Studio Technologies 5202 User manual

50275-1223, Issue 3
Copyright © 2023 by Studio Technologies, Inc., all rights reserved
studio-tech.com
User Guide
Issue 3, December 2023
This User Guide is applicable for serial numbers
M5202-00501 and later with application rmware 1.3 and later
and Dante rmware 4.8.0 (UltimoX v4.2.8.2) and later.
Model 5202
Dante to Phones and Line Output
Interface

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Model 5202 User Guide Issue 3, December 2023
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 3
Model 5202
DANTE TO PHONES AND LINE OUTPUT INTERFACE
Table of Contents
Revision History............................................................................ 4
Introduction................................................................................... 5
Getting Started ............................................................................. 6
Connections.................................................................................. 6
Dante Conguration...................................................................... 7
Operation...................................................................................... 8
Technical Notes ............................................................................ 9
Specications ............................................................................... 11

Issue 3, December 2023 Model 5202 User Guide
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DANTE TO PHONES AND LINE OUTPUT INTERFACE
Revision History
Issue 3, December 2023:
• Revises format of document.
• Documents use of UltimoX integrated circuit.
• Notes support for AES67 and Dante Domain Manager (DDM).
Issue 2, August 2015:
•Documents enhanced unit identication feature.
•Adds improvements to IP address conguration assignment explanation.
Issue 1, August 2014:
•Initial release.

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DANTE TO PHONES AND LINE OUTPUT INTERFACE
Introduction
The Model 5202 Interface is a general-purpose
audio device that supports applications utilizing the
Dante
®
audio-over-Ethernet media networking tech-
nology. Two Dante-associated audio channels can be
assigned to the Model 5202 which provides head-
phone and balanced line-level outputs. The audio
quality is such that virtually any audio application can
be supported, from simple headphone or loudspeaker
monitoring to interfacing with high-performance on-air
broadcast, stadium AV, or corporate audio systems.
Multi-step LED meters provide conrmation of the
level of the two input audio channels. The compact,
lightweight design allows the Model 5202 to be used
in portable or desktop situations or deployed as a
permanent solution in xed applications. Standard
connectors ensure fast, reliable deployment. The unit
requires only an Ethernet connection to supply both
the data interface as well as Power-over-Ethernet
(PoE) power.
Applications
The Model 5202 is perfect for use in conjunction with
the Dante Controller software application. Driving
a pair of headphones or set of amplied speakers,
audio ows and associated channels can be quickly
conrmed for content as well as signal level. For eld
applications the unit can serve as both a test tool and
a general-purpose source of analog audio outputs.
With level controls associated with both the head-
phone and line outputs interfacing with virtually any
analog audio input is a simple matter. For permanent
applications there’s no reason why a Model 5202 can’t
reside within an equipment rack or be mounted, using
optional brackets, underneath a table or on-air studio
set. The low-power circuitry is intended for continuous
operation.
Headphone Output
A sonically-excellent 2-channel (stereo) headphone
output is provided. It is capable of driving contem-
porary headphones, headsets, and earbuds to sub-
stantial levels at very low distortion. A rotary control is
used to adjust the headphone output level. The level
knob is a push-in/push-out type which helps prevent
inadvertent adjustment. For exibility the headphone
output is provided on two separate 3-conductor jacks:
a 3.5 mm on the front panel and a ¼-inch on the back.
The audio quality of the headphone output is such that
it can also be used as a 2-channel unbalanced line
output. The output level control will make it a simple
task to optimally interface the headphone output with
inputs on personal computers, portable audio devices,
and “semi-pro” equipment.
Line Outputs
The Model 5202 provides a 2-channel line-level,
electronically-balanced analog audio output by way
of standard 3-pin male XLR connectors located on the
back panel. A rotary level control allows the nominal
(average) level of the line outputs to be adjusted.
Using the push-in/push-out knob it’s a simple matter
to achieve the desired nominal output levels which
include –10, 0, or +4 dBu. And with a maximum out-
put level of +24 dBu there will always be su󰀩cient
headroom for “pro” audio performance. Protection
components in the output circuitry help ensure reli-
ability in eld applications.
