things ? In scenarios where you may already have a moderately sized Dante system and need to pop in and out with a few channels of analog audio , you ’ re in luck . You could tap into something like the Allen & Heath Dante breakout boxes or Audinate ’ s own AVIO units . These types of compact Dante- > Analog and Analog- > Dante devices are great options to pipe in an audio submix or grab a master out to your analog PA amplifiers , etc . Simple AVIO networking adapters also exist for Bluetooth and USB-C and even AES3 .
For churches with more of a focus in the broadcast space , let ’ s not forget MADI as a routing option . Initially developed by AMS Neve , Solid State Logic , Sony and Mitsubishi , MADI is quite popular in the broadcast audio realm . While fundamentally distinct from the types of audio over ethernet protocols mentioned so far , MADI is capable of transmitting large numbers of digital audio channels at high sample rates , generally in 64ch chunks . Going back to our simple SQ example above , we could also handle the split via optional MADI cards in the SQ consoles . If other devices in your existing system are MADI-enabled , simply route and patch as needed . For a killer recording option , add in a DiGiGrid MGB and enable recording , processing and playback of up to 128 channels with Waves and third-party SoundGridcompatible plugins in high-fidelity at a superlow latency of 0.8 milliseconds — and even record out to two computers simultaneously to provide a redundant backup .
Dante Via is easy-to-use software that delivers unprecedented multi-channel routing of computer-based audio , allowing a wide range of applications and devices to be networked and interconnected , easily and inexpensively .
Do I still personally believe that Dante is the best option for more complex ‘ full-blown ’ networked audio scenarios ? Yes . I do think that maybe we ’ ve been a bit too good at marketing the benefits of Dante , though . Networked audio is awesome and it is certainly the future . But ‘ rubber stamping ’ Dante and building out systems that are likely overkill might not always be the best choice . In cases where we don ’ t truly need this type of network and in cases where we can be highly certain that the system requirements won ’ t grow beyond simple splits and recording within a closed audio loop , there
While there are many AoE cases in which Dante is the best option , don ’ t forget to consider alternatives like Waves Soundgrid , shown here in an Allen & Heath Avantis .
are likely other equally good options . In a world where Dante ( and other protocols which use similar chipsets ) might not always be readily available , iit pays to keep our options open . What is Voltaire ’ s saying about perfection being the enemy of good ? In this case I think Goldilocks might be a good reference , too .
Let ’ s remember to spec systems that are ‘ just right ’ — and not forget that some porridge is better than none .
Jeff Hawley A 20-year music industry veteran — equally at ease behind the console , playing bass guitar , leading marketing teams or designing award-winning audio products . He currently heads up the marketing for Allen & Heath in the US .