Studio Technologies has released the Model 5401 Dante Master Clock, providing precise timing signals for applications using Dante Audio-over-Ethernet media networking technology.
The Model 5401 provides the PTP v1 compatibility required by Dante, as well as supporting PTP v2 for AES67 applications. In addition, the unit generates up to eight sine-wave audio tones on Dante transmit (output) channels, useful during audio network installation, maintenance, and operation. A clock input connection allows the Model 5401 to synchronise with a variety of timing reference signals.
The unit implements a high-performance IEEE 1588 precision time protocol (PTP) server, compatible with the requirements of Dante and capable of simultaneously supporting the timing needs of up to hundreds of Dante-compatible devices.
‘With Dante becoming ubiquitous in fixed and mobile facilities of all sizes and types, we saw the need for a cost-effective, purpose-designed, dedicated master clock,’ says Studio Technologies President, Gordon Kapes. ‘While an inherent strength of Dante networking is its carefully implemented use of IEEE 1588 to ensure that all connected devices maintain a common timing reference, the actual performance can vary widely depending on the specific Dante devices in use and the overall number of devices on a network. There are many Dante-compatible devices that can provide adequate basic performance as a master clock, but with the Model 5401, networked audio systems get the benefits of a high-performance ‘grandmaster’ PTP server, along with additional unique capabilities. The feature set, along with the associated internal hardware and software, were designed to provide optimum performance, flexibility, and system integrity.’
