Studio Technologies 5205 User manual

Copyright © 2021 by Studio Technologies, Inc., all rights reserved
studio-tech.com
50280-0821, Issue 3
User Guide
Issue 3, August 2021
This User Guide is applicable for serial numbers
M5205-00151 and later with application firmware 2.2
Model 5205
Mic/Line to Dante® Interface

This page intentionally left blank.

Model 5205 User Guide Issue 3, August 2021
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 3
Model 5205
Mic/Line to Dante Interface
Table of Contents
Revision History ........................................................... 4
Introduction ................................................................... 5
Getting Started ............................................................. 7
Connections ................................................................. 8
Dante Configuration ..................................................... 9
Operation ...................................................................... 9
Technical Notes ............................................................ 12
Specifications ............................................................... 16

Issue 3, August 2021 Model 5205 User Guide
Page 4 Studio Technologies, Inc.
Model 5205
Mic/Line to Dante Interface
Revision History
Issue 3, August 2021:
• Documents that the P48 status LED will no longer necessarily be blue in color.
Issue 2, August 2017:
• Documents that the unit now supports the STcontroller software application.
Issue 1, August 2015:
• Initial release.

Model 5205 User Guide Issue 3, August 2021
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 5
Model 5205
Mic/Line to Dante Interface
Introduction
The Model 5205 Mic/Line to Dante In-
terface is a general-purpose audio de-
vice that supports applications utilizing
the Dante® Audio-over-Ethernet media
networking technology. Two analog mi-
crophone or line-level audio signals can
be connected to the Model 5205. They
are amplified as required and then con-
verted to digital audio channels on an
associated Dante connection. With the
inherent interoperability of Dante, the
Model 5205 can be used with other Studio
Technologies Dante-enabled products or
a multitude of devices from many other
manufacturers.
Microphone or line-level balanced analog
audio signals are connected using two
3-pin XLR connectors. The gain of the
associated preamplifier circuitry can be
selected for 0, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 dB.
P48 phantom power is provided to support
condenser microphones. LEDs display
the status of the gain and phantom power
functions. Multi-step LED meters provide
confirmation of the level of the two Dante
transmitter (output) audio channels.
The gain of the preamplifiers and on/off
status of the P48 phantom power sources
can be selected locally using the pushbut-
ton switches. They can also be monitored
and selected remotely using the STcon-
troller application.
The audio quality of the Model 5205’s
two audio channels is excellent, with low
distortion, low noise, and high headroom.
Careful circuit design and rugged com-
ponents ensure long, reliable operation.
A wide range of applications can be sup-
ported, including TV, radio, and streaming
broadcast events, corporate and govern-
ment AV installations, and post-production
facilities.
The Model 5205 requires an Ethernet
connection to supply both the data inter-
face as well as Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)
power. This requires an Ethernet connec-
tion from a PoE-enabled Ethernet switch.
Alternately, the Model 5205 can be pow-
ered by an external midspan PoE power
injector.
Applications
The Model 5205 is perfect for use in
conjunction with a variety of fixed and por-
table audio applications where one or two
analog audio signals need to join a Dante
“network.” The unit’s high-performance
audio circuitry allows virtually any source
Figure 1. Model 5205 Mic/Line to Dante Interface front and rear views

