The DARK16I is a 19” 1RU subrack that provides 16 high quality analogue audio inputs to a Dante/ AES67 AoIP network. These audio inputs are balanced line level signals and for ease of installation are presented on rear panel XLRs.

Being designed originally for broadcast the DARK16I has inbuilt resilience for both its network connections and power supplies. It is also suitable for Theatre, Installation and Pro Audio use.

The DARK16I is a versatile box for converting analogue audio inputs to an AoIP system utilising the Dante and AES67 audio over IP (AoIP) protocols.

In total there are 16 audio input channels, all being simultaneously converted to the AoIP network via high quality low noise analogue to digital converters.

For ease of cabling audio inputs are balanced circuits on Neutrik XLRs.

Being designed for resilient broadcast applications, the DARK16I features both redundant power supplies and redundant Dante network links with link status GPOs (general purpose outputs (solid state relays)). Both primary and secondary network links are provided with both magnetic (copper RJ45) and fibre (SFP) interface connections. The Dante system itself provides a completely transparent redundant link system which means that if the DARK16I lost its primary link circuit the secondary link would automatically take over with no loss of audio.

The primary and secondary network interfaces are routed internally via a network switch.  It is possible to set this switch to work as a traditional network switch instead of the default redundant mode.  This means that there would be just one link to the Dante/ AES67 network and the other connections of the switch could have other Dante or network devices connected to them. As with all Dante devices, once set up, DARK16I units can be directly connected with each other with no external network hardware.

The unit is part of our very popular DARK range of AoIP audio interfaces that have a proven reliable provenance, meaning that it is a safe fit and forget choice for your engineer. Your accountant will also be happy as it has a very long expected life span and a very competitive initial price.

Also Available in AES67/Ravenna Version

Sixteen Audio Inputs
The DARK16I has 16 audio inputs to the network. Each input is on its own Neutrik 3 pin XLR socket. The inputs are electronically balanced and can be connected to unbalanced outputs if required.

Dante® and AES67
Although Dante is by far the most popular current format for distributing audio across a standard Ethernet network, the DARK16I is also AES67 compliant for users who prefer to use an open standard.

Up to 192kHz Sampling
Each audio input can be sampled at up to 192k.

Easy Connection To Network Switches
Having the Ethernet network copper and fibre interfaces located at the front of the rack mean they are presented on the same face as most Ethernet switches. This allows for easy patching between the Dark16I and its associated network switch(es).

19" 1RU Subrack
The DARK16I is housed in a rugged custom built aluminium subrack.  For long life it has laser etched anodised front & rear panels and powder coated lid and base. The subrack has been carefully designed to eliminate the need for noisy and unreliable cooling fans.

Network Interface
There are 4 network interfaces on the Dark16I. There are 2 x Neutrik Ethercon (RJ45) connectors and there are also 2 x SFP slots for customers to fit their own preferred fiber interfaces.

Redundant Network Interface
When using the Dante protocol it is possible to set the Dark16I to have a fully redundant network interface whereby a completely glitch free automatic redundant audio network link is provided across 2 of the network interfaces.

Power
Two wide range switch mode power supplies are fitted as standard to provide redundant mains power supply solution. Either supply can provide power to the unit and two are fitted for extra resilience.

Status LEDs
Front panel LEDs provide clear indication of the status (working (or not)) of both of the power supplies and both the primary & secondary network circuits.

Alarms
Solid state relay outputs are provided for triggering external equipment to indicate failure of any of the following: PSU1, PSU2, Primary Ethernet, Secondary Ethernet.

Selectable Full Scale
For compatibility with different international standards, internal links are provided to set a range of different digital full scale levels.

Features

• Network audio interface for Dante/ AES67
• 16 analogue audio inputs
• Inputs are on rear panel XLRs
• Supports up to 192k sampling
• Low noise ADCs
• Selectable full scale level
• Redundant network links (Fibre and Copper)
• Redundant Mains power supplies
• 19" 1RU Subrack
• Also Available in AES67/Ravenna Version

Specifications

ANALOGUE AUDIO

• Frequency Response:  +/-0.25dB 20Hz to 22kHz
  

Full Scale:

• 0dBFs = +18dBu (Factory default)
  
• 0dBFs = +20dBu
  
• 0dBFs = +24dBu
  
• Full scale levels set by internal links.  Links can be changed by end user or can be factory preset to order.
  

Input Impedance:  

• >=20k Ohms (Factory default)
  
• 600 Ohms - set by internal link
  

Distortion: 

• 0.0013% @ 100Hz
  
• 0.0022%@1kHz
  
• 0.00094% @ 10kHz
  
• Reference to +8dBu output
  
• Noise: -93dB@line up A weighted RMS
  
• Interchannel Cross Talk: >101dB @ lineup with 1kHz Tone
  
• Input Type:  Electronically balanced (can be wired unbalanced)

POWER

• Connections:  2 x mains inputs filtered IEC, 100 to 240 VAC 47-63Hz
  
• AC Consumption: 18 Watts@230VAC
  
• Internal Mains Fuse:  20mm 1A anti surge.

PHYSICAL 

• Audio Connectors: Neutrik 3 pin XLR sockets
  
• Alarm Connector: 9 way D socket
  
• Alarm Type: solid state relay
  
• Size: 1RU 19” 300mm deep excluding connectors
  
• Nett Weight:  2.8kg
  
• Shipping Carton:  Rugged export quality cardboard 610x420x130mm LxDxH
  
• Shipping Weight: 4.3kg.

ENVIRONMENTAL

• Operating Temperature: 0 to +50°C (32 to 122°F)
  
• Storage Temperature: -20 to +70°C (-4 to 158°F)
  
• Relative Humidity: 0 to 95% non-condensing

INCLUDED ITEMS

• Handbook: Available via download
  
• RJ45 Network Cable: 1 off 2 metre CAT5 RJ45 plug/ plug cable
  
• Mains Cable: 1 off 2 metre IEC socket cable (UK & EU only)

NETWORK OPTIONS

DANTE/AES67 VERSION

• Physical: 2 x Neutrik Ethercons Cat6 RJ45s & 2 x SFP slots
  
• Type: Fully redundant primary & secondary circuits
  
• Sample Frequency: 48K
  
• Resolution: 24 Bit
  
• Control & Routing: Via Free Dante Controller
  
• AES67: Can be configured for AES67

RAVENNA/AES67 VERSION

• Physical: 2 x Neutrik Ethercons Cat6 RJ45s & 2 x SFP slots
  
• Type: Fully redundant primary & secondary circuits
  
• AES67: Yes
  
• High Sample Rates: 44.1kHz - 192kHz
  
• PTPv2: Master or Slave, IEEE-1588-2008 standard
  
• SMPTE ST 2110-30: Yes. Including level C and CX
  
• SMPTE ST2022-7: Yes. Seamless data switching
  
• NMOS IS-04 (Disovery): Yes
  
• NMOS IS-05 Routing): Yes
  
• Remote Control: Web browser or Aneman