MuxLab 500552 - 2-Channel Dante Analog Audio Decoder
The MuxLab 500552 is a professional integration solution designed to bridge the gap between next-generation digital audio networks and traditional analog equipment. This decoder acts as a vital bridge in any modern audiovisual infrastructure, allowing you to extract digital audio signals from a Dante network and convert them with high fidelity to two-channel analog signals.
Ideal for fixed installations and distributed sound systems, this device guarantees clean, interference-free signal transmission over standard network cabling (Cat5e/6), eliminating the need for costly and cumbersome multi-pair analog cabling. Thanks to its compatibility with the AES67 standard, the equipment ensures full interoperability with a wide range of audio-over-IP devices, making it a future-proof investment for system engineers and installers.
Its compact and robust design in a metal casing makes it easy to install in confined spaces, such as behind screens, under conference tables or in equipment racks, providing transparent, studio-quality signal conversion for amplifiers, powered speakers or analog mixers.
Main Features
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High Fidelity Decoding: Converts Dante digital signals to analog with support for sampling frequencies of 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz and 96 kHz at a depth of 24 bits , ensuring crystal clear audio quality.
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Flexible Outputs: It has balanced or unbalanced audio outputs using Phoenix (Euroblock) connectors, allowing a safe and professional connection.
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Versatile Gain Management: Offers three selectable gain levels ( +18 dBu, 0 dBu and -10 dBV ) to perfectly suit both industrial professional audio equipment and consumer-level devices.
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Dual Power Supply: It can be conveniently powered over the network via PoE (Power over Ethernet) , simplifying installation by requiring only one cable, or via an external 12V DC power supply.
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AES67 Compatibility: Supports RTP audio transport, allowing integration with systems that use this open audio over IP standard.
Benefits of Systems Integration
The MuxLab 500552 solves common connectivity problems in audiovisual projects. By utilizing existing network infrastructure, it dramatically reduces installation and maintenance costs. The ability to adjust output gain is a critical benefit; it allows the integrator to precisely match the signal requirements of the destination amplifier or processor, preventing distortion from saturation or high noise levels from weak signals.
Furthermore, device management is centralized through the Dante Controller software, allowing audio to be routed from any point on the network to this decoder with just a few clicks, offering unprecedented flexibility for last-minute configuration changes without the need for physical rewiring.
Use Cases
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Conference Rooms: To send audio from Dante microphones or digital DSPs to analog zone amplifiers or sound reinforcement systems.
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Auditoriums and Education: Ideal for powering induction loop systems for people with hearing disabilities or for sending audio to overflow rooms.
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Hospitality and Retail: Distribution of background music and announcements from a central server to local amplifiers distributed in different areas of the building.
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Live Sound Systems: Used as a "digital hose tail" to deliver console outputs to amplifier racks on stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an external power supply for it to work?
Not necessarily. If your network switch supports PoE (Power over Ethernet 802.3af), the device can receive power and data through the same network cable. If you don't have PoE, you can use a 12V DC power supply.
How do I configure audio routing?
All signal routing is managed through Audinate's free Dante Controller software, available for Windows and Mac. The device will automatically appear on the network for configuration.
What type of connectors does it use for audio output?
It uses 6-pin detachable terminal block connectors (Phoenix/Euroblock type), which are the standard in professional installations for their safety and reliability in wired connections.
Project description
Two-channel digital-to-analog audio decoder compatible with Dante networks and the AES67 standard. Supports sampling rates of 44.1, 48, and 96 kHz at 24 bits. Features a balanced/unbalanced analog output via a 6-pin Phoenix connector with software or hardware selectable gain at +18 dBu, 0 dBu, and -10 dBV levels. Flexible power options include PoE (IEEE 802.3af Class 0) or a local 12V DC input. Housed in a compact metal chassis for professional integration.
