separate conversion devices when both send and receive channels are required.

The combination of adjustable input gain, dual-LED VU metering, received-signal indicators, and network synchronization indicators also places essential setup and monitoring information on the hardware itself. Detachable terminal blocks support fixed wiring, while the rack-mounting and surface-mounting options provide installation flexibility.

Final Assessment

The RDL RU-LB2 provides a focused two-channel bridge in both directions between line-level analog equipment and a Dante network. Its 24-bit conversion, 44.1 and 48 kHz support, balanced +4 dBu outputs, greater than 18 dB headroom, detachable terminal connections, and extensive status indication make its capabilities clearly defined for compact Dante integration. For applications requiring two analog-to-Dante channels and two Dante-to-analog channels in the same device, it offers the necessary conversion and front-panel monitoring in a mountable enclosure.