Issue 3, August 2021 Model 5205 User Guide
Page 6 Studio Technologies, Inc.
Model 5205
Mic/Line to Dante Interface
to be handled correctly. Essentially all
condenser, dynamic, or ribbon micro-
phones are compatible, as are most bal-
anced and unbalanced analog line-level
sources. The simple user controls, along
with an extensive set of status indicators,
help to ensure optimum performance is
maintained. With the unit’s compact size
and PoE powering, it’s simple to deploy
multiple units to integrate a distributed set
of sources into a Dante application. For
permanent applications there’s no reason
why a Model 5205 can’t reside within an
equipment rack or be mounted, using op-
tional brackets, underneath a table or on-
air studio set. In a conference room setting
the unit can be permanently connected
to a PoE-enabled Ethernet port, ready to
accept a signal source from various user-
provided devices.
Mic/Line Inputs
Two microphone or line-level analog
audio signals can be connected to the
Model 5205’s 3-pin female XLR connec-
tors. The preamplifier gain of each chan-
nel can be independently adjusted from
among six settings: 0 (line), 20, 30, 40,
50, or 60 dB. To support condenser micro-
phones P48 phantom power can be inde-
pendently selected as required for each
channel. LEDs are provided to display the
configuration of the gain and P48 phantom
power functions.
Six pushbutton switches, located on the
Model 5205’s front panel, allow local
selection of the preamplifier gain and P48
phantom power on/off status. The STcon-
troller application allows personal comput-
er users to both view and change the gain
of the preamplifiers and the on/off status of
the P48 phantom power sources.
Audio Quality
The Model 5205’s audio performance is
very good. The low-noise, wide dynamic-
range preamplifier circuitry ensures that
input audio quality is preserved. The outputs
of the preamplifiers are routed to high-per-
formance analog-to-digital conversion (ADC)
sections that support sampling rate of 44.1,
48, 88.2, and 96 kHz with a bit depth of 24.
A precision voltage-reference integrated
circuit supports the ADC circuitry in perform-
ing accurate signal conversion. The audio
signals, now in the digital domain, are con-
nected to the Dante interface section where
they are packetized and prepared for trans-
port over Ethernet. The P48 phantom power
source is extremely low noise, providing
microphone power while causing little signal
degradation. This is important for demand-
ing applications.
The mic/line inputs were carefully designed
for use in permanent, as well as portable
and field, applications. Extensive filtering
minimizes the chance that radio frequency
(RF) energy will interfere with the audio
input signals. Other components were in-
cluded to specifically address ESD (“static”)
situations, helping to ensure long-term
reliable operation.
Metering
Two 8-step LED meters provide a real-time
level indication of the two Dante transmitter
(output) channels. Scaled in dBFS (decibels
referenced to full scale digital) the meters
offer a direct view of the audio signal levels
as they are transported via Dante in the
digital domain. This is important as optimal
audio performance requires transporting
signals at their proper levels — without an
accurate indication this can be difficult to
achieve.

Model 5205 User Guide Issue 3, August 2021
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 7
Model 5205
Mic/Line to Dante Interface
Ethernet Data and PoE
The Model 5205 connects to an Ethernet
data network using a standard 100 Mb/s
twisted-pair Ethernet interface. The physi-
cal interconnection is made by way of a
Neutrik® etherCON RJ45 connector. While
compatible 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 5205’s operating power is
provided by way of the Ethernet interface
using the 802.3af Power-over-Ethernet
(PoE) standard. This allows fast and ef-
ficient interconnection with the associated
data network. To support PoE power man-
agement, the Model 5205’s PoE interface
reports to the power sourcing equipment
(PSE) that it’s a class 2 (low power) de-
vice. An LED is provided to indicate when
power is being supplied to the Model 5205.
If a PoE-enabled Ethernet port can’t be
provided by the associated Ethernet switch
a low-cost PoE midspan power injector
can be utilized.
Dante Audio-over-Ethernet
Audio data is sent from the Model 5205
using the Dante Audio-over-Ethernet
media networking technology. As a Dante-
compliant device, the Model 5205’s two
transmit audio channels can be assigned
to other devices using the Dante Control-
ler software application. The bit depth is
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 connec-
tion status.
Future Capabilities and
Firmware Updating
The Model 5205 was designed so that
its capabilities and performance can be
enhanced in the future. A USB connector,
located on the unit’s back panel, allows the
application firmware (embedded software)
to be updated using a USB flash drive.
To implement the Dante interface the
Model 5205 uses Audinate’s Ultimo™
integrated circuit. The firmware in this
integrated circuit can be updated via the
Ethernet connection, helping to ensure that
its capabilities remain up to date.
Getting Started
What’s Included
Included in the shipping carton are a
Model 5205 Interface and a printed 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 5205 units in an equip-
ment 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
5205’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
5205 units to the shelf.