The line outputs can serve a number of monitoring
and interfacing uses. Audio ampliers or amplied
speakers can be directly connected. The level control
can be used to adjust the speaker volume or used
as a level trim function to match the speaker’s input
sensitivity. The line outputs can also serve as a source
Figure 1. Model 5202 Dante to Phones and Line Output Interface front and rear views

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DANTE TO PHONES AND LINE OUTPUT INTERFACE
for interfacing with analog inputs on audio consoles,
wireless in-ear or IFB monitor systems, as well as
audio recording devices. The level control will help to
ensure that the nominal level of the line outputs will
match the requirements of the connected equipment.
Metering
Two 7-step LED meters provide a real-time level
indication of the two Dante-supplied audio channels.
Scaled in dBFS (decibels referenced to full scale
digital) the meters o󰀨er a direct view of the signal
levels as they arrive in the digital domain. Optimal
audio performance requires transporting signals at
their proper levels — without an accurate indication
this can be di󰀩cult to achieve.
Ethernet Data and PoE
The Model 5202 connects to a data network using
a standard 100 Mb/s twisted-pair Ethernet interface.
The physical interconnection is made by way of a
Neutrik
®
etherCON RJ45 connector. While compat-
ible with standard RJ45 plugs, etherCON allows a
ruggedized and locking interconnection for harsh or
high-reliability environments. An LED displays the
status of the network connection.
The Model 5202’s operating power is provided
by way of the Ethernet interface using the Pow-
er-over-Ethernet (PoE) standard. This allows fast
and efficient interconnection with the associated
data network. To support PoE power management
the Model 5202’s PoE interface reports to the power
sourcing equipment (PSE) that it’s a class 1 (very low
power) device. An LED is provided to indicate when
power is being supplied to the Model 5202. Note
that no provision has been made to allow an exter-
nal power source to be connected. However, if the
associated Ethernet switch does not provide PoE
capability a commonly-available mid-span PoE power
injector can be utilized.
Dante Audio-over-Ethernet
Audio data is sent to the Model 5202 using the Dante
audio-over-Ethernet media networking technology. As
a Dante-compliant device, two audio channels can
be assigned to the unit using the Dante Controller
software application. A single mouse-click is all that’s
required to route an audio signal to the Model 5202.
Bit depths of up to 24 and sample rates of 44.1, 48,
88.2, and 96 kHz are supported. Two bi-color LEDs
provide an indication of the Dante connection status.
The Model 5202 is compliant with the AES67 interop-
erability standard. In addition, the unit is compatible
with the Dante Domain Manager™ (DDM) software
application.
The Model 5202 uses Audinate’s UltimoX™ integrated
circuit for implementing Dante. The integrated circuit’s
rmware can be updated via the Ethernet connection,
helping to ensure that its capabilities remain up to
date.
Getting Started
Included in the shipping carton are a Model 5202
Interface unit and instructions on how to obtain an
electronic copy of this guide. As a device that is Power-
over-Ethernet (PoE) powered, no external power
source is provided. Should a PoE midspan power
injector be required it must be purchased separately.
Mounting Options
There is no provision for directly mounting one or more
Model 5202 units in an equipment rack. However, the
overall height of the unit was carefully selected so that
it could be placed without interference on a single
space (1U) rack shelf. The Model 5202’s enclosure
width allows up to four units to be placed side-by-side
on a 1U shelf that’s mounted in a standard 19-inch
equipment rack. Hook-and-loop (“Velcro”) tape can be
used to secure the Model 5202 units to the shelf. A
set of mounting brackets is available to allow a Model
5202 to be attached to the underside of a desk, table,
broadcast set, or other at surface. Contact Studio
Technologies for details.
Connections
In this section, signal interconnections will be made
using the connectors located on the front and back
panel of the Model 5202. An Ethernet data connec-
tion with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) capability will
be made using either a standard RJ45 patch cable
or an etherCON protected RJ45 plug. Headphones
can be connected using either the 3.5 mm or ¼-inch
3-conductor phone jack. Line output connections are
made using two 3-pin male XLR connectors.

