Studio Technologies Model 5401A Dante Leader Clock

STUDIO TECHNOLOGIES · MODEL 5401A

A dedicated timing reference.
A network working together.

Give your Dante system a permanent clock at its centre. The Studio Technologies Model 5401A Dante Leader Clock provides network timing for installations with hundreds of devices, alongside external synchronisation, a word clock output and eight configurable test tones.

Built for network synchronisation

Let the clock concentrate on clocking.

Dante can elect a leader from the devices already on the network. A dedicated reference gives that role a fixed home, making it less dependent on a console, interface or processor that may be disconnected or serviced. The 5401A supports PTPv1 for Dante and PTPv2 for AES67 and ST 2110-30 systems.

Its temperature-stabilised 24.576 MHz oscillator provides an internal reference with 1 ppm initial accuracy. Alternatively, synchronise the unit to external word clock, bi-level or tri-level video, or a 10 MHz reference. This is particularly useful when an audio network must follow the timing infrastructure of a broadcast or post-production facility.

Connect the rest of the system

Network timing meets word clock.

The rear-panel BNC output carries word clock derived from the selected timing reference, letting compatible digital equipment follow the same source as the network. Supported rates run from 44.1 to 192 kHz.

Eight Dante transmit channels provide independently adjustable sine-wave tones. Route them through Dante Controller to check subscriptions, identify signal paths and verify levels during commissioning or maintenance. Each tone offers frequency adjustment from 1 Hz to 22 kHz and level adjustment from 0 to −99 dBFS.

Flexible networking

Choose how audio and management connect.

Three Gigabit Ethernet ports support switched or redundant Dante networking, with management access either separated or combined with the primary network connection. Choose the configuration in Dante Controller.

Designed for installed systems

Clear status. Practical resilience.

Use the built-in webpages for configuration and monitoring, with a front-panel LCD and status LEDs for checks at the rack. Dante Domain Manager is supported, and selected parameters can also be monitored through Studio Technologies’ STcontroller software.

AC mains and an external DC source can be connected together. The unit normally uses AC, switching to the connected DC supply if mains power fails. Two 5401A units can also be configured as primary and backup leader clocks for additional resilience. An external DC supply and a second clock are separate purchases.

The fanless enclosure occupies one rack space and is suitable for control rooms, broadcast installations, theatres and mobile production systems.

Technical details

The connections and numbers.

• Clock protocols: IEEE 1588-2002 PTPv1 and IEEE 1588-2008 PTPv2.
• Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz; 24-bit Dante audio.
• Oscillator: 1 ppm initial accuracy; 1 ppm/year long-term accuracy; ±280 ppb temperature stability over 0–50°C.
• Sync input: BNC; selectable 50-ohm, 75-ohm or high-impedance termination.
• Word clock output: BNC, 75-ohm source impedance; 5 Vpp unloaded or 2.5 Vpp into 75 ohms.
• Network: three RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet ports; eight Dante transmit channels and 32 transmit flows.
• Power: 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 5 W maximum; 10–18 V DC, 0.5 A maximum via 4-pin XLR.
• Size: 483 mm wide × 44 mm high × 201 mm deep; 1U, 19-inch rack.
• Net weight: 1.4 kg. Product dimensions and weight exclude packaging.
• Firmware updates: USB flash drive for unit firmware; Ethernet for the Dante interface.

Documentation & warranty

Studio Technologies’ standard hardware warranty runs for three years from the date of manufacture, subject to the manufacturer’s terms. Embedded software is covered separately.

Download the data sheet  ·  Read the user guide  ·  Warranty terms