Issue 3, August 2021 Model 5205 User Guide
Page 8 Studio Technologies, Inc.
Model 5205
Mic/Line to Dante Interface
A set of mounting brackets is available to
allow a Model 5205 to be attached to the
underside of a desk, table, broadcast set,
or other flat surface. Contact Studio Tech-
nologies for details.
Connections
In this section signal interconnections
will be made using the connectors located
on the back panel of the Model 5205.
An Ethernet data connection with Power-
over-Ethernet (PoE) capability will be
made using either a standard RJ45 patch
cable or an etherCON protected RJ45
plug. Microphone or line-level signal
sources will be connected using two cable-
mounted 3-pin male XLR connectors.
Ethernet Connection
A 100BASE-TX Ethernet connection that
supports Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) is
required for Model 5205 operation. This
one connection will provide both the Ether-
net data interface and power for the Model
5205’s circuitry. A 10BASE-T connection is
not sufficient and a 1000BASE-T (“GigE”)
connection is not supported unless it can
automatically “fall back” to 100BASE-TX
operation. For PoE-supporting Ethernet
switch power management the Model
5205 will enumerate itself as a PoE class 2
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 5205. This allows connection
by way of a cable-mounted etherCON
plug or a standard RJ45 plug. The Model
5205’s Ethernet interface supports auto
MDI/MDI-X so that most cabling implemen-
tations will be correctly supported without
requiring a “cross-over” or “reversing”
cable.
Ethernet Port without PoE
As previously discussed in this guide, the
Model 5205 was designed such that the
Ethernet connection will provide both data
and Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) power.
There may be situations where the associ-
ated Ethernet switch does not provide
PoE power. In these cases an external
PoE midspan power injector can be used.
As long as the midspan power injector
is 802.3af-compatible it should function
correctly. Midspan units are available
from a variety of sources, including Studio
Technologies.
Mic/Line Inputs
The two mic/line inputs are intended for
connection with balanced microphone or
line-level analog audio signal sources.
Typically these sources will be associated
with professional audio equipment such
as dynamic, condenser, or ribbon micro-
phones, audio consoles, video storage and
playback systems, wireless microphone
receivers, and audio testing equipment.
The Model 5205 provides two 3-pin female
XLR connectors for interfacing analog au-
dio signals with the mic/line inputs. For bal-
anced signals pin 2 should be connected
to signal + (high) and pin 3 should be sig-
nal – (low). Pin 1 should be connected to
the shield of the interconnecting cable.
Unbalanced signals can also be connect-
ed. In most cases signal + (high) should
be connected to pin 2 and common/shield
should be connected to both pins 1 and 3

Model 5205 User Guide Issue 3, August 2021
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 9
Model 5205
Mic/Line to Dante Interface
of the 3-pin male XLR mating connector.
If this connection arrangement results in
hum or noise it may be effective to try con-
necting signal + (high) to pin 2 and signal
common/shield only to pin 3.
Dante
Configuration
Several Model 5205’s Dante-related param-
eters can be configured. These configura-
tion settings will be stored in non-volatile
memory within the Model 5205’s circuitry.
Configuration will typically be done with the
Dante Controller software application which
is available for download free of charge at
audinate.com. Versions of Dante Controller
are available to support Windows® and
macOS® operating systems. The Model
5205 uses the Ultimo 2-input/2-output inte-
grated circuit to implement the Dante archi-
tecture. However, only the two transmitter
(output) channels are utilized. This dictates
which parameters can be configured and
what choices are available.
The two transmitter channels associated
with the Model 5205’s Dante interface
must be assigned to the desired receiver
channels. Within Dante Controller a “sub-
scription” is the term used for routing a
transmitter flow (a group of output chan-
nels) to a receiver flow (a group of input
channels). The number of transmitter flows
associated with an Ultimo integrated circuit
is limited to two. These can either be uni-
cast, multicast, or a combination of the two.
The Model 5205 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 5205 can serve as the
clock master for a Dante network but in
most cases it will be configured to “sync”
to another device.
The Model 5205 has a default Dante de-
vice name of ST-M5205 and a unique suf-
fix. The suffix identifies the specific Model
5205 that is being configured. The suffix’s
actual alpha and numeric characters relate
to the MAC address of the Ultimo integrat-
ed circuit. The two Dante transmitter chan-
nels have default names of Ch1 and Ch2.
Using Dante Controller the default device
name and channel names can be revised
as appropriate for the specific application.
Operation
At this point an Ethernet connection with
Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) capability
should have been made. Alternately, a
midspan power injector, in “series” with the
Ethernet connection, should have been put
into place. The Model 5205’s Dante con-
figuration settings should have been se-
lected using the Dante Controller software
application. At a minimum the two Dante
transmitter channels should have been
routed to receiver channels on an associ-
ated device. Analog signal sources should
have been connection to the two mic/line
inputs. Normal Model 5205 operation can
now begin.
Initial Operation
The Model 5205 will begin to function as
soon as a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)
power source is connected. However, full
operation may take 20 seconds or longer
to begin. Upon initial power up the four
status LEDs located on the back panel will
begin to light. The USB LED on the back
panel and the P48, gain, and meter LEDs

