Bi-Directional Mic/Line Dante Interface 4 x 2 w/PoE-Software Configurable-2 XLR In, 2 XLR Out, 2 In on Rear-Panel Terminal Block-White

Ideal Use Cases

The RDL DD-RN42 is designed for wall-mounted audio locations that need to send local microphone and line-level sources onto a Dante network while also receiving two Dante channels for analog output. Its four-input, two-output layout combines two front-panel XLR mic/line inputs, two balanced line inputs on a rear-panel terminal block, and two front-panel XLR outputs. This arrangement suits fixed installations where accessible connections are needed at the wall while selected wiring remains behind the panel.

Why Choose This Model

The DD-RN42 brings bidirectional analog audio conversion and network transport into one compact white interface. It supports Dante digital audio over 100 Mbps Ethernet, with 24-bit operation at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. The front XLR inputs accommodate microphone or line-level signals and provide software-selectable gain. Microphone gain settings are 35, 42, or 59 dB, while line gain can be set to unity or 12 dB. Software-selectable P48 phantom power supplies 48 Vdc in accordance with IEC 61938:2013.

Each balanced XLR output offers a nominal +4 dBu operating level, software adjustment in 1 dB steps, and attenuation from 0 to 62 dB plus OFF. This gives the installer defined input and output settings without relying on exposed mechanical controls.

Installation and Integration

The interface measures 3.52 inches wide, 4.11 inches high, and 2.09 inches deep. Network connectivity is provided through an RJ45 port with rear-panel Link and Speed indicators. Power is supplied using PoE Class 0 under IEEE 802.3af, allowing network audio and power to use the Ethernet connection.

Front-panel Sync and Power indicators provide visible operating status. The supported ambient operating range is 0°C to 40°C, with 30°C listed as the recommended maximum. Rear terminal-block line inputs support concealed fixed wiring, while the front XLR connectors keep the primary microphone, line, and output connections directly accessible.

Performance Highlights

The DD-RN42 has a specified frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz within ±0.5 dB. Its digital reference is 0 dBFS at +22 dBu, while the stated audio operating relationship is -18 dBFS at +4 dBu. Maximum balanced output level is +22 dBu, with 20 dB of headroom above +4 dBu or -10 dBV. Output impedance is 150 ohms balanced.

For microphone operation, the specified equivalent input noise is below -128 dBu at 59 dB gain and below -130 dBu A-weighted. THD+N is below 0.1% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at +4 dBu/-18 dBFS, while output THD is below 0.01% at 1 kHz. Common-mode rejection is greater than 65 dB from 50 Hz to 120 Hz. Crosstalk is specified below the noise floor from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at operating level under the stated maximum-microphone-gain test condition.

What Makes It Different

The defining feature is the combination of four analog inputs and two analog outputs in a wall-mounted Dante endpoint. Two front XLR inputs handle microphone or line signals, two rear balanced inputs accommodate fixed line-level sources, and two front XLR outputs return network audio to balanced analog equipment. Software control covers phantom power, input gain, output level, and individual output attenuation. The result is a clearly organized interface with both user-accessible and installation-side connections.

The unit also provides three microphone gain choices, two line gain choices, individually adjustable outputs, and selectable output muting through the OFF attenuation setting. These controls allow its analog stages to be matched to the connected sources and destinations using the available documented settings.

Final Assessment

The RDL DD-RN42 is a focused 4-by-2 Dante interface for wall-mounted, bidirectional audio integration. Its mix of front and rear inputs, balanced XLR outputs, 24-bit network audio, software-configurable analog settings, status indicators, and IEEE 802.3af PoE addresses the core requirements of a fixed Dante connection point while preserving direct access to its primary connectors.