Allen & Heath AH-DT-02-M – Dante Output Interface, No Power Supply

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath AH-DT-02-M is a compact 2-channel Dante audio output interface that converts Dante network audio to two relay-protected balanced XLR line outputs, designed for installations where Power over Ethernet (PoE) is the preferred power delivery method or where the integrator supplies 12 VDC from a centralized power distribution system. Functionally identical to the DT-02-X, the DT-02-M delivers the same +22 dBu maximum output, the same 48/96 kHz Dante operation, and the same AES67 and Dante Domain Manager compatibility — without the included wall-adapter power supply. In large-scale commercial AV installations with PoE infrastructure throughout, the DT-02-M provides the same output performance at reduced per-unit hardware cost, with a single Cat5e/Cat6 cable delivering both data and power to each output node.

Product Description

For system designers specifying distributed audio output nodes across a facility, the DT-02-M is the standard choice when the network infrastructure provides PoE at all endpoint locations. In this scenario, each remote speaker zone, DSP input, or recording endpoint receives a DT-02-M: one Cat6 cable provides Dante network audio routing and 802.3af power simultaneously, and the two XLR outputs connect directly to the local amplifier or line-level input.

The DT-02-M's omission of a power supply is a cost and complexity optimization for large deployments, not a functional limitation. In a 20-zone commercial AV installation, supplying 20 wall adapters — each requiring a local outlet, adding cable clutter, and representing a potential failure point — is a worse solution than powering all 20 output nodes from PoE switch ports with centralized power budgeting and UPS backup. The DT-02-M is designed with exactly this deployment model in mind.

For installations where PoE is not available at certain output points, the DT-02-M accepts 12 VDC from a field-supplied adapter. This allows integrators to standardize on the DT-02-M across an entire project and address non-PoE exceptions with a locally sourced power supply, avoiding the need to stock and manage two different SKUs.

Audio performance is identical to the DT-02-X: relay-protected balanced XLR outputs at +4 dBu nominal and +22 dBu maximum, with output impedance below 75 ohms for clean drive into any professional amplifier or DSP input. Relay protection prevents thumps during power cycling, a fundamental requirement in permanently installed systems. The EtherCon locking network connector prevents accidental cable disconnection in permanent wiring runs — important in ceiling or wall-mounted applications where the connector is not regularly inspected.

Like all Allen & Heath DT-series interfaces, the DT-02-M pairs naturally with Allen & Heath's SQ, dLive, and Avantis consoles, the AHM-series matrix processors, and any third-party Dante system. It is also complementary to the DT-20-M input interface when complete local Dante I/O is required at a remote point.

Key Features

• No power supply included — optimized for PoE-powered deployments; reduces per-node cost in large multi-zone installations
• PoE powered (802.3af) — single Cat6 cable provides Dante audio routing and power simultaneously
• 2x balanced XLR outputs — relay-protected, +22 dBu maximum, +4 dBu nominal, <75 ohm output impedance
• 48/96 kHz Dante operation — follows Dante network master clock; AES67 compatible for multi-vendor AoIP environments
• Relay-protected outputs — mutes outputs during power events to protect amplifiers and speakers
• Dante Domain Manager ready — enterprise network segmentation and access control support
• Locking EtherCon connector — secure cable retention in permanent and touring applications
• Rugged aluminum enclosure — compact, lightweight; suitable for concealed installation in ceilings, walls, and furniture

Typical Applications

• Large-scale commercial AV Dante installations — primary application: multi-zone PoE-powered audio distribution with centralized Dante network management
• Corporate AV networks — deliver Dante audio to amplifiers in conference rooms, atriums, and corridors from a central AHM or dLive processor
• Houses of worship — feed distributed fill speakers, delay speakers, and overflow room amplifiers from a central Dante mix
• Hotel and hospitality — distributed background music and paging output nodes in guest areas powered by PoE infrastructure
• Integrator rack-power configurations — specify DT-02-M and supply 12 VDC from a centralized rack-mount PDU where PoE switches are not used
• Educational campuses — connect classrooms and lecture halls to a campus-wide Dante distribution system via existing PoE network

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the DT-02-M and DT-02-X?

The DT-02-M does not include a power supply; the DT-02-X includes a 12 VDC wall adapter. Both are functionally identical. The DT-02-M is the preferred choice for large PoE-based installations or when centralized power distribution is used.

Why would I choose the DT-02-M over the DT-02-X?

In installations with PoE switching throughout, the DT-02-M eliminates redundant wall adapters, simplifies cable management, centralizes power budgeting, and reduces per-unit cost. It is the standard specification choice for large commercial AV deployments.

What PoE standard does the DT-02-M require?

IEEE 802.3af (PoE). The unit draws up to 10W, within the 15.4W budget of 802.3af. It will also work with higher-power 802.3at (PoE+) switches.

Can I connect the DT-02-M directly to a loudspeaker?

No. The DT-02-M provides line-level balanced XLR outputs at +4 dBu nominal. Connection to a loudspeaker requires a power amplifier between the DT-02-M output and the speaker.

How does the DT-02-M differ from the DT-20-M?

The DT-20-M accepts audio inputs (mic/line to Dante network); the DT-02-M provides audio outputs (Dante network to analog XLR). They serve opposite directions in the signal chain and are complementary products.

Is the DT-02-M compatible with non-Dante Dante systems like AES67?

Yes. The DT-02-M is AES67 compatible, enabling use in mixed-vendor IP audio environments alongside equipment from Biamp, QSC, Shure, and other AES67-capable manufacturers.