Model 5401A User Guide
Issue 4, August 2021
Studio Technologies, Inc.
Page 7
Model 5401A
DANTE LEADER CLOCK
support Dante audio transport, they are not well suited
to serve as a Leader clock. Ultimo’s PTP performance
is limited and does not have the ability to synchronize
with an external timing reference. Other Dante de-
vices may use the Brooklyn II module or Broadway
integrated circuit to support Dante connectivity. In
some cases, these devices can provide good basic
performance as a Leader clock.
However, problems and limitations may arise when
these devices are called upon to perform “double
duty,” serving in both a primary function (such as
analog-to-Dante interfacing or audio signal process-
ing) as well as acting as a Leader clock. This is un-
derstandable as the main purpose of these devices
is to serve functions other than acting as a primary
synchronization reference. Timing related features,
such as allowing connection of a video bi- or tri-
level sync signal is rarely, if ever, supported. And
PTP performance can degrade when the computing
power of a device is intended primarily for handling
and manipulating digital audio signals. This can lead
to the required PTP resources being in short supply
when the number of Dante devices that need timing
messages moves into the hundreds. Also, firmware
updates, cabling changes, and other maintenance
tasks typically associated with a general-purpose
Dante device would impact the Leader clock func-
tionality for an entire installation.
The Model 5401A was specifically designed to sup-
port a Dante-based audio system’s Leader clock
requirement. And the unit’s generation of audio tones
and implementation of the word clock output utilize
hardware circuitry that is separate from that associ-
ated with its PTP functionality. As such, this secondary
functionality will not interfere with PTP operation. Un-
like a general-purpose Dante device, once mounted in
an equipment rack and the required interconnections
are made, the Model 5401A will perform its tasks
without risk of interruption due to conflicting resource
demands.
Flexible Networking Capability
Using the Dante Controller application program, the
Model 5401A’s three Ethernet ports can be selected to
operate in one of four modes: Switched, Redundant,
SMgmt, and ReMgmt. This should
allow virtually any desired networking implementation
to be easily achieved.
By using the Switched or Redundant network modes,
separate network connections will be maintained for
Dante audio and management purposes.
In the Switched mode a single Ethernet connection
to either of the Model 5401A’s two Dante Ethernet
ports will provide Dante Leader clock functionality.
The remaining Dante Ethernet port will provide Dante
network “loop-through” capability and can be used to
interface with another piece of Ethernet-connected
equipment. The management Ethernet port will be
used to access the Model 5401A’s monitoring and
configuration webpages.
In the Redundant mode two independent Ethernet
connections are made to the Model 5401A’s two
Dante Ethernet ports, enabling Dante’s redundant
networking capability. Again, the management Eth-
ernet port will be used to access the Model 5401A’s
monitoring and configuration webpages.
In the SMgmt mode a single Ethernet con-
nection is used for both Dante Leader clock functional-
ity as well as providing access to the Model 5401A’s
management webpages. The remaining Dante Ether-
net port will provide network “loop-through” capability
and can be used to interface with another piece of
Ethernet-connected equipment.
In the ReMgmt mode two independent Eth-
ernet connections can be made to the Model 5401A’s
two Dante Ethernet ports. This will enable Leader
clock capability for applications that utilize Dante re-
dundancy. Access to the Model 5401A’s management
webpages will be made by way of the Ethernet con-
nection made to the Dante primary Ethernet port.
Operating Power
The Model 5401A allows an AC mains source of 100-
240 V, 50/60 Hz to be directly connected. It can also
be DC powered using a 10-18 volt source that is con-
nected via a broadcast-standard 4-pin XLR connector.
If both AC and DC power sources are connected the
unit will be powered by the AC mains supply. Only if
the AC mains source fails will appreciable power be
drawn from the DC source. This allows a source of
DC, typically an external power supply, to serve in a
backup capacity. With this arrangement normal opera-
tion can continue even if AC mains power is lost.
