Sonifex RB-DDA22 Digital Audio Distribution Amplifier With Multiple Outputs (1U)

Sonifex RB-DDA22 Digital Audio Distribution Amplifier With Multiple Outputs (1U)

The RB-DDA22 is a digital audio distribution amplifier with numerous inputs and outputs that can accept up to five distinct digital inputs and output to twenty-two digital audio outputs using five different connection types. It is used to distribute digital audio data in a variety of forms, re-clocking and normalizing the data to the proper standard digital audio levels, and repeating the audio data as well as the input status information.

• 1 x XLR 3 female AES/EBU digital audio input
• 1 x BNC AES-3id digital audio input
• 1 x RJ45 AES/EBU digital audio input
• 1 x RCA Phono S/PDIF input
• 1 x TOSLink digital audio optical input 

• 6 x XLR-3 male AES/EBU digital audio outputs
• 6 x BNC AES-3id digital audio outputs
• 6 x RJ45 AES/EBU digital audio outputs
• 2 x RCA Phono S/PDIF outputs
• 2 x TOSLink optical outputs

The RJ-45 connectors are wired to be StudioHub+ compatible, a format defined by Radio Systems Inc.

Applications include distributing audio from a digital mixing desk to multiple digital recorders or feeding multiple studios with an output from a USB audio player.

It can accept input sample rates in the range of 30kHz - 200kHz, and bit rates of 16, 20, and 24 bit. So, it can be used for standard CD signal distribution at 16-bit 44.1kHz, as well as for high-quality 24-bit 96kHz or 192kHz recording.

The front panel has an INPUT SELECT button and 7 indicator LEDs. The button is used to select the input to be used and shows the mode of operation of the unit. The LEDs will indicate, depending on the mode of operation, the input selected, valid signal presence, or the operational frequency.

Operating Mode

In ‘operating mode’, the central button LED is unlit. The unit selects this mode when a valid input signal has been present and no button presses have been made for 8 seconds. The LEDs around the button illuminate amber to directly indicate the following frequencies 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 & 192 kHz. If the input is at a non-standard frequency then the unit will indicate both the frequencies on either side of the incoming frequency – e.g. if the input signal has a frequency of 64kHz then both the 48kHz and 88.2kHz LEDs will be illuminated. If the frequency is below 32kHz or above 192kHz then the appropriate LED will flash.

Input Select Mode

Pressing the INPUT SELECT central button illuminates it red and allows you to select the required input. Pressing the button will step the selected input to the next input selection including auto mode.

In Input Select Mode the LEDs have the following states:

Off – Signal not selected and no valid signal present
Green – Signal not selected and valid signal present
Red – Signal selected and no valid signal present
Amber – Signal selected and valid signal present or Auto Mode Selected

Note: Input Select mode is chosen automatically when the selected input is not present.

Auto Select Mode

In this special input select mode, the unit will hunt through all the inputs until it finds a valid signal. If multiple signals are present you can force selection of the next input by holding the input select button down for 2 seconds, when the next valid input will be selected.