TASCAM ML-16D
Brian Long
Introduction
The TASCAM ML-16D is a professional 16-channel analog-to-Dante and Dante-to-analog converter designed to bridge traditional balanced line-level audio equipment with modern Dante network audio systems. Sixteen analog inputs can be converted and transmitted onto a Dante network while 16 Dante channels can simultaneously be converted back to balanced analog audio, making the ML-16D well suited to installed AV, broadcast, recording, live sound, education, houses of worship, theaters, and other networked audio environments.
The compact 1U rackmount design uses space-efficient 25-pin D-sub connectors for its balanced analog inputs and outputs, while dual Gigabit Ethernet ports support Dante Primary and Secondary networking for redundant operation. Selectable analog reference levels simplify integration with different professional audio systems, and front-panel status, sample-rate, overload, and signal indicators provide immediate system monitoring. Dante Controller handles routing and network configuration, allowing the ML-16D to serve as a straightforward high-density bridge between analog infrastructure and Dante.
Product Gallery
Features, Specifications, and Manuals
Features
- 16-Channel Analog-to-Dante Conversion: Converts up to 16 balanced analog line-level inputs into Dante network audio for distribution over standard Ethernet infrastructure.
- 16-Channel Dante-to-Analog Conversion: Converts up to 16 incoming Dante audio channels to professional balanced analog line-level outputs.
- Bidirectional Conversion: Analog-to-Dante and Dante-to-analog conversion can operate simultaneously, providing a high-density bridge between conventional and networked audio equipment.
- Dante Network Audio: Integrates with compatible Dante mixers, DSP processors, amplifiers, stage boxes, interfaces, recorders, and other network audio devices.
- Up to 96kHz / 24-Bit Audio: Supports 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96kHz sampling frequencies with 16-bit or 24-bit audio.
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet Ports: PRIMARY and SECONDARY RJ-45 connections support high-performance 1000BASE-T Dante networking.
- Redundant Dante Networking: Primary and Secondary ports can operate on separate networks to provide redundancy for mission-critical installations.
- Dante Controller Support: Use Audinate Dante Controller to configure audio routing, sample rate, network settings, and other Dante parameters.
- Dante Domain Manager Support: Current Dante firmware adds support for Dante Domain Manager for managed and enterprise-scale Dante environments.
- SMPTE ST 2110-30 Support: Dante firmware v1.2.0 adds SMPTE ST 2110-30 audio support when used with Dante Domain Manager v1.1 or later.
- 16 Balanced Analog Inputs: Two 25-pin D-sub connectors provide 16 channels of professional balanced line-level analog input.
- 16 Balanced Analog Outputs: Two additional 25-pin D-sub connectors provide 16 channels of balanced analog line-level output.
- Standard TASCAM D-Sub Pin Assignment: Compatible breakout solutions can convert the high-density D-sub connections to XLR, Euroblock, or other installation-friendly connector formats.
- Selectable Maximum Analog Level: Rear-panel switches provide +15, +18, +20, +22, or +24dBu maximum input and output level settings.
- Professional +4dBu Reference Level: Supports standard +4dBu nominal professional analog operating levels across the principal reference settings.
- +6dBu Reference Option: A +6dBu reference level is available when the maximum input/output level is configured for +15dBu.
- High Headroom: Maximum analog levels up to +24dBu allow integration with professional equipment operating at high line levels.
- Front-Panel Sample-Rate Indicators: LEDs provide immediate confirmation of the current Dante sampling-frequency family.
- Input Overload Indicators: Dedicated front-panel overload LEDs provide visual warning when analog input signals approach clipping.
- Input Signal Indicators: Individual signal LEDs provide quick confirmation that audio is present on the analog inputs.
- Output Signal Indicators: Individual LEDs indicate activity on analog output channels.
- Network Status Monitoring: Front-panel status indicators provide immediate information about Dante and system operation.
- 1U Rackmount Design: Provides 32 channels of simultaneous analog I/O conversion in a compact single-rackspace chassis.
- Flexible Breakout Options: Compatible with TASCAM breakout products such as the BO-16DX/IN, BO-16DX/OUT, and BO-32DE for installations requiring XLR or Euroblock connectivity.
- Universal AC Power: Internal 100–240V AC power supply simplifies integration into fixed and mobile professional systems.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | 16-channel analog-to-Dante / Dante-to-analog converter |
| Form Factor | 1U rackmount |
| Analog Input Channels | 16 balanced line-level channels |
| Analog Output Channels | 16 balanced line-level channels |
| Dante Input Channels | 16 |
| Dante Output Channels | 16 |
| Sampling Frequencies | 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96kHz |
| Bit Depth | 16-bit / 24-bit |
| Network Protocol | Dante |
| SMPTE ST 2110-30 | Supported with Dante firmware v1.2.0 and Dante Domain Manager v1.1 or later |
| Dante Domain Manager | Supported |
| Dante Network Ports | 2 × RJ-45, PRIMARY / SECONDARY |
| Ethernet Standard | 1000BASE-T, IEEE 802.3ab |
| Recommended Network Cable | Category 5e or higher STP |
| Redundant Network Operation | Supported |
| Analog Input Connectors | 2 × 25-pin D-sub, 8 channels each |
| Analog Input Type | Balanced |
| Analog Input Reference Level | +4dBu; +6dBu when maximum level is set to +15dBu |
| Maximum Analog Input Level | Selectable: +24 / +22 / +20 / +18 / +15dBu |
| Analog Output Connectors | 2 × 25-pin D-sub, 8 channels each |
| Analog Output Type | Balanced |
| Analog Output Reference Level | +4dBu; +6dBu when maximum level is set to +15dBu |
| Maximum Analog Output Level | Selectable: +24 / +22 / +20 / +18 / +15dBu |
| Analog Output Impedance | 200Ω or less |
| Recommended Output Load | 2kΩ or greater |
| D-Sub Locking Screws | No. 4-40 UNC inch type |
| Analog-to-Dante Frequency Response — 44.1/48kHz | 20Hz–20kHz, +0.1/-0.5dB |
| Analog-to-Dante Frequency Response — 88.2/96kHz | 20Hz–40kHz, +0.1/-1.0dB |
| Dante-to-Analog Frequency Response — 44.1/48kHz | 20Hz–20kHz, +0.1/-0.5dB |
| Dante-to-Analog Frequency Response — 88.2/96kHz | 20Hz–40kHz, +0.1/-1.0dB |
| Dante-to-Analog THD+N | 0.001% or less |
| Dante-to-Analog Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 110dB or greater |
| Dante-to-Analog Channel Separation | 115dB or greater |
| Power Requirements | AC 100–240V, 50/60Hz |
| Power Consumption | 14W |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 483 × 45 × 304mm (19.0 × 1.8 × 12.0 in) |
| Weight | 3.3kg (7.3 lb) |
| Operating Temperature | 0–40°C (32–104°F) |
Manuals and Documents
- Owner’s Manual - Official TASCAM manual covering analog and Dante connections, reference-level settings, network configuration, front-panel indicators, installation, troubleshooting, and technical specifications.
- Firmware Release Notes - TASCAM release notes documenting Dante Domain Manager support and SMPTE ST 2110-30 support added with Dante firmware v1.2.0.
- ML-16D Outline Drawing - Official dimensional drawing showing the ML-16D chassis, rackmount dimensions, and connector locations.
- ML-16D / ML-32D Downloads - Current TASCAM manuals, firmware, release notes, dimensional drawings, and system-design documentation.
- TASCAM ML-16D Product Page - Official U.S. manufacturer product information, documentation, firmware, downloads, and support resources.