RDL’s RU-NMP44: Making Network Audio Accessible to Any System

April 14, 2025

Making Network Audio Accessible to Any System.

by Chuck Smith, RDL
For over a decade, RDL has been at the forefront of creating Dante products, offering more than 80 models and establishing ourselves as the world leader in Dante interfaces. During this time, we've witnessed the network audio industry evolve into a globally preferred, mature platform. RDL continuously strives to support our customers by developing innovative solutions, often introducing products the industry didn't realize they needed, which brings us to this article.

Have you ever encountered a customer who wanted network audio but found it too costly for their venue? It could be a single location like a restaurant, brewery, fitness center, small hotel, or a multi-location venue that only needs basic audio features for areas such as meeting centers, corporate offices, conference and community centers, training facilities, or classrooms. Well, now there’s a solution that makes network audio accessible for these spaces.

Introducing the RU-NMP44 Network Mixing Processor, a cost-effective network audio solution with features like network audio distribution, multiple mixers, priority ducking, multi-channel level control, and both network and analog outputs. Custom configurations can be stored as presets for easy recall, and remote-control options make it perfect for any audio system, regardless of size or budget.

The goal was to create a versatile network product that supports a wide range of system designs, including those often excluded from network audio. The RU-NMP44 receives four Dante network signals and distributes them to six 4x1 virtual mixers. Four mixers output Dante signals that can be routed back through the network, and two mixers output line-level audio which is great for connecting to conventional equipment like active speakers, audio amplifiers, larger mixers, and other devices with analog inputs. Each mixer offers automatic priority ducking with selectable high-pass filters, ideal for venues where clear announcements are crucial.

This processor is configured using the free RDL Console software. Plus, there are several optional remote controls available to activate system configuration presets and adjust features and volume for each zone, making it easy to manage audio across multiple areas.

Did I mention it’s versatile? Here are five distinct system designs that will give you examples of the many ways this product can be used. These descriptions are condensed for this article. Please download the RU NMP44 Application Brochure for full details.

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Mix Four Sources Independently to Six Zones with Priority Ducking.

In this example, four mic signals are converted to Dante audio and routed to the RU-NMP44. All four signals are fed to six virtual mixers, each with a dedicated output and the option to include the Priority Ducking feature. Four mixers output Dante signals and two output line-level audio.

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Four Presets Activate System Configurations.

One D-RC4M 4 Channel Remote Control activates four presets on the RU-NMP44, configured via RDL’s Console software. The D-RC4M has LEDs indicating the selected preset. Four Dante sources are routed to the RU-NMP44, which distributes them to six virtual mixers, with two mixer’s outputs shown routed to Dante amplifiers powering ceiling loudspeakers in two zones.

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Single Remote Level Control for Six Zones.

Four network sources are routed to an RU-NMP44 Network Mixing Processor, which distributes them to six virtual mixers. Mixers 1-4 output Dante signals in zones 1-4, while Mixers 5-6 output line-level audio in zones 5-6, all powering ceiling loudspeakers. One D-RC4M 4 Channel Remote Control activates presets stored with complete system configuration changes on the RU-NMP44, and one D-NMC1 Network Remote Control is programmed to provide individual level control for all six zones.

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Local Level Control for Six Zones.

Four network sources are routed to an RU-NMP44 Network Mixing Processor, which distributes them to six zones, each with local level control. Mixers 1-4 output network signals to Dante amplifiers in zones 1-4, while Mixers 5-6 output line-level audio to analog amplifiers in zones 5-6, each powering ceiling loudspeakers. Six D NLC1 Network Remote Controls are installed (one per zone) to provide local, user-friendly level control.

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Networked Room Combining System for Three Rooms.

The RU-NMP44 Network Mixing Processor enables room combining for three rooms. Each room is equipped with an XLR jack connected to an RU-MLB4P Mic/Line Network Interface. The mic or line-level signals are converted to Dante channels and routed to the RU-NMP44, which distributes them to three of its virtual mixers. The mixer’s Dante outputs are routed to three network amplifiers powering ceiling speakers in each room. The D-RC4M 4 Channel Remote Control activates four presets on the RU-NMP44, allowing different room combinations using multiple mixer configurations. The D-RC4M’s LEDs indicate the selected preset.

• Preset 1: All rooms independent.
• Preset 2: 1 & 2 are combined, 3 is independent.
• Preset 3: 1 is independent, 2 & 3 are combined.
• Preset 4: All rooms combined.

Whether it's the centerpiece in a single audio system or part of a larger setup, the RU-NMP44 excels at adding audio distribution, mixing, switching, ducking or volume control to any network system. Boost your selection of Dante network solutions with the RU-NMP44 Network Mixing Processor from RDL.

RDL. High Performance Audio Products. Made in America.

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