The TASCAM AE-4D is a compact, bidirectional digital audio converter designed to transfer professional AES/EBU audio to and from a Dante network.

It provides two AES/EBU inputs and two AES/EBU outputs on balanced XLR connectors. Each AES/EBU connection can carry two digital audio channels at standard sample rates, providing up to four input and four output channels.

Key Features

• Bidirectional AES/EBU-to-Dante conversion
• Up to four AES/EBU input channels
• Up to four AES/EBU output channels
• Four Dante input channels
• Four Dante output channels
• Two balanced XLR AES/EBU inputs
• Two balanced XLR AES/EBU outputs
• Input sample-rate conversion
• Maximum Dante resolution of 96 kHz/24-bit
• Input and output level control
• Individual input and output mute control
• Dante AES67 compatibility
• Dante Domain Manager compatibility
• Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Dante daisy-chain support
• Power over Ethernet
• Optional AC-adapter operation
• Compact half-rack, 1U-height enclosure
• Installation brackets included

Channel Configuration

At 44.1 or 48 kHz:

• Four AES/EBU input channels
• Four AES/EBU output channels
• Four Dante input channels
• Four Dante output channels
• 16-bit or 24-bit resolution

At 88.2 or 96 kHz:

• Two AES/EBU input channels
• Two AES/EBU output channels
• Two Dante input channels
• Two Dante output channels
• 16-bit or 24-bit resolution

The channel count is reduced at double-speed sample rates because each AES/EBU connection carries one channel instead of two.

AES/EBU Inputs

Number of connectors:

• Two

Connector type:

• XLR-3-31 female
• Balanced digital audio

Channels:

• Four channels at 44.1 or 48 kHz
• Two channels at 88.2 or 96 kHz

Input impedance:

• 110Ω

Digital format:

• AES3-2003
• IEC 60958-4
• AES/EBU

Supported incoming sample rates:

• 32–192 kHz

The input sample-rate converter is permanently active, allowing incoming AES/EBU sources using different sample rates to be integrated into the Dante system.

AES/EBU Outputs

Number of connectors:

• Two

Connector type:

• XLR-3-32 male
• Balanced digital audio

Channels:

• Four channels at 44.1 or 48 kHz
• Two channels at 88.2 or 96 kHz

Output impedance:

• 110Ω

Digital format:

• AES3-2003
• IEC 60958-4
• AES/EBU

Supported output sample rates:

• 44.1 kHz
• 48 kHz
• 88.2 kHz
• 96 kHz

Input Sample-Rate Converter

The AES/EBU inputs feature automatic sample-rate conversion.

This allows digital sources operating from 32 kHz up to 192 kHz to be connected without requiring the source device to use the same clock or sample rate as the Dante network.

The sample-rate converter applies only to the AES/EBU inputs. The AES/EBU outputs follow the selected Dante operating sample rate.