IR Plus Combo with Dante

Ideal Use Cases

The Williams AV IR Plus Combo with Dante is designed for infrared audio transmission installations requiring centralized, rack-mounted control and coverage of up to 18,000 square feet in single-channel mode. Its two audio inputs accommodate balanced or unbalanced line-level signals as well as balanced or unbalanced microphones. Selectable phantom power supports compatible microphone configurations. Built-in testing and monitoring functions make the system suitable for installations where technicians need direct access to input audio, carrier diagnostics, and receiver testing.

Why Choose This Model

Two combination three-pin XLR and 1/4-inch TRS input connectors provide flexibility when integrating microphones and line-level sources. Selectable carrier frequencies of 2.3/2.8 MHz or 3.3/3.8 MHz allow the modulator to be configured for the required IR transmission arrangement. DSP-based processing includes selectable compression ratios of 1:1, 1.5:1, or 2:1, along with adjustable high-pass and low-pass filter frequencies. An adjustable auto carrier shut-off timer stops the carrier when no audio is present and can be configured through the embedded webpage.

Installation and Integration

The black chassis occupies a single rack unit and measures 19 inches wide by 1.75 inches high by 8.2 inches deep. Its listed weight is 5.2 pounds. The international desktop power supply accepts 110–240 VAC at 50–60 Hz and provides a +48 VDC, 0.75 A center-positive output, with a listed input rating of 36 W. A rocker-style power switch includes an LED for visible operating status.

Four RJ-45 emitter output ports accept CAT5e cabling. Through a single cable, the connection carries +48 VDC power, RS-485 communication, and baseband signals for IR transmission. The system data also specifies 48 VDC power supplied by the IR M1 over CAT5e. Remote configuration is available through an embedded website, giving installers access to supported settings without relying exclusively on front-panel adjustments.

Performance Highlights

FM wideband modulation operates with +50 kHz deviation and 50 µs pre-emphasis. The specified electrical frequency response extends from 40 Hz to 16,000 Hz at +1 dB/-3 dB, while the typical signal-to-noise ratio is 67 dB. Total harmonic distortion is specified at less than 2 percent for the electrical response. In single-channel mode, the stated coverage area reaches up to 18,000 square feet.

The operating environment is specified for ambient temperatures from 0°C to 50°C in a non-condensing, non-corrosive atmosphere. Listed approvals include CE, FCC, RoHS, RCM, WEEE, CB Scheme, ISED, and VCCI.

What Makes It Different

A selectable internal 400 Hz test tone can serve as the audio input source during setup and diagnostics. Dual infrared test LEDs support receiver testing, monitoring, and audio-signal testing. Two front-panel 1/4-inch headphone jacks provide dedicated monitoring for Channel A and Channel B audio inputs, helping technicians verify both input paths directly at the rack.

The product title identifies this as the Dante configuration, while the supplied technical data lists Dante as optional within the platform. The embedded configuration webpage, adjustable carrier shut-off, DSP controls, test tone, and integrated IR test LEDs create a focused set of commissioning and maintenance tools without requiring unsupported performance assumptions.

Final Assessment

The IR Plus Combo with Dante brings together dual microphone or line inputs, selectable IR carrier frequencies, four CAT5e emitter connections, DSP-based audio control, remote webpage configuration, and front-panel monitoring in a single-rack-unit chassis. Its documented test features and specified single-channel coverage make it a technically detailed choice for an IR audio system that must be configured, checked, and monitored from one central component. The listed warranty is two years on the modulator and 90 days on accessories.