Dante Audio Network (Audio-over-IP)

Definition & Overview

Dante (Digital Audio Network Through Ethernet, developed by Audinate) and interoperable AES67 standards have largely superseded heavy analog copper multicore snakes in modern conference facilities. Dante transmits hundreds of channels of 24-bit/48kHz uncompressed audio bidirectionally over standard Cat5e/Cat6 Ethernet cables, connecting interpreter consoles, stage microphones, digital DSP matrices, and multi-channel infrared/RF transmitters with sub-millisecond latency.

Operational Rules & Standard Guidance

• Sub-Millisecond Transmission Latency: Dante network latency typically operates between 0.25 ms and 1.0 ms, well below the audible threshold and preserving natural conversational cadence without adding to interpreter décalage.
• Channel Matrix Flexibility: AV sound engineers can patch floor microphones, language returns, and recording channels digitally via Dante Controller software without physically repatching physical cables at the booth.
• Redundant Network Topology (Primary / Secondary): Mission-critical diplomatic summits deploy dual Dante network switches with glitch-free hitless redundancy. If the primary Gigabit switch fails, the secondary audio network takes over seamlessly with zero packet loss.
• Mix-Minus Bus Creation: Enables sound engineers to route clean stage audio to interpreter consoles while subtracting room echo or interpreter return audio to prevent howling feedback loops.