IR Plus Flex with Dante

The Williams AV IR+ Flex with Dante is a black, single-rack-unit infrared audio system designed around flexible audio input, signal processing, emitter connectivity, monitoring, and remote configuration. Its 19-inch rack format, dual combination audio inputs, four RJ-45 emitter outputs, DSP-based processing, and selectable carrier frequencies support structured integration into installed infrared audio systems.

Ideal Use Cases

This model is suited to rack-based installations that require infrared audio distribution across a substantial coverage area. The supplied specifications list coverage up to 18,000 square feet when operating in single-channel mode. Selectable 2.3/2.8 MHz or 3.3/3.8 MHz carrier frequencies provide options for configuring the infrared transmission system.

Dual audio inputs and separate front-panel monitoring for channels A and B make the system appropriate when installers need to connect, configure, and verify multiple audio sources. Embedded web configuration also supports applications where settings must be accessed remotely instead of exclusively from the equipment rack.

Why Choose This Model

The IR+ Flex combines input flexibility with built-in diagnostic and processing functions. Two combination 3-pin XLR and 1/4-inch TRS inputs accept balanced or unbalanced line-level signals, as well as balanced or unbalanced microphone signals. Selectable phantom power is available for compatible microphone connections.

DSP-based audio processing includes selectable compression ratios of 1:1, 1.5:1, or 2:1, plus high-pass and low-pass filter frequency control. An adjustable auto carrier shut-off timer can stop the carrier when no audio is present, and its timing can be configured through the embedded webpage. A 400 Hz internal test tone provides a dedicated source for setup and diagnostics.

Installation and Integration

The chassis occupies one 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 +48 VDC at 0.75 A through a center-positive output.

Four RJ-45 emitter output ports accept CAT5e cables. These connections carry +48 VDC power, RS-485 communication, and baseband signals for infrared transmission, consolidating the required emitter link functions on a single cable. The supplied connectivity information also specifies that +48 VDC power, RS-485 communication, and baseband signals are carried from the IR M1 through an RJ-45 connection.

Remote configuration is available through an embedded website. Two 1/4-inch headphone jacks on the front panel allow direct monitoring of channel A and channel B audio inputs, while the rocker-style power switch includes an LED for visible power status.

Performance Highlights

The electrical frequency response is rated from 40 Hz to 16,000 Hz at +1 dB/-3 dB. The listed signal-to-noise ratio is 67 dB typical, and total harmonic distortion is less than 2 percent for the electrical response. FM wideband modulation uses +50 kHz deviation with 50 µs pre-emphasis.

Selectable carrier-frequency pairs allow operation at 2.3/2.8 MHz or 3.3/3.8 MHz. Alongside the internal test tone, dual infrared test LEDs support receiver testing, monitoring, and audio-signal testing. These diagnostic resources give installers multiple ways to check the signal path during initial setup or subsequent system evaluation.

What Makes It Different

The combination of embedded web access, DSP processing, front-panel channel monitoring, and CAT5e-based emitter connectivity distinguishes the IR+ Flex configuration. The model name identifies this listing as IR+ Flex with Dante, while the supplied technical specification lists Dante as optional. The ordering configuration should therefore be matched to SKU IR ME2 D when Dante capability is required.

The adjustable carrier shut-off function can reduce unnecessary carrier operation during periods without audio, while the internal 400 Hz tone and dual infrared test LEDs provide integrated setup tools without requiring an external program source for every diagnostic check.

Final Assessment

The Williams AV IR+ Flex with Dante brings together rackmount installation, flexible balanced or unbalanced audio input, selectable microphone phantom power, DSP compression and filtering, web-based configuration, and four RJ-45 emitter connections. It is specified for operation from 0-50°C in a non-condensing, non-corrosive atmosphere and carries CE, FCC, RoHS, RCM, WEEE, CB Scheme, ISED, and VCCI approvals.

The listed warranty is two years for the modulator and 90 days for accessories. For installations centered on configurable infrared audio transmission, channel-specific monitoring, and consolidated CAT5e emitter connections, the IR+ Flex provides a clearly defined set of integration and diagnostic functions.