Tascam ML-16D 16-Channel Analogue-Dante-Analogue Converter

The TASCAM ML-16D is a professional 16-channel bidirectional converter designed to transfer balanced analogue line-level audio to and from a Dante network.

It provides 16 analogue inputs and 16 analogue outputs through four 25-pin D-sub connectors. Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports support Dante Primary and Secondary networks, allowing either redundant network operation or daisy-chain connection.

Key Features

• 16 balanced analogue line inputs
• 16 balanced analogue line outputs
• 16 Dante transmit channels
• 16 Dante receive channels
• Maximum resolution: 96 kHz/24-bit
• Two eight-channel DB25 input connectors
• Two eight-channel DB25 output connectors
• AES59-2012 TASCAM DB25 pin configuration
• Dante Primary and Secondary Ethernet ports
• Redundant or switched daisy-chain network modes
• Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
• AES67 and Ravenna compatibility
• Flexible routing using Audinate Dante Controller
• Five selectable analogue reference levels
• Individual input signal and overload indicators
• Individual output signal indicators
• Compact 19-inch, 1U rackmount enclosure
• Internal universal power supply

Channel Configuration

Analogue inputs:

• 16 balanced line-level channels
• Two DB25 connectors
• Eight channels per connector

Analogue outputs:

• 16 balanced line-level channels
• Two DB25 connectors
• Eight channels per connector

Dante network audio:

• 16 Dante transmit channels
• 16 Dante receive channels

The ML-16D can convert all 16 analogue inputs to Dante while simultaneously converting 16 Dante channels back to balanced analogue audio.

Audio Resolution

Supported sampling frequencies:

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

Supported bit depths:

• 16-bit
• 24-bit

Maximum audio resolution:

• 96 kHz/24-bit

Analogue Inputs

Connector configuration:

• Two female 25-pin D-sub connectors
• Eight balanced channels per connector
• AES59-2012 TASCAM pin assignment
• No. 4-40 UNC locking screws

Input impedance:

• 10 kΩ or higher

Selectable maximum input levels:

• +24 dBu
• +22 dBu
• +20 dBu
• +18 dBu
• +15 dBu

The reference level is selected using switches on the rear panel, allowing the converter to integrate with professional equipment using different analogue operating levels.

Analogue Outputs

Connector configuration:

• Two female 25-pin D-sub connectors
• Eight balanced channels per connector
• AES59-2012 TASCAM pin assignment
• No. 4-40 UNC locking screws

Output impedance:

• 200Ω or lower

Minimum recommended load:

• 2 kΩ

Selectable maximum output levels:

• +24 dBu
• +22 dBu
• +20 dBu
• +18 dBu
• +15 dBu

Dante Network Connections

Network connectors:

• Dante Primary: RJ45
• Dante Secondary: RJ45

Network standard:

• Gigabit Ethernet
• 1000BASE-T
• IEEE 802.3ab

Recommended cable:

• Shielded Cat5e or higher

The two Ethernet ports can be configured for redundant operation using two independent networks or for switched operation when daisy-chaining a small number of Dante devices.

Redundant Dante Operation

In redundant mode, the Primary and Secondary ports connect to two completely separate networks. If the primary network connection fails, Dante audio can continue through the secondary network.

The primary and secondary networks must not be connected to each other or to the same network switch. Redundant and switched modes are selected through Dante Controller and do not change automatically.

Dante Controller

Audinate Dante Controller can be used to configure:

• Audio-channel routing
• Sample rate
• Device names
• Channel names
• Clock synchronisation
• Network latency
• Redundant or switched network mode
• Primary and secondary network settings

Once configured, the routing is retained by the Dante devices and does not require Dante Controller to remain open during normal operation.

AES67 and Ravenna Compatibility

The ML-16D supports AES67, allowing integration with compatible Ravenna and other AES67-based network-audio systems.

Compatibility depends on the firmware versions, network configuration and capabilities of the other connected devices.

Front-Panel Indicators

The front panel provides:

• Power indicator
• Operating-status indicator
• Dante network-status indication
• Current sampling-rate indicators
• Signal indicator for every analogue input
• Overload indicator for every analogue input
• Signal indicator for every analogue output

These indicators allow the operator to confirm audio activity and identify overloaded analogue input signals without opening Dante Controller.

Audio Performance

Analogue Input to Dante Output

Frequency response at 44.1 or 48 kHz:

• 20 Hz–20 kHz, +0.1/−0.5 dB

Frequency response at 88.2 or 96 kHz:

• 20 Hz–40 kHz, +0.1/−0.5 dB

Total harmonic distortion plus noise:

• 0.001% or lower

Signal-to-noise ratio:

• 113 dB or higher

Crosstalk:

• 115 dB or higher

Dante Input to Analogue Output

Frequency response at 44.1 or 48 kHz:

• 20 Hz–20 kHz, +0.1/−0.5 dB

Frequency response at 88.2 or 96 kHz:

• 20 Hz–40 kHz, +0.1/−1 dB

Total harmonic distortion plus noise:

• 0.001% or lower

Signal-to-noise ratio:

• 110 dB or higher

Crosstalk:

• 115 dB or higher