Dante audio networking, explained

Short answer: Dante carries many channels of digital audio over a standard Ethernet network. One network cable can replace a heavy analog snake, and routing is changed in software.

How it works

Each Dante device, whether a mixer, stage box, amplifier or wireless receiver, appears on the network. A controller app shows every output and input as a grid, and you click to connect them.

Why crews like it

• One Cat6 run instead of dozens of copper pairs
• Latency low enough for live sound
• Add a recording feed or overflow room without new cable
• Redundant primary and secondary networks for critical shows

Where it fits

Corporate events, multi-room venues and permanent installs, anywhere sources and speakers are spread across a space. For a single small room, analog is still fine.

What the network needs

• Managed gigabit switches with energy-saving modes turned off
• A dedicated VLAN for audio
• Quality of service set for clock and audio packets
• No WiFi in the audio path

Common mistakes

• Running Dante on the guest network
• Mixed sample rates between devices
• No secondary network on a show that cannot stop

The bottom line

Dante is reliable when the network is designed for it. Treat the switch like part of the sound system, because it is.