Studio Technologies Announces Enhanced Model 545DC & Model 545DR Intercom Interfaces

Products Allow Users to Incorporate Legacy Analog Party-line Intercom Systems into Contemporary Dante® Applications

SKOKIE, IL, FEBRUARY 13, 2023 – Studio Technologies, manufacturer of high-quality audio, video, and fiber-optic  solutions, announces the Model 545DC and Model 545DR Intercom Interfaces. The units allow users to utilize analog party-line (PL) intercom circuits with contemporary Dante® Audio-over-Ethernet (AoE) applications.

“Analog party-line (PL) intercom remains a staple of broadcast, theater, and industrial workflows, creating a need for seamless integration into modern Dante applications,” said Gordon Kapes, President of Studio Technologies. “Our enhanced, intercom interfaces ensure that analog PL applications can become part of contemporary Dante-based applications. The supported audio quality is excellent, ensuring that all users are provided with effective intercommunications.”

The Model 545DC supports two single-channel PL intercom circuits and is directly compatible with single-channel analog party-line (PL) products from Clear-Com®. The Model 545DR offers one 2-channel interface and works directly with the RTS® TW-series of 2-channel analog intercom circuits. Both can interconnect with Dante-supported devices such as matrix intercom systems, digital audio processors, and audio consoles. The interfaces are also compatible with Studio Technologies’ line of Dante-enabled user beltpack, intercom station, and intercom audio engine products.

The Model 545DC is designed for use with single-channel analog party-line (PL) intercom circuits that are commonly used in corporate, industrial, theater, entertainment, and education applications. These PL circuits utilize one 3-conductor cable to provide power and one channel of intercom audio. The audio path also includes a DC-based call function that the Model 545DC directly supports. The Model 545DR is intended for use in applications, typically broadcast, that provide two-channels of analog PL on a single 3-conductor cable. High-frequency call signals are combined with voice audio and are supported by the Model 545DR. Each interface is capable of providing DC power, allowing direct connection of a limited number of analog PL user devices.

Both the Model 545DC and Model 545DR can be powered by a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) connection or an external source of 12 volts DC. An etherCON® RJ45 jack is used to interface the units with a 100 MB/sec Ethernet signal. Standard 3-conductor XLR connectors allow the analog party-line (PL) intercom circuits to be directly interconnected. For assistance during installation and troubleshooting, both the Model 545DC and Model 545DR contain two sets of 5-segment LED level meters. Each set of two meters displays the level of signals being sent to and received from their associated party-line interface channel. Each unit has two analog hybrid functions that separate the PL intercom circuits’ send and receive audio channels. The software-controlled hybrid circuits provide high return loss and excellent audio quality.

Both units are housed in durable, lightweight aluminum “1/2-rack” enclosures and are intended for desk or tabletop use. Optional mounting kits allow for one or two units to be installed in one space (1U) of a standard 19-inch rack enclosure. A PoE Ethernet connection is all that’s required to make the Model 545DC and Model 545DR part of a sophisticated, networked audio system.

The Model 545DC and Model 545DR operating parameters are configured using the STcontroller software application. Available free of charge from Studio Technologies, STcontroller allows production personnel to quickly and easily configure the unit’s capabilities to meet an application’s exact needs. STcontroller is offered in versions that are compatible with the WinOS® and macOS™ operating systems.