2-channel Dante Encoder & PoE acceptor

The Kramer FC-102Net is a compact 2-channel Dante encoder designed to connect non-Dante audio sources to a Dante network. Its two balanced mono audio inputs accommodate microphone-level and line-level sources, allowing equipment such as microphones, laptops, and players to become part of a networked audio system. Each input can provide 48V phantom power, while operating power is supplied over Ethernet by a standard PoE-providing network switch.

Ideal Use Cases

The FC-102Net is suited to systems that need to introduce two conventional analog audio sources into a Dante network. A pair of microphones can be connected through the balanced mono inputs, including microphones that require 48V phantom power. The encoder can also accept line-level sources from devices such as laptops and players.

Its combination of microphone-level and line-level support makes it useful when a Dante installation includes source equipment without native Dante connectivity. Rather than limiting the network to Dante-enabled devices, the FC-102Net provides an interface for incorporating existing analog sources.

Why Choose This Model

This model brings together two-channel analog audio encoding, balanced mono inputs, per-input phantom power, and PoE operation in one compact device. It is designed specifically for connecting non-Dante equipment to a Dante network, providing a focused solution without requiring the source devices themselves to support Dante.

The ability to accommodate both microphone-level and line-level signals adds practical flexibility. One input can be used with a microphone while the other receives a compatible line-level source, or both inputs can be assigned to the same type of source. The available 48V phantom power is provided per input, allowing it to be applied according to the requirements of each connected source.

Installation and Integration

Integration begins by connecting up to two balanced mono audio sources to the FC-102Net. Each input can be used with a supported microphone-level or line-level signal. If a connected microphone requires phantom power, the corresponding input can provide 48V phantom power.

The encoder then connects to the Dante network through Ethernet. Operating power is received from any standard PoE-providing network switch, so the network infrastructure supplies power to the unit over Ethernet. This arrangement is particularly relevant for installations already built around PoE-capable switching.

Because the unit is intended as a Dante encoder, it should be positioned where analog sources need to enter the network. The compact design supports placement near the connected microphones, laptops, or players when that arrangement fits the system layout.

Performance Highlights

The FC-102Net provides two channels of Dante encoding from two balanced mono audio inputs. Support for both line-level and microphone-level sources enables it to work with different categories of analog equipment. Its per-input 48V phantom-power capability further supports microphones that depend on phantom power for operation.

PoE acceptance is another central feature. The unit is powered over Ethernet from a standard PoE-providing network switch, combining its network connection and operating-power delivery through the Ethernet infrastructure. The result is a purpose-built path for bringing two non-Dante audio sources onto a Dante network.

What Makes It Different

The defining feature of the FC-102Net is the specific combination of two balanced mono inputs and Dante network encoding in a compact format. It is not limited to only line-level devices or only microphones. Instead, it supports both source levels and adds independently available 48V phantom power for each input.

Its role as a PoE acceptor also distinguishes how it is deployed: the device receives power from a compatible network switch rather than merely providing audio conversion. This makes the FC-102Net directly aligned with networked audio environments that use standard PoE-providing switching.

Final Assessment

The Kramer FC-102Net is a targeted interface for adding two balanced analog audio sources to a Dante network. It supports microphones, laptops, and players, handles microphone-level and line-level signals, and offers 48V phantom power per input. For a system requiring two-channel Dante encoding with power supplied by a standard PoE network switch, its feature set addresses the essential connection and powering requirements in a compact device.