AJA Video Systems announced DRM2-Plus, an intuitive, high-capacity 3RU frame that can neatly house up to 24 AJA Mini-Converters. Tailored to suit a range of proAV, film/TV production, live production, and broadcast environments, DRM2-Plus is available in four different models that support active or passive cooling and offer single or redundant power supplies for up to 288 watts of power.

Building on the design of the AJA DRM2 introduced at InterBEE 2023, DRM2-Plus includes a hinged faceplate and individual carriers that allow users to easily access Mini-Converters for updates or to swap them in and out, without removing the frame from the rack. 

The added interior space and an optional DRM2-YC Y-cable accessory enable the double-stacking of 12 smaller AJA FiDO and/or D5 Series Mini-Converters with Mini-Con-X power connectors to support up to 24 Mini-Converters in a single frame. DRM2-Plus’ versatile design also allows users to rackmount up to 12 mid-size AJA Mini-Converters with built-in Mini-Con-X power connectors, or six larger AJA Mini-Converters featuring the DANTE-12GAM’s new enclosure design, which includes an LCD display and a Mini-XLR power connector. Users can combine a mix of Mini-Con-X- and Mini-XLR-powered AJA Mini-Converters within the DRM2-Plus using AJA adapter accessories. DRM2-Plus also introduces the ability to internally mount a third-party USB hub for communication to installed Mini-Converters. The DRM2-Plus and applicable accessories replace the previous DRM2 products. 

“Conversion remains a critical need in video workflows, including the transition to IP video and move toward higher resolution, high dynamic range production. With these shifts, many of our customers are looking for a simple way to organize and power all their AJA conversion tools, with the flexibility to swap them in and out,” shared AJA President Nick Rashby.

“The DRM2-Plus answers this need with exciting new mechanical and power improvements. We’ve also created a variety of options to meet users’ unique needs, including active cooling for higher ambient temperature environments, and redundant power supplies where more power and peace of mind are required.”  

DRM2-Plus feature highlights include:

— Redundant power supply frame can hold two 288W power supplies

— Hinged faceplate makes Mini-Converter access easy for software updates and re-configuration needs

— Flexible faceplate options, including an active faceplate with four fans for maximum cooling in higher ambient temperature installations, and a passive fanless option  

— 3RU form-factor allows all AJA Mini-Converters to fit in the frame 

— 12x modular “carrier” based Mini-Converter mounts are rugged, simple to use, and easily accessible from the front or rear of the frame     

— 12x mounting slots for any AJA Mini-Converters   

— Ability to add or remove Mini-Converters without taking the frame out of the rack  

— The standard DRM2-Plus harness provides 13 Mini-Con-X power connectors for 12 Mini-Converters and one reserved for the active faceplate power, while the «next-gen» harness, provides 7 power connectors, including 6 Mini-XLR connectors and 1 Mini-Con-X connector for the active faceplate  

— Up to 24x smaller AJA Mini-Converters can be installed (FiDO, HA5-Plus, Hi5-Plus, HA5-Fiber, Hi5-Fiber, HD5DA, V2-Analog, and V2-Digital), 2x per carrier in the DRM2-Plus with the optional DRM2-YC Y-cable 

— Available adapter accessories can combine Mini-Con-X and Mini-XLR powered devices  

Pricing and availability 

AJA DRM2-Plus will be available soon through AJA’s worldwide reseller network. DRM2-PLUS-P1, featuring passive cooling and a single power supply, is $1395 US MSRP. DRM2-PLUS-P2 with passive cooling and a redundant power supply, and DRM2-Plus-A1 with active cooling and a single power supply, are $1595 US MSRP each. DRM2-Plus-A2, including active cooling and redundant power supply, is offered at $1795 US MSRP.

More information about the DRM2-Plus and accessory details and pricing are available via: www.aja.com/drm2-plus.