Dante™ (Digital Audio Network Through Ethernet) is a combination of software, hardware, and network protocols that provide uncompressed, multichannel, low-latency, synchronized digital audio over a standard Ethernet network using Layer 3 IP packets.

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Here are a few points to keep in mind:

 

• Uncompromising audio quality

The digitally transmitted audio signal is uncompressed and can be sampled at 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz or 192 kHz in 16-bit, 24-bit or 32-bit mode. In addition, the problems of conventional analog signals simply do not exist: no interference from other electrical equipment, no crosstalk between cables or signal degradation over long cable distances.

 

• Controlled latency

 

The latency is determined by the number of switches on the network and is known in advance:

 

1. 1 switch (very small network): 0.15ms

2. 3 switches (small network): 0.25ms

3. 5 switches (average network): 0.5ms

4. 10 switches (wide area network): 1ms

5. +10 switches (very large network): 5ms

 

In addition, the audio signals are transmitted synchronously, so all receiving devices in the same audio stream will receive it at the same time.

 

• Full interoperability

Based on industry standards, Audinate has created the Dante™ technology which has been adopted by a large number of manufacturers of pro-audio audiovisual solutions, notably thanks to its total interoperability. Hundreds of Dante-compatible products are available from the world's leading manufacturers, making it possible to combine devices from multiple manufacturers without any hassle.

 

• Economical and Versatile

Dante™ technology eliminates the need for costly and heavy analog or multi-pair cabling, replacing it with a simple, low-cost and readily available CAT5e, CAT6 or optic fibre cable for a simple, lightweight and cost-effective solution. Dante™ integrates media and control for your entire system on a single standard IP network.

Dante™ systems can be as simple as linking a computer to a speaker, or as advanced as hundreds of audio channels on the same Ethernet network. Being a packet-based (IP) technology, a Dante™ system can be expanded or reconfigured at any time with a few mouse clicks, unlike analog point-to-point links.

 

• Easy to install

The configuration of Dante's networks is simple, even for someone with little or no knowledge of computer networking. Even the most complex networks can be configured quickly and easily with Dante™ technology, which simplifies system integration. Dante™ automatically manages the technical complexities for you..

 

Dante™ signal routing and system configuration is fast, simple and flexible. Dante Controller is a powerful software application that manages devices on the network. Configuring a Dante™ network typically involves plugging devices into an Ethernet switch(s) and connecting a computer to that network. All Dante™ devices are automatically detected and displayed in the Dante Controller software. You can be up and running in seconds.

 

• Easy to use

With Dante Controller, you can easily change channel device names, control sample rates, and set device latencies. Once the Dante™ system is set up, the computer running the Dante Controller software can be removed and reconnected only if changes are required or system monitoring is desired. Signal routing and other system parameters are securely stored in each of the Dante™ devices themselves. They are therefore automatically restored if a device is turned off and then turned back on again.

 

• Health and network management

Real-time information about the health of the network is essential to understand and maintain network performance. Audinate has developed a comprehensive suite of diagnostic tools within Dante Controller, providing visibility into the state of the network through features such as latency monitoring, clock monitoring, packet error reporting and bandwidth usage.

 

• Security through redundancy without signal interruption

Many Dante™ devices support the redundancy feature, allowing a secondary physical network to be provided, duplicating audio traffic from the primary network. This automatically prevents audio loss or interruption in the event of a connection problem on the primary network.

 

• Unicast or Multicast

Dante's audio channels can be configured in unicast or multicast mode, as required, to optimize the use of available bandwidth. Unicast provides direct point-to-point streaming for channels, while multicast sends an audio stream to multiple devices simultaneously.

 

• Fully integrated with Windows and Mac OS X

With the "Dante™ Virtual Soundcard” your computer becomes a Dante™ audio interface for multitrack recording and multimedia playback, using the computer's existing Ethernet port. No additional hardware is required. Digital audio workstations, software media players, Skype, iTunes, Deezer, Spotify and other applications integrate easily into your network with the Dante Virtual Soundcard.