MuxLab 500556 - 4-Channel Dante Audio DSP Processor with PoE and TCP/IP Control
The MuxLab 500556 is a professional digital signal processing (DSP) solution designed to bridge the gap between traditional analog audio and modern audio-over-IP networks. This device is more than just an interface; it's a powerful audio management engine capable of transmitting, routing, and processing signals with ultra-low latency in Dante ecosystems. Ideal for commercial and corporate installations, this equipment allows for the direct integration of analog microphones and line sources into a digital network infrastructure, ensuring exceptional sound fidelity and complete flexibility in audio distribution.
Equipped with state-of-the-art acoustic processing algorithms, the MuxLab 500556 acts as the brain of your room. Thanks to its powerful internal DSP chip, it offers advanced correction tools such as Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC) , Feedback Suppression (AFC), and Noise Reduction (ANS). These features are critical for ensuring crystal-clear speech intelligibility in video conferences and presentations, eliminating the annoying background noise and feedback that often ruin the user experience.
Its compact and robust design facilitates installation in any location, and it can be powered directly through the network cable via PoE (Power over Ethernet) , eliminating the need for external power supplies and simplifying cabling in suspended ceilings or racks. Furthermore, its full compatibility with the AES67 standard ensures interoperability with other IP audio systems on the market, protecting your investment in the future.
Main features
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Hybrid Analog/Digital Interface: It has 4 balanced analog inputs and 4 balanced analog outputs via Euroblock connectors, plus 4 digital input and output channels via the Dante network.
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Advanced DSP Processing: Includes a full suite of audio tools: matrix mixing, parametric (PEQ) and graphic (GEQ) equalization, compressor, limiter, and automatic gain control.
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Voice Optimization: Dedicated AEC (Echo Cancellation), AFC (Feedback Cancellation) and ANS (Noise Suppression) algorithms for high-quality conferences.
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Flexible Power Supply: It can operate via PoE from a compatible switch or with a 12V DC power supply, offering versatility in installation.
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Total Control: Simple management through Windows software and integration capability with third-party automation systems via RS-485 and TCP/IP APIs.
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Professional Connectivity: Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports for integration into high-speed data networks and secure Euroblock connectors for analog wiring.
Benefits for the integrator and the end user
For system integrators, the MuxLab 500556 is a versatile tool that reduces on-site setup time. The ability to remotely adjust EQ and dynamics curves over the network allows for precise fine-tuning without physical access to the equipment. For end users, the benefit is immediate: clean, echo-free, and distortion-free sound from a system that simply works. Furthermore, its support for phantom power (+48V) allows for the direct connection of professional condenser microphones without the need for additional external preamps.
Recommended use cases
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Conference and Meeting Rooms: Management of multiple table or ceiling microphones, eliminating echo from video calls and mixing presentation audio.
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Auditoriums and Higher Education: Audio routing from the teacher's lectern to the class recording system and the room speakers simultaneously via Dante.
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Hospitality and Retail: Zoning of background music and announcements, allowing processing and limiting of volume to maintain a pleasant and compliant environment.
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Health Centers and Hospitals: Clear public address and communication systems where message intelligibility is a priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does the equipment provide phantom power for microphones?
Yes, the analog inputs support 48V phantom power, which can be activated via software, allowing the use of professional condenser microphones.
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Do I need to install drivers to use it with Dante?
The device uses the standard Dante protocol. Routing is handled by Audinate's Dante Controller software, and internal DSP processing is handled by MuxLab's proprietary control software.
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Can I control the volume from an external panel?
Yes, thanks to its compatibility with external control via TCP/IP and RS-485, it can be integrated with room control systems (such as touch panels) to manage volume and presets.
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What is the system's latency?
Latency is extremely low, typically 1 ms from Dante to analog and vice versa, which is imperceptible for live sound and conference applications.
Project description
A 4-channel audio digital signal processor (DSP) with a Dante interface. The device must have four balanced analog inputs and four balanced analog outputs on Euroblock connectors and four 4-channel Dante digital outputs over a Gigabit network. It must support Power over Ethernet (PoE) and an external 12V DC power supply. Audio specifications include a 48 kHz sampling rate at 24 bits, with a system latency of 1 ms. The internal DSP must offer matrix mixing, parametric and graphic equalization, compression, limiting, acoustic echo cancellation (AEC), feedback suppression (AFC), and noise cancellation (ANS). It must allow for software management and configuration in a Windows environment and offer integration with third-party control systems via TCP/IP API and RS-485. Native compatibility with the AES67 standard is required.
