Bi-Directional Mic/Line Dante Interface 2 x 2 w/PoE-2 XLR In, 2 Out on Rear-Panel Terminal Block-Stainless Steel

Ideal Use Cases

The RDL DDS-BN2M is designed for installed audio systems that need to move two local microphone or line-level sources onto a Dante network while returning two Dante channels to analog line outputs. Its front-panel XLR inputs provide convenient source connections, while the rear detachable terminal block supports permanent output wiring. Wall-mount compatibility makes the interface suitable for fixed connection points where compact dimensions, local controls, and bidirectional network audio are required.

Why Choose This Model

This 2 x 2 interface combines analog input and output conversion in one stainless-steel unit. Each female XLR input can be independently switched between microphone and line operation. Three gain positions are available for each input, along with switch-selectable P48 phantom power for microphones requiring 48 Vdc. On the output side, each channel can be configured for balanced +4 dBu or unbalanced -10 dBV operation, allowing the interface to accommodate either operating level without an additional converter.

The DDS-BN2M performs both 24-bit analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion. It supports 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz sample rates, with 48 kHz as the default. The network connection operates at 100 Mbps through an RJ45 port equipped with Link and Speed indicators. Power is supplied through IEEE 802.3af PoE Class 0, reducing the need for a separate local power connection.

Installation and Integration

The module mounts in a North American dual electrical box, with a 4-inch square deep box recommended, or in an RDL WB-2U international wall box. Installation is specified at an elevation of 2 m or less. The enclosure measures 3.52 inches wide, 4.11 inches high, and 2.09 inches deep. Two front-panel XLR connectors handle the analog inputs, and the two balanced outputs are presented on a detachable rear-panel terminal block.

Input setup is handled by three selectors per channel: Phantom, Mic/Line, and Gain. Special software is not required for module setup. Front-panel Sync and Power indicators provide operating status, while the rear-panel Ethernet Link and Speed indicators show network conditions. These controls and indicators keep essential configuration and status information directly accessible at the installed location.

Performance Highlights

The analog path is specified for a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz within ±0.5 dB. Microphone gain settings are 40 dB, 48 dB, and 62 dB. The structured technical data specifies line gain settings of unity, 8 dB, and 19 dB. Input impedance is greater than 2.5 kΩ in microphone mode and greater than 5 kΩ in line mode. Phantom power conforms to IEC 61938:2013.

At the analog-to-Dante stage, the operating relationship is -20 dBFS at +4 dBu, with 0 dBFS referenced to +24 dBu. THD+N is specified below 0.1% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at +4 dBu/-20 dBFS, with a typical value of 0.015% at 1 kHz. CMRR is greater than 65 dB from 50 Hz to 120 Hz, and input-to-input crosstalk is specified below the noise floor under the stated operating conditions.

The output stage provides nominal balanced +4 dBu or unbalanced -10 dBV levels, selectable per output. Maximum output is +24 dBu balanced or +10 dBV unbalanced, with 20 dB of headroom above the nominal operating level. Output THD is below 0.01% at 1 kHz. RDL analog filtering complements the high-resolution converters and specified low-noise performance.

What Makes It Different

The DDS-BN2M provides bidirectional conversion rather than serving only as a Dante input or output endpoint. Two analog mic/line signals can be converted into Dante channels while two Dante signals are converted back to analog line level in the same wall-mounted module. Independent input mode, gain, and phantom selections combine with individually selectable balanced or unbalanced output levels, providing practical local configuration for mixed analog requirements.

Final Assessment

For an installation requiring two XLR mic/line inputs, two terminal-block line outputs, Dante networking, and PoE power in a compact wall-mount format, the DDS-BN2M brings the required functions together. Its 24-bit conversion, selectable analog operating levels, local hardware controls, status indicators, and documented audio performance make it a focused interface for bidirectional analog and Dante integration.