Issue 3, August 2021 Model 5205 User Guide
Page 10 Studio Technologies, Inc.
Model 5205
Mic/Line to Dante Interface
on the front panel will light in a test se-
quence. After the LEDs complete their test
sequence one LED associated with the
level meter for channel 1 and one LED as-
sociated with the level meter for channel 2
will briefly light to indicate the version num-
ber of the unit’s application firmware (em-
bedded software). (Understanding how to
“read” the application firmware number will
be discussed in detail later in this guide.)
Once the entire sequence has completed
and the Dante connection has been estab-
lished full operation will begin.
Ethernet, PoE, and Dante
Status LEDs
Four status LEDs are located below the
etherCON connector on the Model 5205’s
back panel. The PoE LED will light green
to indicate that Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)
power associated with the connected Eth-
ernet signal is providing operating power
for the Model 5205. The LINK/ACT LED
will light green whenever an active connec-
tion to a 100 Mb/s Ethernet network has
been established. It will flash in response
to Ethernet data packet activity. The SYS
and SYNC LEDs display the operating sta-
tus of the Dante interface and associated
network. The SYS LED will light red upon
Model 5205 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 5205 is not synchronized with
a Dante network. It will light solid green
when the Model 5205 is synchronized
with a Dante network and an external
clock source (timing reference) is being
received. It will slowly flash green when
the Model 5205 is part of a Dante network
and is serving as a clock master.
How to Identify a Specific
Model 5205
The Dante Controller software application
offers an identify command that can be
used to help locate a specific Model 5205.
When identify is selected for a specific
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
flash green. After a few seconds the LED
identification patterns will cease and nor-
mal Model 5205 level meter and Dante
status LED operation will again take place.
Level Meters
Two 8-step LED meters display the level
of the two Dante transmitter (output) chan-
nels. The meter steps are calibrated in
dBFS which indicates the number 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 maxi-
mum level possible for a sine wave before
“digital clipping.” In typical applications
a signal with a nominal (normal) level of
–20 dBFS would be desirable. The five
meter steps that have a threshold of
–20 dBFS and less light with the color
green. The steps that light at –15 and
–10 dBFS are yellow in color and indicate
“hot” or above average signal levels. 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.
Mic/Line Inputs
Two 3-pin female XLR connectors are
provided to interface analog audio signals
with the Model 5205’s mic/line inputs.

