The Glensound BEATRICE D8 is a versatile and fully featured 8 channel desktop intercom with crystal clear audio designed for broadcast, theatre and professional audio applications.

It is part of Glensound’s Beatrice intercom system that utilises the reliable and proven Dante network audio transmission protocol to allow real time distribution of uncompressed audio across standard networks. It is also AES67 compliant. As such the BEATRICE D8 is fully compatible with other manufacturers’ equipment using the Dante and/ or AES67 protocols.

This desktop intercom was designed to be very easy to use for the operator and simple to set up for the technician. It includes all the basic functionality required for small intercom systems and none of the overly complex installation requirements normally associated with large systems.

8 Channels of Intercom

One single user connected to the unit can listen to and communicate with 8 separate locations on the network. Depending upon how the Dante network has been routed the incoming audio circuits and outgoing circuits can be different locations.

Dante Routing & Partyline

Audio routing to/ from other devices is setup using Dante controller which allows for point to multipoint routing on outgoing circuits (but only 1 single incoming circuit for each of the 8 channels). Therefore, we’ve included an inbuilt fixed ratio 14 input 19 output mixer matrix with inputs and outputs connected directly to the Dante / AES67 network which allows for setting up partyline and complex group circuits.

Onboard Mic & External Mic Input

A good quality, clear sounding microphone amplifier, designed for communication purposes, is fitted which also has the benefit of a compressor/ limiter circuit to help keep levels and intelligibility consistent even when the operator gets overly excited. This microphone amp has two microphone sources, either the inbuilt front panel mounted electret capsule which provides good voice intelligibility from normal working distances, or a balanced XLR input for connecting external gooseneck microphones. Twelve Volt Phantom power is also available and can be turned on/ off as required via an internal link.

Large Diameter Visatron Loudspeaker

What’s the point of an intercom unit if the onboard speaker is so small and cheap that you can’t understand what is being said to you? We use high output, high quality, large magnet Visatron speakers with excellent voice intelligibility to make communication straightforward and easy to understand.

Mains or PoE Powered

An inbuilt wide range switch mode mains power supply is fitted for powering the Beatrice D8. It is terminated with a standard IEC plug, making it easy to plug in wherever you are in the World.

The unit can also be powered via the Ethernet cable by standard PoE (Power over Ethernet) on either of the copper Ethernet ports. The PoE power can be supplied by an external PoE switch or a midspan power injector.

Redundant Twin Copper & Twin Fibre Ethernet Interface

When ultra-reliable communications is needed for the utmost important jobs, glitch free redundant network circuits can be set up using the primary and secondary Dante network ports.

There are 2 copper Ethernet ports on Neutrik Ethercons and also 2 fibre Ethernet ports presented as SFP slots (SFP modules not included). Redundant networks can be set up across any of these ports.

Channel Input and Output Gain Controls

For maximum flexibility, gain can be applied to incoming audio signals and outgoing signals separately. A row of LEDs indicate the current gain setting when a channel’s input or output is being adjusted.

Call Function

A simple call function is inbuilt allowing the operator of one unit to call/alert other users that they want to communicate with. A simple double tap of the speak key initiates a calling signal sent to the other party. The audio presence indicator flashes to indicate that you have been called. As well as the flashing LED at the receiving end of the call, an audible ‘beep’ can be set to alert the user that an incoming call has been placed to them.

Monitor Selection

Each channel has an illuminated audio monitor switch. This allows the channels’ incoming audio circuit to be routed to the headphones/ loudspeakers. Using these switches makes it easy for an operator to just monitor the desired incoming audio channels.

Presence Indication

A front panel illuminated red switch is used to indicate the presence of incoming audio on that channel. When audio is detected on the channel the switches internal red LED is illuminated, the red LED then stays on for a short period after the incoming audio stops to help the operator identify who has been talking to them.

Mixer Matrix

For setting up more complex groups and partyline circuits that could not be achieved via Dante controller or your AES67 router, an inbuilt fixed ratio mixer is supplied. It has 14 audio inputs direct from the network and 19 mix outputs to the network. 5 of the mixers have inbuilt automatic audio ducking circuits.