TASCAM ML-16D

Product overview

The TASCAM ML-16D is a professional 16-channel analogue / Dante converter that inserts analogue line audio into a Dante network, or extracts it, through D-sub 25-pin connectors.

Its 16 balanced line inputs and 16 balanced line outputs sit on 4 D-sub connectors (2 for inputs, 2 for outputs, channels 1-8, 9-16), so the ML-16D connects easily to the many devices that use D-sub: microphone preamplifiers, large and small format console mixers, audio interfaces, amplifiers and Euroblock connector devices. Primary and secondary Dante ports allow a redundant duplex network, audio runs at up to 24-bit / 96 kHz, and five selectable reference levels suit broadcasting studios, public address systems and recording environments. Optional TASCAM breakout boxes convert the D-sub connectors to Euroblock or XLR.

Key features

• 16 analogue line inputs and 16 line outputs on D-sub 25-pin, TASCAM DB-25 pinout (AES59-2012)
• Dante interface as standard, up to 24-bit / 96 kHz
• Dante primary and secondary connectors for redundancy, or daisy chain
• AES67 supported for connection with AES67-compatible network-audio systems
• SMPTE ST 2110-30 audio with Dante firmware V1.2.0 (Dante Domain Manager V1.1 or later)
• Five reference levels by REF. LEVEL switches: +24, +22, +20, +18 dBu (+4 dBu nominal) and +15 dBu (+6 dBu nominal)
• Signal and overload indicators for every analogue input, signal indicators for every output
• Flexible routing to other Dante devices with Dante Controller
• Firmware updatable via the Dante port
• 1U rack-mount size; rackmount screw kit included
• Optional BO-32DE (Euroblock) and BO-16DX/IN / BO-16DX/OUT (XLR) breakout boxes

Redundant Dante network

The PRIMARY and SECONDARY connectors let you build a redundant system on two independent networks. Should the primary route fail, the ML-16D switches to the secondary route automatically, without interruption and without adding noise, which TASCAM recommends for recording where retakes are not possible, such as live performances. With only a few devices and no switch, the SECONDARY port can instead daisy-chain the next Dante device.

D-sub connectors and breakout boxes

Each D-sub 25-pin connector carries eight balanced channels with locking screws, ready for analogue multi-cables. For Euroblock terminals use one BO-32DE breakout box; for XLR use one BO-16DX/IN and one BO-16DX/OUT. Inputs accept up to +24 dBu with 10 kΩ or higher impedance, and outputs drive loads of 2 kΩ or higher from 200 Ω or lower.

Reference levels for every application

Three REF. LEVEL switches on the rear set the analogue input and output reference level: maximum levels of +24, +22, +20 and +18 dBu with a +4 dBu standard level, or +15 dBu with a +6 dBu standard level. This covers professional use in broadcasting studios, public address systems and recording environments.

Clear status at a glance

The front panel shows POWER, a STATUS indicator for normal operation, Dante network and redundancy conditions, SAMPLE RATE indicators for 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz, OL and SIG indicators for every input and SIG indicators for every output, which light from -60 dBFS. Routing, sampling frequency, bit depth and latency are set in Dante Controller and stored in the unit.

In the box

• TASCAM ML-16D
• Power cord
• Rackmount screw kit
• Owner's Manual (including warranty)

Optional: TASCAM BO-32DE, BO-16DX/IN and BO-16DX/OUT breakout boxes (sold separately).

TASCAM ML-16D: frequently asked questions

What can I connect to the ML-16D?

Any balanced analogue line equipment with D-sub connectors, such as microphone preamplifiers, console mixers, audio interfaces and amplifiers, or Euroblock and XLR equipment through the optional TASCAM breakout boxes.

Does it support network redundancy?

Yes. PRIMARY and SECONDARY Dante connectors run on two independent networks, and the unit switches to the secondary route automatically if the primary fails.

Which sampling rates are supported?

44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz at 16 or 24-bit.

Can it work with AES67 and SMPTE ST 2110 systems?

Yes. AES67 is supported, and Dante firmware V1.2.0 adds SMPTE ST 2110-30 audio when used with Dante Domain Manager V1.1 or later.

Where can I buy the TASCAM ML-16D in India?

The TASCAM ML-16D is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Analogue console onto a Dante network

Put the outputs of an analogue mixing console onto Dante for distribution, recording or a second room.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the REF. LEVEL switches to suit the console's output level.
2. Connect the console outputs to the ANALOG INPUTS with D-sub multi-cables.
3. Connect PRIMARY to the switch, power on and name the device in Dante Controller.
4. Set sampling frequency and bit depth, then route the converter's channels to the receiving devices.

Tip: Name the device before routing: changing a name later clears its routing.

Workflow 2: Dante to amplifiers and loudspeaker zones

Feed amplifiers in an installation from Dante channels.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the unit in the rack and connect the power cord.
2. Connect the ANALOG OUTPUTS to the amplifiers, through the optional breakout boxes if needed.
3. Route Dante channels to the converter's receive channels in Dante Controller.
4. Check the OUT SIG indicators for signal on each channel.

Workflow 3: Redundant live recording

Record a live performance where retakes are not possible, on two independent networks.

Connections

Setup

1. Build two completely separate networks, each with its own switch.
2. Connect PRIMARY to the primary network and SECONDARY to the secondary network.
3. Set redundant mode on the Dante Controller Network Config screen.
4. Route the inputs to the recorder; the unit switches to the secondary route automatically if needed.

Tip: Never connect the primary and secondary networks to each other or to the same switch.

Workflow 4: Broadcast studio line I/O

Bring studio line-level equipment into the facility's Dante network at broadcast levels.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose the REF. LEVEL setting the studio uses, for example +24 dBu / +4 dBu or +15 dBu / +6 dBu.
2. Connect inputs and outputs with D-sub multi-cables.
3. Set 48 or 96 kHz and the bit depth in Dante Controller.
4. Route channels to and from the other studio devices.

Tip: With Dante firmware V1.2.0 and Dante Domain Manager V1.1 or later, SMPTE ST 2110-30 audio is supported.

Workflow 5: XLR or Euroblock connections

Turn the D-sub connectors into XLR or Euroblock with TASCAM breakout boxes.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose one BO-16DX/IN and one BO-16DX/OUT for XLR, or one BO-32DE for Euroblock.
2. Connect the breakout boxes to the D-sub connectors.
3. Wire the line sources and destinations to the breakout boxes.
4. Route the channels in Dante Controller and check the SIG indicators.

Workflow 6: Small system without a switch

Connect a Dante-equipped mixer and converters directly in a daisy chain.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the mixer to PRIMARY and the next device to SECONDARY.
2. Set switched (daisy chain) mode in Dante Controller.
3. Raise the latency according to the number of devices the signal passes through.
4. Route the channels and check that the STATUS indicator lights blue.

Tip: Use category 5e or better STP cables.