Tascam ML-32D 32-Channel Analogue-Dante-Analogue Converter

The TASCAM ML-32D is a professional 32-channel bidirectional converter designed to transfer balanced analogue line-level audio to and from a Dante network.

It provides 32 analogue inputs and 32 analogue outputs through eight 25-pin D-sub connectors. Dual Dante network ports support redundant primary and secondary networks, making the unit suitable for recording studios, broadcast facilities, live sound systems and permanent commercial installations.

Key Features

• 32 balanced analogue line inputs
• 32 balanced analogue line outputs
• 32 Dante input and output channels
• Maximum resolution: 96 kHz/24-bit
• Four eight-channel DB25 input connectors
• Four eight-channel DB25 output connectors
• Dual Dante Primary and Secondary Ethernet ports
• Redundant Dante-network operation
• AES67 and Ravenna compatibility
• SMPTE ST 2110-30 support with compatible firmware
• Flexible routing through Audinate Dante Controller
• Five selectable analogue reference levels
• Individual signal and overload indicators
• Compact 19-inch, 1U rackmount construction
• Internal universal power supply

Channel Configuration

Analogue inputs:

• 32 balanced line-level channels
• Four DB25 connectors
• Eight channels per connector

Analogue outputs:

• 32 balanced line-level channels
• Four DB25 connectors
• Eight channels per connector

Dante network audio:

• 32 Dante transmit channels
• 32 Dante receive channels

The ML-32D can convert all 32 analogue inputs to Dante while simultaneously converting 32 Dante channels back to analogue audio.

Audio Resolution

Supported sampling frequencies:

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

Supported bit depths:

• 16-bit
• 24-bit

Analogue Inputs

Connector type:

• Four 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

Nominal input levels:

• +4 dBu
• +6 dBu when the maximum input level is set to +15 dBu

Selectable maximum input levels:

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

Reference levels are selected through rear-panel switches.

Analogue Outputs

Connector type:

• Four 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

Nominal output levels:

• +4 dBu
• +6 dBu when the maximum output level is set to +15 dBu

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 Primary and Secondary ports can connect to two separate Dante networks. If the primary network fails, the system can automatically switch to the secondary route.

Dante Controller

Audinate Dante Controller is used to configure:

• Audio-channel routing
• Sampling frequency
• Network latency
• Device names
• Clock synchronisation
• Primary and secondary network settings

The software allows individual ML-32D inputs and outputs to be routed to compatible Dante devices across the network.

AES67 and SMPTE Support

The ML-32D supports AES67, allowing integration with compatible Ravenna and other AES67 audio-network systems.

Dante firmware version 1.2.0 also introduced SMPTE ST 2110-30 support for professional broadcast audio-over-IP systems. Dante Domain Manager 1.1 or later is required for ST 2110-30 operation.

Signal Indicators

The front panel provides:

• Signal indicators for every analogue input
• Overload indicators for every analogue input
• Signal indicators for every analogue output
• Sampling-rate indicators
• Dante and operating-status indicators

These indicators allow the system operator to check audio activity and identify overloaded analogue 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

Compatible Breakout Boxes

Optional TASCAM breakout boxes include:

• BO-32DE 32-channel Euroblock breakout box
• BO-16DX/IN 16-channel XLR input breakout box
• BO-16DX/OUT 16-channel XLR output breakout box

The BO-32DE is suitable for permanent installations, while the XLR breakout boxes are useful for studios and live sound systems where connections are changed frequently.

Power Requirements

• Input voltage: 100–240V AC
• Frequency: 50/60 Hz
• Power consumption: 22W
• Internal universal power supply