Model 5205 User Guide Issue 3, August 2021
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 11
Model 5205
Mic/Line to Dante Interface
Balanced and unbalanced signals with a
wide range of nominal levels can be suc-
cessfully connected.
As expected, a signal connected to the
channel 1 input connector is associated
with Dante transmitter (output) channel 1.
A signal connected to the channel 2 mic/
line input connector is associated with
Dante transmitter (output) channel 2.
Preamplifier Gain Selection
Two pushbutton switches are associated
with each mic/line input and are used to
locally adjust the gain of the preampli-
fier circuitry. In the 0 dB (line) position the
Model 5205 will provide no (unity) gain.
In this specific case a connected analog
signal that has a level of precisely 0 dBu
will result in a Dante digital audio level of
–20 dBFS. (That corresponds to 20 dB
less than the maximum possible level.)
Five other settings allow a gain of 20 to
60 dB, in 10-dB steps, to be selected.
Select the preamplifier gain such that nor-
mal input signals will cause the five green
LEDs to light. Peak signals can cause the
yellow LEDs to light on occasion. But the
yellow LEDs should never be continuously
lit. The red LED should never light, except
possibly in the case of an extreme peak.
The red LED lighting on a regular basis
indicates that the signal level is at risk of
reaching digital 0 (0 dBFS) which is de-
structive to audio quality.
When changing from the 0 dB to the
20 dB gain setting, or vice-versa, a slight
mechanical click or “tick” sound may be
heard coming from within the Model 5205’s
enclosure. This is caused by the changing
state of an electro-mechanical relay that
places a 20 dB attenuator network in to
or out of the signal path.
Note that due to a technical consideration
the exact gain values are slightly different
from the nominal values that are indicated
on the front panel graphics and in most of
the text provided in this guide. As such,
there can be up to a 1-dB difference, high
or low, at some gain settings. This will typi-
cally have no impact on the performance
or use of the Model 5205. But laboratory or
other precision testing of the Model 5205
will show these apparent anomalies. Refer
to the Specifications section of this guide
for the exact values.
P48 Phantom Power
To support microphones that require ex-
ternal power, the Model 5205 can provide
a source of P48 phantom power. Press
the P48 button associated with the de-
sired channel to locally change the on/off
status of the P48 phantom power source.
The P48 LED will light when P48 phantom
power is being provided to the associated
mic/line input connector. For maximum
flexibility P48 phantom power is available
in all six of the preamplifier gain settings,
including 0 dB (line). While P48 phantom
power would not typically be needed in the
0 dB (line) setting it’s still available for spe-
cial applications. This can include use with
high-sensitivity microphones being used in
environments with high-SPL audio levels.
Remote Configuration of Gain
and P48 Phantom Power
Using the STcontroller application allows
personal computer users to view and
adjust the Model 5205’s preamplifier gain
and P48 phantom power on/off status. The
application is available for download on
the Studio Technologies website (studio-
tech.com). Its initial release is compatible

Issue 3, August 2021 Model 5205 User Guide
Page 12 Studio Technologies, Inc.
Model 5205
Mic/Line to Dante Interface
with the Windows® operating system.
Changes made using the application will
be displayed in real-time on the Model
5205’s LED indicators. Changes made to
the preamplifier gain and P48 on/off status
using the Model 5205’s local pushbutton
switches will be displayed in STcontroller.
Button Lock-Out
There may be situations where it’s desir-
able for the preamplifier gain and P48
phantom power on/off configurations to
be maintained without the risk that an un-
authorized user will press one of the but-
tons and cause an unwanted change
to be made. A button lock-out function is
included to minimize the chance that this
will occur. Using the function is very sim-
ple: simultaneously press and hold both
P48 buttons for approximately 2 seconds
until the two P48 LEDs flash. This will indi-
cate that a change has been made to the
button lock-out status.
When the button lock-out function is en-
abled the six pushbuttons will no longer
allow any local preamplifier gain or P48
configuration changes to be made. During
operation, if the buttons are “locked” press-
ing a P48, gain up, or gain down button will
cause both P48 LEDs to flash three times
but no change will occur. Only by chang-
ing the status of the lock-out function, by
pressing and holding both P48 buttons,
will local changes to the gain or P48 on/off
status be allowed.
Remote monitoring and control using the
STcontroller application will continue to
function normally, even if the buttons are
in their locked-out state.
Configuration Storage
The selected configuration of the preampli-
fier gain and P48 on/off status, as well as
the button lock-out status, will be stored in
nonvolatile memory within the Model 5205.
This allows the settings to be “remembered”
during periods when the Model 5205 is not
being provided with power. Upon the unit
being powered up the stored settings will
again be used.
USB Interface
A USB type A connector and associated sta-
tus LED is located on the back panel of the
Model 5205. This data interface is used only
for updating the unit’s application firmware.
No audio data of any kind will pass through
it. For details please refer to the Technical
Notes section of this guide.
Technical Notes
IP Address Assignment
By default the Model 5205’s Ethernet inter-
face will attempt to obtain an IP address
and associated settings using DHCP (Dy-
namic Host Configuration Protocol). If a
DHCP server is not detected an IP address
will be assigned using the link-local proto-
col. This protocol 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

