DARK8MAIR

DARK8MAIR
8 Channel Dante/ AES67 Microphone Amplifier

Features Overview Windows 10 App Specification App Latest Version Video Downloads Ask a Question

Eight Audio Inputs

The DARK8MAIR has 8 audio inputs. Each input is on its own Neutrik 3 pin XLR socket and each input can be set to accept line or mic level inputs. Clever internal circuitry even changes the input impedance to correctly match the input type.

Low Noise Mic Amps

The very best low noise & distortion microphone amplifier chipsets by Profusion are used in our very carefully designed pre-amp. The design of the pre-amp took our Chief Design Engineer over 3 months to develop and tailor to provide crystal clear sound unaltered by unwanted characteristics.

Mic/Line/Phantom Power

Each of the eight inputs can be individually switched to accept either a mic or line level input. The mic input can also have 48 Volt phantom power turned on/ off. Input selection and phantom power settings are enabled on the Windows 10 app.

High Quality Analogue To Digital Converters

As well as the best microphone amplifiers the very best, widest range analogue to digital converters (ADC) currently available are used to make sure the digital audio on your network is as good as it possibly can be. The filter settings of the ADC can even be changed via the app.

Windows 10 App For Remote Control

The free windows 10 app provides full remote control of the DARK8MAIR. It allows switching of input types, gain control, level monitoring and more.

Network Interface

There are 4 network interfaces on the DARK8MAIR. There are 2 x Neutrik Ethercon (RJ45) connectors and there are also 2 x SFP slots for customers to fit their own preferred fibre interfaces.

Redundant Network Interface

When using the Dante protocol it is possible to set the DARK8MAIR to have a fully redundant network interface whereby a completely glitch free automatic redundant audio network link is provided across 2 of the network interfaces.

Power

DARK8MAIR can be powered from 4 independent sources to provide a redundant power option.
Each copper RJ45 network socket can accept PoE (this means that just 1 cable can carry power and audio data to/ from the unit).
For extra redundancy there are 2 inbuilt wide range switch mode power supplies each with their own IEC inlet.

The DARK8MAIR (Microphone Analogue Input Rackmount) is a very powerful Dante/ AES67 network audio interface, in a robust stage box/ throw down style. It has 8 off low noise mic/line inputs which are remotely controlled by a Windows 10 app. The outputs of the microphone amplifiers are transmitted on a fully redundant Dante/ AES67 network interface.

Having 8 off low noise high quality microphone inputs makes the DARK8MAIR perfect for transporting audio circuits from a stage or a pitch side position to a mixer or other location within an audio network.

The rugged design, PoE/ Mains powering & remote control facility of the unit means that it can easily be placed and left unattended wherever audio sources are required.

Network Remote Control

GlenController is a Windows 10 PC application, and it can be downloaded for free from our website . When launched, GlenController scans the network for all connected DARK8MAIRs which can be selected from the left hand side of the app.

Remote Control Of Mic Gain Levels

There are settings to select mic, mic +48V, or line inputs. A rotary control then adjusts the gain level up and down. This all operates in real time. The microphone input amplifier switches its gain in 3dB steps.

Redundant Remote Control

The App connects to the DARK8MAIR via the same network as the Dante audio circuits and provides a reliable redundant control system via both the primary and secondary network interfaces, meaning that even if one of the 2 networks were to become disconnected the remote control would continue to work.

Multiple Apps

One App can connect to multiple DARK8MAIRs and multiple Apps running on different PCs can connect to a single DARK8MAIR. The App provides the ability to lock out other users from controlling a DARK8MAIR and this facility can be password protected, meaning only authorised personnel can change the settings on a unit.

Saving Presets

Presets can easily be saved and recalled when required.

LINE INPUTS

Frequency Response: +/-0.25dB 20Hz to 22kHz
Maximum Input Level: +18dB
Input Impedance: >20k Ohm
Distortion: 0.0013% @ 100Hz
0.0022% @ 1kHz
0.00094% @ 10kHz
All reference to +8dBu output
Noise: -93dB @ Line up A weighted RMS (22Hz to 22kHz)
Interchannel Crosstalk: >101dB @ 0dB with 1kHz Tone
Dynamic Range: >111dB
Input Type: Electronically balanced (can be wired unbalanced)

MIC INPUTS

Frequency Response: +/-0.25dB 40Hz to 22kHz
Input Range: -67 to -15dB (for -24dBFs line up)
-61 to -7dB (for -18dBFs line up)
Input Gain Resolution: 3dB Steps
Input Impedance: >2k4 Ohm
Equivalent Input Noise: 127dB (22Hz to 22kHz Terminated 300 Ohms)
Distortion: 0.013% @ 100Hz
0.002% @ 1kHz
0.003% @ 10kHz
All Reference to m+8dBu output
Phantom Power: +48 Volts

NETWORK INTERFACE

Physical: 2 x Neutrik Ethercon RJ45 sockets and 2 x GBIC SFP module slots
Protocol: Dante & AES67
Audio Sample Rates: 32 - 192 kS/s
Full Scale: 0dBFS = +18dBu

POWER

PoE Inputs: 2 off standard 48V
One on each network RJ45
Mains Input Quantity: 2
Mains Input Type: Filtered IEC
Mains Input Range: 100 - 240 VAC
Mains Input Frequency: 50 - 60 Hz
Consumption: Total unit consumption <15Watts

PHYSICAL

Size: 19" 1RU 185mm deep
Weight: 1.9Kg
Mechanics: All aluminium construction, anodized panels and laser etched front & rear panels
Shipping Carton: Rugged export quality cardboard carton 610 x 420 x 120mm (L x D x H)
Shipping Weight: 3Kg