Nixer PD Dante

The PLR Dante provides simple and compact local monitoring of a Dante/AES67 AoIP network. It is ideal for use in commentary suites at major sporting events where a Dante network is in use, and allows operators, commentators or non-technical staff to select any one of the multiple channels which may available for monitoring.

[Main feature set:]

  • Local Dante monitoring station for two users
  • Very simple operation
  • Dual remote control panel supplied with unit
  • Channel selection with up/down buttons
  • OLED display shows channel number and name
  • Two balanced analogue line outputs
  • Two Ethernet ports: caters for redundant networks or permits other Dante/network devices to be linked
  • Compatible with 44.1/48 kHz (64 chs) and 88.2/96 kHz (32 chs) sample rates
  • 16, 24 and 32-bit depths supported
  • AES67 compatible
  • Headphone output
  • Compatible with Audinate Domain Manager software
  • Powered via PoE: USB powering also possible
  • USB port for external power and firmware updates
  • Rapid boot time

For rapid deployment at broadcast or live sound events, the PD Dante is a very comprehensive, hand-held, PoE or USB-powered Dante network monitor/analyser. It uses a  touchscreen for control, and displays the status of all Dante channels. Monitoring is via internal speakers or headphones and the unit has many additional functions. For permanent installation in OB vehicles or fixed installations, the RD Dante provides all the facilities of the PD Dante in a 2U 19” rackmounting unit, with dual redundant power supplies and a pair of 3” diameter loudspeakers for improved audio quality.

Description

The Nixer PLR Dante is essentially a dual break-out box for use at major sporting events, multi-stage music festivals or similar large broadcast situations where a Dante AoIP network is in use either as the primary event audio backbone, or simply as an internal audio distribution network. It allows non-technical staff such as commentators, presenters or continuity announcers to monitor any one Dante audio channel at a time. It uses the same technology as the powerful PD Dante and RD Dante analysers, but with a greatly simplified and dedicated control panel.

The PLR Dante consists of the PLR64 base unit, with a remote control panel connected to the base unit by a 1.5 m multicore Dsub cable. The remote control panel fits a standard UK-size dual-gang electrical back box and is intended for use by two adjacent operators. Each operator can select the Dante channel they need to hear by scrolling through the available channels with up/down buttons, while a small OLED display shows the Dante channel number and the name that has been assigned to it by the network controller software. As the PLR Dante appears to the network as a standard Dante device, the system administrator can ensure during event preparation that each operator only has access to the subset of channels that they are likely to need. Alternatively, a channel can be assigned to each operator position and the audio assigned per-position in the upstream routing or distribution system.

The selected audio channel is available at the XLR connector below the display as a balanced line level signal; maximum output level is +21 dBm into a 600 ohm load. The remote control panel is powered from the base unit.

The PLR64 base unit  connects to the network with a standard RJ45 cable and is then recognised by the system’s Audinate Dante Controller software as a network device. Once established on the network, the Dante channels assigned to the unit will be available for selection by the remote control panel. Two Ethernet ports are provided, to allow the unit to reside on a dual redundant network, or for device linking. In addition to the line outputs on the remote control panel, the two selected channels may also be checked on stereo headphones via a 3.5 mm TRS jack on the base unit. An AES3 digital output is also available on the Dsub connector which connects to the remote control panel: this carries the two selected audio channels. The base unit is fitted with mounting brackets which allow it be easily fitted to a wall, the underside of a desk or any other convenient surface.

PLR Dante is AES67 compatible, and will operate on Dante networks of 16, 24 or 32 bit depth, working at 44.1/48 kHz (64 audio channels) or 88.2/96 kHz (32 audio channels). It is also fully compatible with Audinate’s New Dante Domain Manager software.

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