Model 5205 User Guide Issue 3, August 2021
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 13
Model 5205
Mic/Line to Dante Interface
cord will correctly acquire IP addresses
and be able to communicate and transport
audio.
Using the Dante Controller software ap-
plication the Model 5205’s IP address and
related network parameters can be set for
a fixed (“static”) configuration. While this is
more involved than letting DHCP or link-lo-
cal “do their thing,” if fixed addressing is
necessary then that capability is available.
But in this case it’s highly recommended
that each unit be physically marked, e.g.,
directly using a permanent marker or “con-
sole tape,” with its specific IP address. If
knowledge of a Model 5205’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) networking 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 in-
cludes MAC addresses and corresponding
IP addresses. The simplest means of iden-
tifying an unknown IP address is to create a
“mini” LAN with a personal computer con-
nected directly to the Model 5205. Then by
using the appropriate ARP command the
required “clues” can be obtained.
For best Dante audio-over-Ethernet per-
formance a network that supports VoIP
QoS capability is recommended. This can
typically be implemented on virtually all
contemporary managed Ethernet switches.
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.
Application Firmware Version
Display
As part of the Model 5205’s power-up
sequence the unit’s application firmware
version number is displayed. This is useful
when working with factory personnel on
application support and troubleshooting.
The eight LEDs associated with the channel
1 level meters are used to display the major
version number with a range of 1 through 8.
The eight LEDs associated with the channel
2 level meters are used to display the
minor version number which ranges from
1 through 8. Refer to Figure 2 for a detailed
view of the LEDs and the corresponding
application firmware version numbering
scheme.
Application Firmware Update
Procedure
It’s possible that updated versions of the
application firmware (embedded software)
that is utilized by the Model 5205’s micro-
controller (MCU) integrated circuit will be
released to add features or correct issues.
Refer to the Studio Technologies website
for the latest application firmware file. The
unit has the ability to load a revised file into
the MCU’s nonvolatile memory by way of a
USB interface. The Model 5205 implements
a USB host function that directly supports
connection of a USB flash drive. The Model
5205’s MCU updates its firmware using a
file named m5205.bin.
The update process begins by preparing
a USB flash drive. The flash drive doesn’t
have to be empty (blank) but must be in
the personal-computer-standard FAT32
format. Save the new firmware file in the
root directory with a name of m5205.bin.
Studio Technologies will supply the

Issue 3, August 2021 Model 5205 User Guide
Page 14 Studio Technologies, Inc.
Model 5205
Mic/Line to Dante Interface
application firmware file inside a .zip ar-
chive file. While the firmware file inside of
the zip file will adhere to the naming con-
vention required by the Model 5205, the
name of the zip file itself will include the
file’s version number. For example, a file
named m5205v2r2MCU.zip would indicate
that version 2.2 of the application firmware
(m5205.bin) is contained within this zip
file. Once the USB flash drive is inserted
into the USB interface, the unit powered
off and again powered on, the file will auto-
matically load. The precise steps required
will be highlighted in the next paragraphs
of this guide. After the firmware has been
updated the two LED level meters should
be used to confirm that the desired applica-
tion firmware version has been successfully
installed.
To install the application firmware file
follow these steps:
1. Remove power from the Model 5205.
This will entail removing the Ethernet
connection that is providing PoE power.
2. Ensure that nothing is present in the
USB port. Then again apply power to
the unit and “read” the currently loaded
application firmware version during the
power-up sequence using the two level
meters. (Refer to the Application Firm-
ware Version Display paragraph earlier
in this section.) Record the version
number for later reference.
3. Remove power from the Model 5205.
4. Insert the prepared USB flash drive into
the Model 5205’s USB port, located on
the back panel of the unit.
5. Apply power to the Model 5205. Power
is provided by Power-over-Ethernet
(PoE) associated with the connected
Ethernet signal.
Figure 2. Detail of front panel showing the level meter
LEDs that display the application firmware version. In
this example, the application firmware version shown
is 2.2.
Major Version Number Minor Version Number
O 8 .8 O
O 7 .7 O
O 6 .6 O
O 5 .5 O
O 4 .4 O
O 3 .3 O
 2 .2 
O 1 .1 O

