Bi-Directional Mic/Line Dante Interface 2 x 2 w/PoE-1 XLR In and 1 Mini-jack In, 2 Out on Rear-Panel Terminal Block-Black

The RDL DDB-BN2ML is a black, bi-directional 2 x 2 Dante interface designed to move analog audio onto and off a Dante network. It converts two standard microphone or line-level sources into Dante channels while converting two Dante signals back to analog line-level outputs. The supplied configuration includes one XLR input, one mini-jack input, and two rear-panel outputs on a detachable terminal block. High-resolution 24-bit analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion supports 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz sample rates.

Ideal Use Cases

This model is suited to networked audio systems that need two analog sources connected to Dante and two Dante channels returned to analog equipment. Its selectable microphone and line-level settings accommodate systems using different source levels, including microphones requiring P48 phantom power. Switch-selectable balanced +4 dBu and unbalanced -10 dBV output levels make the two analog outputs useful when feeding either professional balanced inputs or unbalanced line-level equipment.

Why Choose This Model

The DDB-BN2ML combines two-way Dante conversion, configurable analog gain, and PoE operation in a compact module. Each input provides switches for phantom power, mic/line selection, and gain, allowing the interface to be configured without special module-setup software. Microphone gain settings are 40 dB, 48 dB, and 62 dB. The structured technical data lists line gain settings of unity, 8 dB, and 19 dB. A 20 dB headroom specification supports clean handling of normal operating levels and higher signal peaks.

Installation and Integration

Network connection is provided through an RJ45 port with Ethernet Link and Speed indicators. The interface operates at 100 Mbps using the Dante digital-audio protocol and is powered through PoE Class 0 in accordance with IEEE 802.3af. This single-network-cable approach carries power to the module while connecting it to the audio network. Front-panel Sync and Power indicators provide immediate operating-status confirmation. The two outputs use a balanced, detachable rear-panel terminal block, and each output can be switched between nominal +4 dBu balanced operation and nominal -10 dBV unbalanced operation. The enclosure measures 3.52 inches wide, 4.11 inches high, and 2.09 inches deep.

Performance Highlights

The analog signal path is specified for a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz within ±0.5 dB. Conversion uses a 24-bit depth, with the audio operating relationship specified as -20 dBFS equaling +4 dBu and the reference level specified as 0 dBFS equaling +24 dBu. Input impedance is greater than 2.5 kΩ in microphone mode and greater than 5 kΩ in line mode. P48 phantom power supplies 48 Vdc and is switch-selectable, with IEC 61938:2013 identified as the applicable phantom-power standard.

Input-path THD+N is specified below 0.1% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at +4 dBu/-20 dBFS, with 0.015% typical performance at 1 kHz. CMRR is greater than 65 dB from 50 Hz to 120 Hz, while crosstalk is listed below the noise floor at the operating level. The A-weighted equivalent input noise is specified at -132 dBu. On the output side, THD is below 0.01% at 1 kHz. Maximum output levels are +24 dBu balanced and +10 dBV unbalanced, with 20 dB of headroom above the selected nominal output level.

What Makes It Different

Rather than serving only as an analog-to-network input device or a network-to-analog output device, the DDB-BN2ML performs both jobs in one 2 x 2 interface. Physical selectors place important microphone, line, gain, phantom-power, and output-level choices directly on the module. RDL analog filtering complements the 24-bit conversion, while the selectable output formats allow the same interface to work with balanced +4 dBu and unbalanced -10 dBV signal paths. Dante networking, compact dimensions, and IEEE 802.3af PoE further streamline integration.

Final Assessment

The RDL DDB-BN2ML provides a focused solution for adding two analog inputs and two analog outputs to a Dante network. Its combination of microphone and line-level configuration, P48 phantom power, three selectable gain positions, dual output-level standards, 24-bit conversion, and PoE operation addresses the essential requirements of bidirectional analog and Dante integration. Clearly labeled status indicators and hardware-based setup controls make its operating state and core audio settings readily accessible.