M-DL-DANT64 / M-DL-DANT128 Fitting Note

Introduction

The Dante 64x64 (M-DL-DANT64) and Dante 128x128 (M-DL-DANT128) cards are audio networking options designed to fit into an Allen & Heath dLive I/O Port. Both cards offer a 96kHz interface to the Dante audio networking platform, providing 64x64 and 128x128 channels respectively. They can also be configured to operate at 48kHz.

Fitting the Card

1. Switch the system off.
2. Remove the four screws securing the I/O Port blank panel on the dLive MixRack or Surface.
3. Slide the card into the slot and press it firmly into the mating connector.
4. Secure the card by tightening the four captive thumb screws using a Pozidriv Number 1 (PZ1) screwdriver.

Diagram showing the M-DL-DANT64/128 card with connection ports labeled '2' and '3', alongside an illustration of a Pozidriv Number 1 (PZ1) screwdriver.

Software and Firmware

For more information about Dante, visit the Audinate website: https://www.audinate.com/

To route audio and configure devices on a Dante network, download Dante Controller: https://www.audinate.com/products/software/dante-controller

Download and install the latest firmware for dLive and M-DL-SDANT64/128 from the Allen & Heath website: http://www.allen-heath.com

? M-DL-SDANT64/128 require dLive firmware V1.80 or higher.

Front Panel

Illustration of the Dante card's front panel, featuring a 'Control Network' RJ45 port, a 'Primary' RJ45 port with Link/Act LEDs and an On/Off switch, a 'Secondary' RJ45 port with Link/Act LEDs, and an 'Internal Network Bridge' switch.

Control Network Port Functionality

When the Primary port is in use, the Control Network port can connect to a computer running Dante Controller for setting up the Dante network. If nothing is connected to the Primary port, the Control Network port is inactive, and the Primary port should be used for Dante Controller.

? The Control Network port does not pass audio.

For optimal operation with Dante Controller and dLive Director on the same computer, ensure the dLive and Dante card are configured with compatible IP addresses within the same subnet.

Connecting to a network with a DHCP server (like a router) can alter the Dante card's IP address, potentially causing temporary audio loss. It is recommended to bridge the network only when necessary.

Network Connection Diagrams

Three network connection diagrams are provided:

• A diagram showing a laptop connected to the Control Network port and the Dante card's Primary port connected to another Dante device, marked with a red cross (❌). This configuration is not recommended for Dante Controller setup when the Primary port is available.
• A diagram showing a laptop connected to the Control Network port and the Primary port connected to another Dante device, marked with a green checkmark (✔️). This is a valid setup.
• A diagram showing a laptop connected to the Primary port and the Secondary port connected to another Dante device, also marked with a green checkmark (✔️). This is a valid setup, particularly for redundant connections.

Primary/Secondary Ports

The Primary port can connect directly to another Dante device's Primary port or to a gigabit switch for integration into a larger Dante network.

• Switched Mode: The Primary and Secondary ports function as a 2-port switch, allowing direct connection for up to two devices.
• Redundant Mode: Both sockets can be used to establish a redundant connection to a single device using two cables.

To select between Switched Mode and Redundant Mode, navigate to 'Device View' > 'Network Config' > 'Dante Redundancy' within Dante Controller.

Internal Network Bridge

• On: In Redundant Mode, the dLive Control Network is bridged to the Control Network and Primary ports. In Switched Mode, it is bridged to the Control Network, Primary, and Secondary ports.
• Off: The dLive Control Network is not bridged to any Dante ports.

? The Internal Network Bridge does not pass audio.

When the Primary port is not connected, the Control Network port becomes inactive, and the Primary port should be used for Dante Controller.

Diagram illustrating the 'Internal Network Bridge = ON' configuration, showing the Dante Control Network connected to the dLive Network port.

Setting Clock and Patching Signals

Use the dLive I/O screen to patch signals to or from the I/O Ports.

To select the clock source, use the MixRack / Audio / Audio Sync screen. Set this to 'Internal' on the clock leader system and to the relevant I/O Port on all other connected clock follower systems.

Utilize Dante Controller's Routing tab to patch signals between Dante devices.

For selecting the Dante network leader, use Dante Controller's Clock Status tab. For the clock leader MixRack/Surface Dante card, enable 'Preferred Leader' and 'Enable Sync To External'.

For detailed information on dLive setup and functions, refer to the dLive Firmware Reference Guide available for download at www.allen-heath.com.

Warranty and Copyright

A limited one-year manufacturer's warranty applies to this product. Conditions can be found at: www.allen-heath.com/legal.

Copyright © 2022 Allen & Heath. All rights reserved.

Allen & Heath Limited, Kernick Industrial Estate, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9LU, UK. http://www.allen-heath.com