If you’re in the AV space, you’ve probably heard the term “Dante” going around a lot lately.
Dante is a ground-breaking technology that enables the transmission of close to 512 channels of uncompressed, top-quality audio over a single Ethernet cable.
Since connections are done using “software”, rather than cables, audio pros can literally do away with a massive amount of point-to-point cabling to route their audio.
Spearheading Dante technology is Audinate, which introduced the AV market to Dante AVIO adapters, affordable and reliable endpoint adapters that help audio pros to seamlessly connect both legacy and digital audio to their Dante network.
In this post, we’ll explore what Dante is and take a closer look at the six new Dante AVIO adapters, their unique features, and the benefits they bring to audio networking today.
Why Dante?
Dante software effectively transports hundreds of channels over one single Ethernet cable, noise and interference-free, doing away with snake cables once and for all.
Here are a few reasons why many audio pros are switching to a digital Dante audio network:
- You don’t need to be an IT expert to run a Dante audio network — it works right out of the box
- Dante eliminates the use of traditional analog cables to transport audio signals
- No signal deterioration, noise or interference with analog signal transfers
- No more heavy, hard-to-install snake cables across different locations for multi-channel audio
- No need to route analog signals channel by channel, across multiple destinations
- Works on all types of network equipment and switches
- Connect to multiple audio devices instantly
- Reduced costs and easy maintenance
- No additional hardware to interface with PC or Mac
- Plug-and-Play operation
Dante AVIO Adapters
Dante AVIO adapters are super-compact but highly effective adapters that enable users to connect their current analog or non-Dante hardware to a Dante network. All of the six unique network devices sport a sleek design with an RJ-45 connector at one end and breakout connectors on the opposite end.
Dante AVIO adapter types are available for three of the most popular types of audio I/O interfaces:
- Analog
- AES3
- USB
It’s important to keep in mind that each Dante AVIO adapter is a fully-functional Dante device, meaning each adapter delivers crisp audio reproduction, extremely low latency, and super-accurate network-wide synchronization.
Here’s a brief video overview of the Dante AVIO adapter line:
Dante AVIO Analog Input Adapters
You don’t need to abandon trusted legacy mixers, equalizers, analog compressors, keyboard instruments, or your current stage DI boxes — simply use Dante AVIO analog input adapters available in both 1 and 2-channels to integrate them with your Dante network.
Compact and ready to go where ever you need to be, AVIO adapters are plug-and-play and ready to use when connected.
Audinate Dante AVIO 1 Channel Input Adapter for Dante Audio Network
- Supports one channel of analog audio input
Audinate Dante AVIO 2 Channel Input Adapter for Dante Audio Network
- Supports two channels of balanced line level analog inputs
Key features of Dante AVIO analog input adapters:
- Inputs equipped with XLR connectors
- Adjustable signal levels: +24dBu / +4dBu / 0dBu/ 0dBV /-10dBV (through Dante Controller)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (-/+0.5dB)
- Impedance: 20k Ohm balanced, 10k Ohm unbalanced
- Dynamic Range > 100dB
- Signal to Noise Ratio:> 100dB
- Powered through Class 1 802.3af PoE Switch or injector
- Sample rates up to 96 kHz
- Sonically welded polycarbonate enclosure
- Compatible with Dante Domain Manager (DDM)
Dante AVIO Analog Output Adapters
Dante AVIO analog output adapters are available in both 1 and 2-channels and are great for driving recorders, amplifiers, powered speakers and creating drop-points for connecting overflow areas to a Dante network.
Audinate Dante AVIO 1 Ch Output Adapter for Dante Audio Network
- Supports one channel of analog audio output
Audinate Dante AVIO 2 Ch Output Adapter for Dante Audio Network
- Supports two channels of balanced line level analog output
Key features of Dante AVIO analog output adapters:
- Outputs equipped with XLR connectors
- Adjustable signal levels: +24dBu / +4dBu / 0dBu/ 0dBV /-10dBV (through Dante Controller)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (-/+0.5dB)
- Impedance: 150 Ohm balanced, 75 Ohm unbalanced
- Powered through Class 1 802.3af PoE Switch or injector
- Sample rates up to 96 kHz
- Sonically welded polycarbonate enclosure
- Compatible with Dante Domain Manager (DDM)
Dante AVIO USB Adapter
The Dante AVIO USB adapter is great for connecting any computer (desktop or laptop) to a Dante audio network without the need for any other software.
The AVIO USB adapter can be used for any type of audio application and provides class-compliant stereo input and output.
Ideal for presentations, events and conference rooms!
Audinate Dante AVIO USB Adapter for Dante Audio Network
Key features of the Dante AVIO USB adapter:
- Easy audio drop-point available in laptops in conference settings
- No need to reconfigure your Dante network for multiple computers
- Record and play 2-channel audio at the same time from any Mac, PC, or Linux system
- No additional software needed
- Easily connect mobile devices to a Dante network (with USB adapters)
Dante AVIO AES3 Adapter
Use your favorite digital audio gear on a Dante audio network!
Protect your investment in AES3-connected power amplifiers, video systems, mic preamps, powered speakers, mixers, and more by using the Dante AVIO AES3 Adapter.
Audinate Dante AVIO 2×2 AES3/EBU I/O Adapter for Dante Audio Network
Key features of the Dante AVIO AES3 adapter:
- Supports 2×2 channels
- Top-quality XLR I/O connectors
- Built-in asynchronous sample rate conversion
- Easily create drop-points to connect cry rooms and overflow areas to a Dante network
If you are a ProAV integrator or commercial AV installer you’ll find that Dante AVIO adapters can benefit any type of fixed installation or live event!
Discover the complete range of Dante AVIO adapters at Pacrad!