First - what is “Dante?”
Dante is a combination of software, hardware, and network protocols that delivers uncompressed, multi-channel, low-latency digital audio over a standard Ethernet network using Layer 3IP packets. Developed in 2006 by a Sydney-based company named Audinate, Dante builds and improves on previous audio over Ethernet technologies, such as CobraNet and EtherSound. Dante is an acronym or backronym for digital audio network through Ethernet. Wikipedia
In essence, Dante is a way to streamline your audio, including your audio/video/computer system to give you more flexibility. It provides a more “pure” audio signal without audio interfaces or having to struggle with analog to digital converters, thus greatly simplifying your system!
When using Dante, everything connects together using standard CAT5e or Cat6 network cable! Most manufacturers newest equipment is Dante compatible and ready to work!
Many audio manufactures are already Dante-friendly, so you won’t necessarily have to purchase all new gear for your church, school, theatre or performing arts center. By using the Dante sound card for your audio console/mixer, you can connect multiple sources together to get fast, low-latency digital audio throughout your system. These cards can be installed easily in just a few minutes! Dante can also be used to connect laptops, PCs, streaming audio and recording devices to all work together for audio/video presentations as well!
This is a very cost-effective way of connecting audio components together by using simple network switches, network cable and some USB-to-network dongles. You can even connect analog devices such as wireless mics, compressors and stage instruments directly to your Dante network using Dante AVIO adapters. These connect analog, AES and USB devices directly to the network and are instantly recognized by Dante Controller.
The software is free to download once you’ve got the sound card. Dante can stream 64 x 64 channels of pure digital audio!
Knight Sound and Lighting has Dante certified technicians on staff that can answer questions and suggest solutions to fit your needs. Call or chat with us today!