TASCAM ML-32D

Brian Long

Introduction

The TASCAM ML-32D is a professional 32-channel analog-to-Dante and Dante-to-analog converter designed to integrate high-density analog audio equipment with Dante network audio systems. It converts up to 32 balanced analog line-level inputs to Dante while simultaneously converting up to 32 incoming Dante channels back to balanced analog audio, providing a straightforward bridge between conventional analog infrastructure and networked audio.

Designed for installed AV, broadcast, recording facilities, theaters, live sound, education, houses of worship, entertainment venues, and other professional environments, the ML-32D provides 64 channels of simultaneous analog I/O conversion in a compact 2U rackmount chassis. Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports support redundant Dante networking, selectable analog reference levels accommodate different professional operating standards, and Dante Controller provides centralized network routing and configuration.

Features, Specifications, and Manuals

Features
  • 32-Channel Analog-to-Dante Conversion: Converts up to 32 balanced analog line-level inputs into Dante network audio for distribution over standard Ethernet infrastructure.
  • 32-Channel Dante-to-Analog Conversion: Converts up to 32 incoming Dante audio channels to professional balanced analog line-level outputs.
  • 64 Channels of Simultaneous Analog I/O: Provides 32 analog inputs and 32 analog outputs for high-density professional audio systems.
  • Bidirectional Conversion: Analog-to-Dante and Dante-to-analog conversion operate simultaneously, allowing the ML-32D to function as a comprehensive bridge between analog and networked equipment.
  • Dante Network Audio: Integrates with compatible Dante mixers, DSP processors, amplifiers, recorders, stage boxes, interfaces, and other network-enabled audio equipment.
  • Up to 96kHz / 24-Bit Audio: Supports 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96kHz sampling frequencies with 16-bit or 24-bit resolution.
  • Dual Gigabit Ethernet Ports: PRIMARY and SECONDARY RJ-45 ports provide high-performance 1000BASE-T Dante networking.
  • Redundant Dante Networking: Primary and Secondary connections can operate on separate networks to provide redundancy for critical professional installations.
  • Dante Controller Support: Audinate Dante Controller provides network audio routing, sample-rate configuration, latency settings, device naming, and other Dante functions.
  • Dante Domain Manager Support: Dante firmware v1.1.0 and later supports Dante Domain Manager for managed and enterprise-scale Dante installations.
  • 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.
  • 32 Balanced Analog Inputs: Four 25-pin D-sub connectors provide 32 channels of professional balanced line-level analog input.
  • 32 Balanced Analog Outputs: Four additional 25-pin D-sub connectors provide 32 channels of balanced analog line-level output.
  • High-Density D-Sub Connectivity: DB-25 connections reduce rear-panel space requirements and simplify integration with professional multichannel breakout cabling.
  • Selectable Analog Reference Levels: Rear-panel reference-level switches accommodate a range of professional analog operating standards.
  • Selectable Maximum Input Level: Maximum analog input level can be configured for +15, +18, +20, +22, or +24dBu.
  • Selectable Maximum Output Level: Maximum analog output level can likewise be configured for +15, +18, +20, +22, or +24dBu.
  • Professional +4dBu Reference Level: Supports standard +4dBu professional analog operating levels across the primary reference settings.
  • +6dBu Reference Option: A +6dBu reference level is available when the maximum analog level is configured for +15dBu.
  • Up to +24dBu Headroom: High maximum analog levels allow straightforward integration with professional consoles, processors, recorders, and other equipment.
  • Front-Panel Input Signal Indicators: Individual channel LEDs provide fast visual confirmation of incoming analog audio.
  • Input Overload Indicators: Dedicated overload indication helps identify analog signals approaching clipping.
  • Output Signal Indicators: Front-panel indicators provide visual confirmation of analog output activity.
  • Sampling-Frequency Indicators: Dedicated LEDs provide immediate confirmation of the current Dante sample rate.
  • Network Status Indicators: Front-panel status information assists with Dante network setup and troubleshooting.
  • 2U Rackmount Chassis: High-density 32-in/32-out conversion fits into two standard rackspaces.
  • Breakout-System Compatibility: Can be combined with compatible TASCAM breakout boxes and DB-25 cabling when XLR or Euroblock terminations are required.
  • Professional Installation Design: Suitable for machine rooms, broadcast facilities, theaters, auditoriums, large AV installations, recording systems, and synchronized multimedia playback environments.
  • Universal AC Power: Internal 100–240V AC power supply simplifies deployment in fixed and mobile professional systems.
Specifications
Specification Details
Product Type 32-channel analog-to-Dante / Dante-to-analog converter
Form Factor 2U rackmount
Analog Input Channels 32 balanced line-level channels
Analog Output Channels 32 balanced line-level channels
Dante Input Channels 32
Dante Output Channels 32
Simultaneous Analog I/O 32 inputs / 32 outputs
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
Dante Configuration Audinate Dante Controller
Analog Input Connectors 4 × 25-pin D-sub, 8 channels each
Analog Input Type Balanced
Analog Input Reference Level +4dBu; +6dBu when maximum input level is set to +15dBu
Maximum Analog Input Level Selectable: +24 / +22 / +20 / +18 / +15dBu
Analog Output Connectors 4 × 25-pin D-sub, 8 channels each
Analog Output Type Balanced
Analog Output Reference Level +4dBu; +6dBu when maximum output 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 24W
Dimensions (W × H × D) 483 × 88 × 304mm (19.0 × 3.5 × 12.0 in)
Weight 4.5kg (9.9 lb)
Operating Temperature 0–40°C (32–104°F)
Manuals and Documents
  • Owner’s Manual - Official TASCAM ML-32D/ML-16D manual covering analog and Dante connections, reference-level configuration, network setup, 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 / ML-32D Downloads - Current TASCAM manuals, Dante firmware, firmware update instructions, dimensional files, images, and system-design documentation.
  • TASCAM System Design Guide - Professional system-design examples showing the ML-32D in Dante installations, including multichannel synchronized playback systems.
  • TASCAM ML-32D Product Page - Official U.S. manufacturer product information, documentation, firmware, downloads, and support resources.