Dante is a digital audio networking technology developed by Audinate that enables professional-grade audio devices (such as microphones, mixers and loudspeakers) to communicate over long distances using slim Ethernet cables. Dante works similarly to home networks with Wi-Fi devices talking between them, except it was created specifically for use in commercial audio applications.
Dante operates on standard Ethernet networks and features near-zero latency. Utilizing an Ethernet star topology for audio distribution, it provides an efficient means of audio distribution than daisy-chained networks and eliminates costly dedicated audio cabling – plus works seamlessly with existing Fast and Gigabit Ethernet IT infrastructures.
Dante is an ideal solution for houses of worship, arenas and stadiums, conference centers, schools, universities, airports and transportation hubs requiring high-quality audio. This flexible yet cost-effective method helps improve intelligibility of speech while adding recording capability and decreasing production costs overall. Read on to learn more about several of the best devices available for your business.
Pendent Mount PoE Dante Speaker System
IPD-RS82-EZ Pendant Mount PoE Dante Speaker System provides reliable audio quality with low latency in overhead commercial environments. Compatible with Dante and AES67 network protocols, its software enables customizing directional performance as well as equalizing room acoustics for room equalization. A variety of standard connections makes integration easy while PoE power enables connectivity with Crestron control systems for simplified control systems connectivity.
Dante Audio stands out due to its low latency, which allows it to transmit uncompressed digital audio over standard IP networks without loss of quality and provide high-quality voice and music reproduction in real time. Thanks to sub-microsecond synchronization levels, this reliable solution ensures optimal performance levels.
Smart IP features uncompressed, low-latency digital audio streaming directly into every loudspeaker for maximum intelligibility and consistent coverage with crystal-clear studio quality sound. Through one cable connection, it provides power, audio and management systems – minimizing costs while providing enterprise grade network solutions with optimal flexibility.
The SF-NL2 Dante Line-Level Interface Module for this system converts two Dante network audio channels to balanced XLR outputs (www.soundguys.com/balanced-vs-unbalanced-connections) for use in equipment racks, conference rooms and other locations where slim line array configuration is desired. It can be easily installed into equipment racks or conference rooms. The LED wall light can also be installed into a standard US two-gang electrical box or the RDL WB-2 back box for installation in thinner European walls and similar construction.
This module features two XLR mic or line inputs on its front panel and can be configured and managed using RDL CONSOLE or other network control software. It includes an RDL CONSOLE to configure it as needed, while its built-in Dante Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch supplies 40W of power for connected speakers; this switch may be disabled should audio outputs be needed for another purpose.
Suspended Ceiling Mount Dante PoE IP Speaker
Designed for installation into lightweight ceilings, this networked loudspeaker features power, audio and sophisticated speaker management over one CAT cable. Equipped with PoE technology, this speaker is the ideal solution for applications requiring energy savings such as conference rooms or hotels.
This Dante-enabled speaker combines a powerful IP-based amplifier and horn speaker into an easily installed low profile device designed for drop ceiling installations. Support for eight audio channels per stream from 32kHz up to 96kHz sample rates can be easily managed via controller software, making this speaker suitable for drop ceiling environments.
This networked speaker not only supports Dante audio, but can also transmit control commands over the same CAT5/CAT6 cable that provides power – saving installers money by eliminating separate control units while helping keep system footprints minimal – especially useful in tight spaces where space constraints may be an issue.
One key feature of the speaker is its ability to set any input as an interrupt for another input with various dim levels. This feature, common in Dante speakers for enabled devices, can be particularly beneficial in theater environments where show feed from stage boxes are sent directly into input 1, while Stage Manager calls come through input 2. When this call arrives on input 2, Divine interrupts show feed playback and plays back the voice message from Stage Manager if available.
This networked loudspeaker stands out from its peers by featuring a dedicated microphone input to integrate seamlessly with conference systems. Its fault reporting capability makes deployment much simpler.
This networked loudspeaker goes beyond basic IP connectivity with two RCA analog inputs that connect directly to line-level source components like mixers and AV over IP transmitters. Each input can be used independently, or both combined as L/R stereo output for use with standard PA equipment such as power amps and speakers.
PoE+ Dante Outdoor Weather Resistant Horn Speaker
This speaker is a premium two-way IP-addressable network loudspeaker designed to deliver public announcements and music playback in outdoor applications. Equipped with both 12″ LF driver and 1″ exit HF compression driver concentrically mounted to a high directivity waveguide for optimal source reproduction, it delivers clear intelligible speech even off-axis with rich full sound reproduction.
Speaker volume can be configured via endpoint web GUI or monitored automatically using ambient noise levels with “Ambient Noise Compensation” which, according to this article, automatically adjusts speaker volume accordingly ensuring announcements can always be heard yet never overly loud.
This IP speaker supports secure SIP over TLS and SRTP for maximum protection, and features wideband G.722 HD voice codec for superior intelligibility when IP paging voice announcements or emergency alerts. Up to 10 Emergency Alert extensions may register, enabling up to one GB device memory storage capacity of customizable WAV files that play out when called (e.g. lockdown, evacuation shelter or all clear).
The IP speaker supports secure SIP over TLS and SRTP for maximum protection, and features wideband G.722 HD voice codec for superior intelligibility when IP paging voice announcements or emergency alerts. This means that the speaker is secure and that the audio quality is high, which is important for emergency alerts.
Overall, this is a high-quality speaker that is ideal for a variety of applications. It is easy to install, has great sound quality, and is reliable.
