Bella 16 Dante/ AES67 Confidence Monitor, Mixer & Level Control
- 16 Network Audio channels + 2 local
- 2 Preset mix groups available
- Dante/AES67 or Ravenna versions available
- Each input has a signal present indicator
- Adjustable in/out gain levels
- 1U 19" Rack mount
Bella 16 is a 2 buss summing matrix confidence monitor designed for outside broadcast trucks, studios, theatre and professional audio applications. It is perfect for easy and cost effective monitoring of multiple network audio sources, ideal for busy production environments and perfect for monitoring multiple network intercom & programme feeds.
The 2 front panel loudspeakers are driven from a DSP to compensate for their size. The result is surprisingly good, with clear crisp vocals and highly intelligible reproduction of wider band audio sources. They are driven from a class D amplifier and have more than sufficient output level for most environments.
Robust proven construction techniques, simple reliable interface and excellent specification will help make your technician’s life hassle free, whilst the low cost and long asset life will keep the accountant satisfied.
16 Network Audio Inputs
There are in total 16 network audio inputs that can be routed to the Bella 16. These are at 96kHz.
2 Analogue Audio Inputs
The output can be selected from either the AoIP input source or from a pair of balanced line level analogue inputs located on XLRs fitted on the rear panel.
Channel On/ Solo Buttons
Each of the 16 inputs has a single channel on/ off switch. These switches are bright yellow illuminated push switches and operate in two ways. A short press turns the channel on/ off or a long hold solos that channels inputs.
These switches affect the loudspeaker, headphone, analogue, AES3 and mix/ solo network outputs. They do not affect the 2nd mix buss.
Level Control
To produce a monitor mix suitable for the operator’s application, each of the 16 input channels has a gain function. Holding the button allows the input gain to be adjusted using the fron panel encoder. This can increase input gain by 10dB and can also reduce the input level by up to 30dB.
Front Panel Loudspeakers
Two front panel elliptical loudspeakers are fitted. When choosing these speakers we did extensive listening tests to every possible speaker that we could find on the market that would fit on a 1RU panel. The speakers that we chose and are fitted were the clear winners and had much clearer sounding vocals than all the other tested drive units.
It is possible to completely turn off the front panel loudspeakers in case you’re using external speakers for monitoring. In this case the Dim and Cut controls still work as expected.
Digital Signal Processing of Internal Loudspeakers
However good they are, small loudspeakers have fundamental acoustical limitations. To provide the best possible audible solution for you, we carefully measured the speakers fitted in the complete Bella 16 enclosure and provided advanced multi-point digital filtering to enhance the sound as much as possible.
Output Level Control
A front panel level control is provided alongside the input switches. This adjusts the overall output level to the loudspeakers, headphone and main mix outputs, or individual input levels.
Dim & Cut Controls
Front panel illuminated switches are provided to Cut and Dim the outputs. External GPI loop inputs are also provided to allow the outputs to be cut or dimmed from external switches.
Headphone Output
A front panel 6.35mm stereo headphone jack socket is provided to allow the operator to monitor the Bella’s output on headphones. Plugging in a pair of headphones automatically cuts the loudspeaker & analogue/ AES3 mix outputs.
Three Analogue Outputs
Three balanced line level XLR analogue outputs are provided on the rear panel. There is a left and right output of the mix/ solo and a mono output (which is a sum of the left and right outputs). These outputs are all post front panel level control and Dim and Cut circuits.
Balanced AES3 Output
One single AES3 output on a rear panel XLR is also provided. This is the left and right output mix/ solo.
Network Audio Outputs
In total there are 16 network audio outputs, the block diagram shows these in detail.
Network Interface
Our widely used Dante/ AES67 network interface is implemented in the Bella 16. It features 4 network ports, 2 x copper and 2 x SFP slots (normally used for fibre). These network ports can be set to operate in fully redundant mode or as a network switch for connecting to other equipment.
Power
For versatility & redundancy there are 3 power options. An internal wide range mains supply & either of the 2 copper network interfaces can power the unit.
Groups
Two front panel group switches are available making it very easy for an operator to switch between two commonly used sets of audio circuits for monitoring. It is very easy for an operator to add/ remove sources from the groups.
Reset Button
A reset button is provided for returning all the inputs to unity gain and panned centre. Very useful if the Bella 32 is being used by different operators at different events. To prevent accidental usage the reset button must be pressed for at least three seconds before a reset will be initiated.
AUDIO
Channel Input Gain Controls: +10.6 to -31dB
Loudspeaker/ Headphone Gain Control: +10.6 to -31dB
Channel Off Switch: Fully muted (- infinity dB) when off
Analogue Input Type: Electronically balanced (can be wired unbalanced)
Analogue Input Impedance: >20kOhms
Analogue Input Connectors: Neutrik XLRs
Analogue Input Line Up: Line level (0dBu)
Analogue Input Frequency Response: >=-0.5dB 22Hz to 22kHz (Measured at Mix Output Mono)
Analogue Input THD + Noise (ref +8dBu): >=0.004% @ 1kHz
Analogue Output Type: Electronically Balanced
Analogue Output Connectors: Neutrik XLRs
Analogue Output Impedance: =Maximum Analogue Output Level: +17.4dBu
Analogue Output Frequency Response: >=-0.1dB 22Hz to 22kHz
Analogue Out THD + Noise (ref +8dBu): <0.002% @ 1kHz
Headphone Impedance: 100 - 1000 Ohms
Maximum Headphone Level: +17dBu into 600 Ohms
NETWORK AUDIO
Network Protocol: Dante (option of Ravenna)
AES67: Compliant
DDM: Certified
Full Scale: 0dBu = -18dBFs
Sample Frequency: 96kHz
Resolution: 24 Bit
Network Interface Type: Gigabit Ethernet
Network Physical Interface
2 x RJ45 copper
2 x SFP Slots (SFP Modules not included)
SIZE AND POWER
Dimensions: 19" Wide, 1RU High, 164mm deep (excluding connectors/ controls)
Weight: 1740g
Shipping Weight: 4Kg
Shipping Carton:
Export Quality cardboard carton
62 x 41 x 12 cms
Mains Input: 100 to 240 VAC 50/60Hz
Power Consumption: PoE (Power Over Ethernet): Maybe powered by standard PoE on either copper network interface
ENVIRONMENTAL
Operating Temperature: 0 to +50°C (32 to 122°F)
Storage Temperature: -20 to +70°C (-4 to 158°F)
Relative Humidity: 0 to 95% non-condensing
INCLUDED ITEMS:
RJ45 Cable: 1 x 2M RJ45 network cable
Handbook: Available by download
Mains Cable: 1 x IEC Mains Cable (UK & Europe Only)