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Ethernet Connection
A 100BASE-TX Ethernet connection that supports
Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) is required for Model
5202 operation. This one connection will provide
both the Ethernet data interface and power for the
Model 5202’s circuitry. A 10BASE-T connection is not
su󰀩cient and a 1000BASE-T (GigE) connection is not
supported unless it can automatically “fall back” to
100BASE-TX operation. For PoE switch (PSE) power
management the Model 5202 will enumerate itself as
a PoE class 1 device.
The Ethernet connection is made by way of a Neutrik
etherCON protected RJ45 connector that is located
on the back panel of the Model 5202. This allows
connection by way of a cable-mounted etherCON
plug or a standard RJ45 plug. The Model 5202’s Eth-
ernet interface supports auto MDI/MDI-X so that most
cabling implementations will be correctly supported.
Headphone Output
The Model 5202’s headphone output is compati-
ble with standard stereo head-phones, headsets,
or earbuds. Connecting devices with a nominal
impedance of 100 ohms or greater is recommended.
But this shouldn’t be an issue since essentially all of
the contemporary devices meet this recommendation.
Devices are connected to the headphone output by
way of either a 3.5 mm 3-conductor jack located on
the Model 5202’s front panel or a ¼-inch 3-conductor
phone jack located on the Model 5202’s back panel.
As is standard for stereo headphones, the left channel
is connected to the jacks’ tip lead, the right channel to
the jacks’ ring lead, and the common connection to the
jacks’ sleeve. Inside the Model 5202 the connections
on the two jacks are wired in parallel (“multed”); the
same output circuitry drives both connectors. While it’s
expected that typically only one pair of headphones or
earbuds will be connected at a time, there is no reason
why two pairs can’t be connected at the same time.
Line Outputs
The line outputs are designed for general-purpose
use which could include connecting to inputs on audio
consoles, amplied speakers, audio storage devices
or systems, or transmitters associated with wireless
in-ear monitors. The audio quality is such that using
the line outputs for on-air broadcast or streaming
applications would be appropriate. The line outputs
are analog, electronically balanced, capacitor cou-
pled, and will perform optimally when driving loads
of 2 k (2000) ohms or greater. The nominal output
level depends on the setting of the rotary level control.
When the control is set to its fully clockwise position
the nominal level is +4 dBU. This means that if there
is a Dante transmitter (output) channel that has a
nominal level of –20 dBFS, when it’s routed to a Model
5202 the associated line output will have a nominal
level of +4 dBu.
The Model 5202 provides two 3-pin male XLR connec-
tors for interfacing with associated equipment. Pin 2
should be connected as signal + (high), pin 3 as signal
– (low), and pin 1 as common/shield. To connect to
an unbalanced load use pin 2 as signal + (high) and
pin 1 as low/shield. Pin 3 should be left unconnected.
To clarify, for correct unbalanced operation it is import-
ant not to connect pin 3 to anything; do not connect
pins 1 and 3 together.
Dante Conguration
Several Model 5202’s Dante-related parameters can
be congured. These conguration settings will be
stored in non-volatile memory within the Model 5202’s
circuitry. Conguration will typically be done with the
Dante Controller software application which is avail-
able for download free of charge at audinate.com.
Versions of Dante Controller are available to support
Windows
®
and OS X
®
operating systems. The Model
5202 uses the UltimoX 2-input/2-output integrated
circuit to implement the Dante architecture. However
only the two receiver (input) channels are utilized.
This dictates which parameters can be congured
and what choices are available. The Model 5202
is compatible with AES67 and the Dante Domain
Manager™ (DDM) software application. AES67
operation requires that a setting within Dante Con-
troller be enabled. For DDM operation please refer to
the specic DDM documentation for details on what
Model 5202 and related parameters may have to be
congured.
The two audio input channels associated with the
Model 5202’s Dante interface must be assigned to
the desired output sources. Within Dante Controller a
“subscription” is the term used for routing a transmitter
ow (a group of output channels) to a receiver ow (a
group of input channels).