Model 5205 User Guide Issue 3, August 2021
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 15
Model 5205
Mic/Line to Dante Interface
6. The Model 5205 will run a “boot loader”
program that will immediately load
the new application firmware file
(m5205.bin). This process takes only
a few seconds. During this time pe-
riod the LED located below the USB
connector will flash slowly on and off
green. Once the entire loading process
is over, taking approximately 10 sec-
onds, the Model 5205 will restart using
the newly loaded application firmware.
7. At this time the Model 5205 is function-
ing with the newly loaded application
firmware and the USB flash drive can
be removed. But to be conservative,
remove power first and then remove
the USB flash drive.
8. Apply power to the Model 5205 and
“read” the application firmware ver-
sion number by observing the two level
meters. Ensure that this is the desired
version and that it’s different from that
noted in step 2. Note that upon power
being applied to the Model 5205 if the
USB flash drive doesn’t have the cor-
rect file (m5205.bin) in the root folder
no harm will occur. Upon power up the
USB LED will flash on and off rapidly
for a few seconds to indicate this condi-
tion and then normal operation using
the unit’s existing application firmware
will begin.
Ultimo Firmware Update
As previously discussed in this guide,
the Model 5205 implements Dante con-
nectivity using the 2-input/2-output Ul-
timo integrated circuit from Audinate. The
Dante Controller software application can
be used to determine the version of the
firmware (embedded software) residing
in the Ultimo “chip.” This firmware can be
updated by way of the Model 5205’s Ether-
net connection. The latest Dante firmware
file is available on the Studio Technolo-
gies website. The Dante Firmware Update
Manager application is used to install the
firmware. This program is also available
for download on the Studio Technologies
website.

Issue 3, August 2021 Model 5205 User Guide
Page 16 Studio Technologies, Inc.
Model 5205
Mic/Line to Dante Interface
Specifications
Network Audio Technology:
Type: Dante Audio-over-Ethernet
Bit Depth: 24
Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz
Number of Dante Transmitter (Output) Channels: 2
Dante Audio Flows: 2 transmitter
Analog to Digital Equivalence: a +4 dBu input with
0 dB gain selected results in a Dante digital output
level of –20 dBFS
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 2 (low power, ≤6.49 watts)
General Audio Parameters:
Frequency Response (48 kHz Sample Rate):
+0.0/–0.5 dB, 20 Hz to 22 kHz
Frequency Response (96 kHz Sample Rate):
+0.0/–0.5 dB, 20 Hz to 40 kHz
Distortion (THD+N): 0.001% (–100 dB) at
–1 dBFS, 40 dB gain, 22 kHz bandwidth
Dynamic Range: >114 dB, 0 dB gain, A-weighted
EIN: –123 dBu, 22 kHz bandwidth, 60 dB gain,
150 ohm source resistance
IMD (SMPTE): <0.002%, 60 Hz/7 kHz, 4:1,
–20 dBFS
Mic/Line Inputs: 2
Type: electronically balanced
Input Impedance: 3.7 k ohms
CMRR: >75 dB, 20 Hz to 22 kHz, 40 dB gain
Gain, Nominal (Button Selected): 0 (line), 20, 30,
40, 50, and 60 dB
Gain, Actual (Button Selected): 0 (line), 19, 31,
40, 49, and 61 dB
Gain (Remote Control Selected): 0 dB (line),
10 dB, 19-70 dB in 3-dB steps
Compatibility: dynamic, ribbon, or phantom-
powered mics
Phantom Power: P48 per IEC 61938 standard,
+45 volts DC nominal, on/off selectable
Remote Configuration Capability: preamplifier
gain and P48 phantom power on/off status (uses
STcontroller application)
Meters: 2
Function: displays level of Dante transmitter
(output) signals
Type: 8-segment LED, modified VU ballistics
Connectors:
Mic/Line Inputs: 3-pin female XLR
Ethernet: Neutrik etherCON RJ45
USB: type A receptacle
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: bracket kit
Weight: 0.8 pounds (0.35 kg)
Specifications and information contained in this
guide subject to change without notice.