Bi-Directional Mic/Line Dante Interface 2 x 2 w/PoE-1 XLR In and 1 Mini-jack In, 2 Out on Rear-Panel Terminal Block-Stainless Steel

The RDL DDS-BN2ML is a stainless-steel, bi-directional 2 x 2 Dante network interface that connects two analog sources to a Dante network while converting two Dante channels back to line-level audio. Its front panel provides one female XLR input for microphone or line signals and one consumer line-level mini-jack input. Two analog outputs are presented on a detachable rear-panel terminal block. High-resolution 24-bit analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion supports 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz sample rates.

Ideal Use Cases

The DDS-BN2ML is suited to installed-audio applications that require a compact wall-mounted connection point for both professional and consumer audio sources. The XLR input accommodates either a microphone or line-level source, while the -10 dBV mini-jack input accepts a consumer line source and sums it to mono. In the opposite direction, two Dante network signals can be converted into analog line-level outputs. This configuration makes the unit useful wherever a single network endpoint must provide simultaneous analog input and output capability.

Why Choose This Model

Front-panel switches provide direct control over the primary input settings without requiring special setup software. The XLR input can be switched between microphone and line operation. Microphone gain selections are 40 dB, 48 dB, and 62 dB, with switch-selectable P48 48 Vdc phantom power. Line gain selections are unity, 12 dB, and 19 dB. Each analog output can be independently configured for balanced +4 dBu nominal operation or unbalanced -10 dBV nominal operation, allowing the interface to work with different downstream operating levels.

Installation and Integration

The network connection uses an RJ45 port with Ethernet Link and Speed indicators and supports 100 Mbps Dante audio transmission. Power is supplied through PoE Class 0 in accordance with IEEE 802.3af. Front-panel Sync and Power indicators provide operating status, while the rear panel carries the Ethernet indicators and detachable terminal-block outputs. The DDS-BN2ML measures 3.52 in. wide by 4.11 in. high by 2.09 in. deep. It mounts in a North American dual electrical box, with a 4-square deep box recommended, or in an RDL WB-2U international wall box. The specified mounting elevation is 2 m or less.

Performance Highlights

The interface delivers a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz within ±0.5 dB and provides 20 dB of headroom. Its audio operating relationship is -20 dBFS at +4 dBu, with 0 dBFS corresponding to +24 dBu. The XLR input impedance is greater than 2.5 kΩ in microphone mode and greater than 5 kΩ in line mode. Common-mode rejection is greater than 65 dB from 50 Hz to 120 Hz, and crosstalk is specified below the noise floor at operating level. Input THD+N is less than 0.1% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at +4 dBu/-20 dBFS and is typically 0.015% at 1 kHz. Output THD is less than 0.01% at 1 kHz. Maximum output levels are +24 dBu balanced and +10 dBV unbalanced.

What Makes It Different

The DDS-BN2ML combines two different front-panel source formats with two configurable rear-panel outputs in one Dante endpoint. Unlike an input-only wall interface, it provides bi-directional conversion for two analog inputs and two network-fed analog outputs. The selectable XLR operating mode, three gain settings for both microphone and line sources, P48 phantom power, and selectable balanced or unbalanced output levels provide substantial hardware-level flexibility. RDL analog filtering, 24-bit conversion, and specified low-noise performance support accurate audio transfer in both directions.

Final Assessment

For installations requiring one mic or professional line input, one consumer line input, and two Dante-fed analog outputs, the DDS-BN2ML offers a focused 2 x 2 connection package. Its switch-selectable gain, phantom power, output levels, 44.1 or 48 kHz operation, detachable output terminal block, status indicators, and IEEE 802.3af PoE support give installers clearly defined controls and connection options in a compact wall-mount format.