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DANTE TO PHONES AND LINE OUTPUT INTERFACE
The Model 5202 will support audio sample rates of
44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz with a limited selection of
pull-up/pull-down values. The Model 5202 can serve
as the Leader clock for a Dante network but in most
cases it will “sync” to another device. (Note that when
operating in the AES67 mode, the Dante transmit-
ter (output) channels will function only in multicast;
unicast is not supported.)
The Model 5202 has a default Dante device name of
ST-M5202 and a unique su󰀩x. The su󰀩x identies
the specic Model 5202 that is being congured (it
relates to the MAC address of the UltimoX integrated
circuit). The two Dante receiver channels have default
names of Ch1 and Ch2. Using Dante Controller the
default device and channel names can be revised as
appropriate for the specic application.
The Model 5202 can be configured for AES67
operation. This requires the AES67 Mode to be set
for Enabled. By default, AES67 mode is set for Dis-
abled. As previously mentioned, in the AES67 mode
the Dante transmitter (output) channels will function
in multicast; unicast is not supported.
Operation
At this point an Ethernet connection with
Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) capability should have
been made. The unit’s Dante conguration settings
should have been made using Dante Controller soft-
ware application. At a minimum a transmitter source
should have been routed to the Model 5202’s two
Dante receiver channels. Headphone and line out-
put connections should have been made as desired.
Normal operation of the Model 5202 can now begin.
Initial Operation
The Model 5202 will immediately begin to function
after a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) power source is
connected. However, full operation may take up to
20 seconds to begin. Upon initial power up the four
status LEDs located on the back panel will begin to
light. The meter LEDs on the front panel will light in a
test sequence. After the meter LEDs complete their
test sequence one meter LED associated with chan-
nel 1 and one meter LED associated with channel 2
will briey light to indicate the version number of the
unit’s rmware (embedded software). (Understanding
how to “read” the application rmware number will
be discussed in detail later in this guide.) Once that
sequence has completed and the Dante connection
has been established audio signals can be available.
Ethernet, PoE, and Dante Status
LEDs
Four status LEDs are located below the Ethernet con-
nector on the Model 5202’s back panel. The PoE LED
will light green to indicate that Power-over-Ethernet
(PoE) associated with the connected Ethernet signal
is providing operating power for the Model 5202. The
LINK/ACT LED will light green whenever an active
connection to a 100 Mb/s Ethernet network has been
established. It will ash in response to data packet ac-
tivity. The SYS and SYNC LEDs display the operating
status of the Dante interface and associated network.
The SYS LED will light red upon Model 5202 power
up to indicate that the Dante interface is not ready.
After a short interval it will light green to indicate that it
is ready to pass data with another Dante device. The
SYNC LED will light red when the Model 5202 is not
synchronized with a Dante network. It will light solid
green when the Model 5202 is synchronized with a
Dante network and an external clock source (timing
reference) is being received. It will slowly ash green
when the Model 5202 is part of a Dante network and
is serving as a Leader clock.
How to Identify a Specic
Model 5202
The Dante Controller software application o󰀨ers an
identify command that can be used to help locate a
specic Model 5202. When identify is selected for
a specic unit its meter LEDs will light in a unique
pattern. In addition, the SYS and SYNC LEDs, located
directly below the etherCON connector on the back
panel, will slowly ash green. After a few seconds
the LED identication patterns will cease and normal
Model 5202 level meter and Dante status LED oper-
ation will again take place.
Level Meters
Two 7-step LED meters will display the level of the
two Dante audio receiver (input) channels. The meter
steps are calibrated in dBFS which indicates the num-
ber of dB below the maximum possible digital signal
level. The maximum level, 0 dBFS, is the digital audio
reference level equal to “full scale.” Full scale refers
to the maximum level possible for a sine wave before

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DANTE TO PHONES AND LINE OUTPUT INTERFACE
“digital clipping.” In typical applications a signal level
of –20 dBFS would be the nominal (normal average)
value. The ve meter steps that have a threshold of
–20 dBFS and less light with the color green. The
step that lights at –15 dBFS and greater is yellow in
color and indicates a “hot” or above average signal
level. The top step lights red in color when a signal
level is –5 dBFS or greater, indicating that a potentially
“clipped” (distorted due to excessive level) signal is
present.
