
Issue Preliminary 1, January 2023 Model 544D User Guide
Page 6 Studio Technologies, Inc.
Model 544D
AUDIO INTERFACE
The STcontroller software application is used to
congure the Model 544D’s wide range of operating
parameters. These include the nominal signal levels
and which sources are utilized for the analog and
Dante digital channels. Versions of STcontroller are
available that are compatible with the Windows
®
and
macOS
®
operating systems. They are available, free
of charge, from the Studio Technologies’ website.
Using STcontroller, the nominal audio levels of the line
input and line output functions can be independently
selected. In this way, compatibility with SMPTE
®
, EBU,
and “semi-pro” nominal signal levels is supported.
Audio level meters provide conrmation of system per-
formance during setup and operation. Two general-
purpose input (GPI) and two general-purpose output
(GPO) functions allow support for installer-selected
applications, including party-line intercom call-light
functions. LED indicators provide a direct indication
of the status of the GPI and GPO functions.
The Model 544D can be powered by power-over-
Ethernet (PoE) or an external source of 12 volts DC.
Standard connectors are used for the analog line
inputs and analog line outputs, Ethernet, GPI, GPO,
and DC power interconnections. The Model 544D’s
enclosure has a “1/2-rack” 1U form factor and weighs
less than two pounds, making it well suited for use
in portable applications. Alternately, using one of the
optional rack-mount front panels, one or two Model
544D units can be mounted in a single space (1U) of
a standard 19-inch rack enclosure.
Applications
The most basic application for Model 544D is for trans-
porting analog audio signals to and from one location
to another using the data transport resources of a
local area network — there’s really no simper means
to getting high-quality audio from “point A to point B”
and back. With standard connectors and PoE power,
setup can be completed in just a few minutes. This
makes Model 544D units eective in both xed and
portable applications.
The Model 544D can also nd use when an applica-
tion already supports Dante. For example, ports on a
matrix intercom system that directly supports Dante,
such as the RTS
®
ODIN
®
or ADAM
®
with OMNEO
®
,
can be routed to a Model 544D’s Dante transmitter
(output) and receiver (input) channels. The Model
544D will then provide two analog line inputs and two
analog line outputs for use in a variety of applications.
These can include interfacing with audio inputs and
outputs associated with audio consoles, providing
talent cueing (IFB) feeds, and interfacing with the
audio outputs of aerial camera systems.
The GPI and GPO functions allow Model 544D units to
transport contact closures using high-frequency audio
tones that are embedded as part of the unit’s audio
channels. Two independent contact closures can be
“repeated” across a network using Dante audio paths.
Provided for installer-specied applications, having
the ability to transport contact closures over signicant
distances can be a unique and valuable resource.
The Model 544D’s tone generator capability enables
the unit to create 1 kHz, 18 kHz, and 20 kHz sine-
wave analog and Dante digital audio signals. The
ability to generate precision 1 kHz sine-wave tones
is intended for general-purpose audio use. The
18 kHz tone is provided as a resource when sup-
porting remote-production (REMI) applications that
use the Studio Technologies’ Model 5422A Dante
Intercom Audio Engine. This 18 kHz tone can be used
by a matrix intercom system to facilitate creation of
voice-with-tone interruptible foldback (IFB) signals.
When routed to Model 5422A interrupt inputs, these
specialized IFB interrupt signals will allow creation of
excellent talent cueing channels.
The 20 kHz tone option is provided for use in appli-
cations where generation of a party-line call signal is
desired. For example, the 20 kHz tone can be con-
nected to a matrix intercom system which would be
congured such that a button press will cause 20 kHz
to be sent out an intercom channel. This can serve as
a “trigger” signal for visual or audible alerting devices,
such as the Studio Technologies’ Model 391 Dante
Alerting Unit.
Line Inputs
The Model 544D provides two analog line-level input
channels. Two STcontroller configuration choices
allow the nominal levels of each input to be +4 dBu,
–2 dBu, or –10 dBu. When congured for +4 dBu the
unit will be compatible with SMPTE applications where
the nominal digital signal level is –20 dBFS. The
–2 dBu conguration choice allows the line inputs to
be optimized for EBU applications where the nominal
digital signal level is –18 dBFS. The –10 dBu cong-
uration is provided for “semi-pro” applications where