Headphone Output
Dante input channel 1 is routed to the left headphone
output channel. This signal is connected to the tip con-
nection on both the 3.5 mm and ¼-inch headphone
output jacks. Dante input channel 2 is routed to the
right headphone output channel which is associated
with the ring connection on the output jacks. The push-
in/push-out headphone level control adjusts the level
of both the left and right channels of the headphone
outputs. In the fully counterclockwise position the
output level is essentially o󰀨.
Care must be taken when adjusting the headphone
output level control. The output circuitry is capable of
driving headphones, headsets, or earbuds to damag-
ing levels. Hearing damage is a real possibility and
caution must be exercised.
Line Outputs
Dante input channel 1 is routed to line output chan-
nel 1. Dante input channel 2 is routed to line output
channel 2. The associated push-in/push-out rotary
control adjusts the level of both line output channels.
In its fully counterclockwise position the output level of
the two channels are essentially o󰀨. In its fully clock-
wise position the output levels will be approximately
+4 dBu with a Dante input signal that has a level of
–20 dBFS.
Technical Notes
IP Address Assignment
By default the Model 5202’s Ethernet interface will at-
tempt to obtain an IP address and associated settings
using DHCP (Dynamic Host Conguration Protocol).
If a DHCP server is not detected an IP address will
be assigned using the link-local protocol. This pro-
tocol is known in the Microsoft
®
world as Automatic
Private IP Addressing (APIPA). It is also sometimes
referred to as auto-IP (PIPPA). Link-local will assign
an IP address in the IPv4 range of 169.254.0.1 to
169.254.255.254. In this way, multiple Dante-enabled
devices can be connected together and automatically
function, whether or not a DHCP server is active on
the LAN. Even two Dante-enabled devices that are
directly interconnected using an RJ45 patch cord will
correctly acquire IP addresses and be able to com-
municate and transport audio.
Using the Dante Controller software application the
Model 5202’s IP address and related network parame-
ters can be set for a xed (“static”) conguration. While
this is more involved than letting DHCP or link-local
“do their thing,” if xed addressing is necessary then
that capability is available. In this case it’s highly
recommended that each unit be physically marked,
e.g., directly using a permanent marker or “console
tape,” with its specic IP address. If knowledge of a
Model 5202’s IP address has been misplaced there
is no reset button or other method to restore the unit
to a default IP setting.
In the unfortunate event that a device’s IP address
is “lost,” the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) net-
working command can be used to “probe” devices
on a network for this information. For example, in
Windows OS the arp –a command can be used to
display a list of LAN information that includes MAC
addresses and corresponding IP addresses. The
simplest means of identifying an unknown IP address
is to create a “mini” LAN with a personal computer
connected directly to the Model 5202. Then by using
the appropriate ARP command the required “clues”
can be obtained.
For best Dante audio-over-Ethernet performance a
network that supports VoIP QoS capability is rec-
ommended. This can typically be implemented on
virtually all contemporary managed Ethernet switch-
es. There are even specialized switches that are
optimized for entertainment-associated applications.
Refer to the Audinate website (audinate.com) for
details on optimizing networks for Dante applications.
Updating Main Application
Firmware
The Model 5202 uses a Freescale HCS-08-series
microcontroller (MCU) integrated circuit to run its
main application firmware (embedded software).

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DANTE TO PHONES AND LINE OUTPUT INTERFACE
The rmware is loaded into and stored in the MCU’s
nonvolatile memory by way of a stand-alone hard-
ware programmer unit that interfaces with a header
connector located on the unit’s motherboard. This
rmware programming is done at the factory at the
time of manufacture using a Cyclone Pro or Cyclone
Universal stand-alone programmer unit from P&E
Micro (pemicro.com). There is no provision for up-
dates of the application rmware to easily be per-
formed in the eld. Unlike some of the other Studio
Technologies’ Dante-enabled products, the Model
5202 does not have a USB interface for firmware
updating. This is because of the Model 5202’s simple,
well-dened functionality and commensurate limited-
resource MCU.
It’s possible that updated versions of the Model 5202’s
application rmware will be released. This could be
due to software bug xes or feature improvements.
It’s expected that in most cases Model 5202 units will
be returned to the factory should this rmware need to
be loaded. This would be true unless a user, reseller,
or distributor has access to an appropriate stand-
alone programmer unit. For reference the Studio
Technologies’ website will make available the latest
version of the Model 5202’s application rmware le
along with a text description le. Contact the factory
for additional details.
UltimoX Firmware Update
As previously discussed, the Model 5202 implements
Dante connectivity using the 2-input/2-output UltimoX
integrated circuit from Audinate. The Dante Controller
software application can be used to determine the
version of the rmware (embedded software) residing
in the UltimoX “chip.” This rmware can be updated
by way of the Model 5202’s Ethernet connection. The
latest Dante rmware le is available on the Studio
Technologies’ website. The Dante Firmware Update
Manager application is used to install the rmware.
This program is also available for download on the
Studio Technologies’ website.
Identifying the Firmware Version
Number
As previously discussed, upon power up the meter
LEDs are used to briey display the version number of
the Model 5202’s rmware (embedded software). This
information is typically only necessary when working
with the factory on support issues. The meter LEDs
will rst go through a display sequence followed by
an approximately 1-second period where the version
number will be indicated. The top row of seven LEDs
will display the major version number with a range of
1 to 7. The bottom row of seven LEDs will display the
minor version number with a range of 1 to 7. Refer to
Figure 2 for details.
Figure 2. Detail of front panel showing the LEDs that display the rmware version.
In this example, the version shown is 1.3.
Major Version Number
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
lOOO O OO
OOlO O OO
.1 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7
Minor Version Number

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DANTE TO PHONES AND LINE OUTPUT INTERFACE
Specications
Network Audio Technology:
Type: Dante audio-over-Ethernet
AES67-2018 Support: yes, selectable on/o󰀨
Dante Domain Manager (DDM) Support: yes
Bit Depth: up to 24
Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz
Number of Receiver (Input) Channels: 2
Dante Audio Flows: 2 receiver
Digital to Analog Equivalence: at unity gain a
Dante digital input of –20 dBFS results in an analog
output of +4 dBu
Network Interface:
Type: twisted-pair Ethernet with Power-over-
Ethernet (PoE)
Data Rate: 100 Mb/s (10 Mb/s Ethernet not
supported)
Power: Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) per IEEE
802.3af class 1 (very low power, ≤3.84 watts)
General Audio Parameters:
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±0.5 dB,
Dante to line output
Distortion (THD+N): 0.01%, measured at 1 kHz,
+4 dBu, Dante to line output
Dynamic Range: >100 dB, A-weighted, Dante to
line output
Headphone Output:
Type: stereo, congured to drive headphones
through 100 ohm series resistors
Compatibility: intended for connection to head-
phones with impedance of 100 ohms or greater
Level: adjustable using rotary level control
Maximum Voltage: 8 Vpp, 100 ohm load
Line Outputs: 2
Type: electronically balanced, capacitor-coupled,
intended to drive balanced or unbalanced loads of
2 k ohms or greater
Source Impedance: 200 ohms
Nominal Level: adjustable using rotary level
control, +4 dBu @ 100% rotation
Maximum Level: +24 dBu into 2 k ohms
Meters: 2
Function: displays level of Dante input signals
Type: 7-segment LED, modied VU ballistics
Connectors:
Ethernet: Neutrik etherCON RJ45
Headphone Output: 3.5 mm and ¼-inch
3-conductor jacks
Line Outputs: 3-pin male XLR
Dimensions (Overall):
4.2 inches wide (10.7 cm)
1.7 inches high (4.3 cm)
5.1 inches deep (13.0 cm)
Mounting Option: MBK-02 Mounting Bracket Kit
Weight: 0.8 pounds (0.35 kg)
Specications and information contained in this
User Guide subject to change without notice.