Allen & Heath AH-DT-20-M – Dante Input Interface, No Power Supply

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath AH-DT-20-M is a compact 2-channel Dante audio input interface designed for installations where Power over Ethernet (PoE) is the primary power source, or where integrators supply their own 12 VDC power supply as part of a centralized rack distribution system. Functionally identical to the DT-20-X, the DT-20-M provides two combo XLR/TRS inputs with 55 dB of adjustable gain, switchable 48V phantom power, and full 48/96 kHz Dante operation with AES67 compatibility — without the included wall-adapter power supply that distinguishes the -X variant. This makes the DT-20-M the more cost-effective choice for large-scale deployments where PoE infrastructure is already in place and per-unit power supplies would add unnecessary cost and cable clutter.

Product Description

In commercial AV installations with a properly specified PoE network infrastructure, the DT-20-M is the standard procurement choice for Dante microphone inputs. Each unit draws up to 10W, well within IEEE 802.3af (PoE) capability, so a single Cat5e/Cat6 cable from a PoE switch delivers both data connectivity and power to the interface at any installation point in the facility.

The absence of an included power supply is a deliberate design choice for integrated system deployments. When an AV integrator designs a system using centralized PoE switches with a known power budget per port, adding a wall-adapter per input node introduces unnecessary variables: the integrator must track individual power supplies, manage the cable clutter of multiple adapters, and verify that local outlets exist at every input point. With the DT-20-M, a single structured cabling run handles everything.

For installations where PoE is not available at the input endpoint but the project budget or parts count does not warrant multiple individual power supplies, the DT-20-M accepts 12 VDC at 1.25A from a field-supplied supply. This gives integrators the flexibility to standardize on the DT-20-M across an entire project while handling power on a case-by-case basis — using PoE where available and a locally-sourced 12V supply only where necessary.

Both the DT-20-X and DT-20-M share identical audio performance specifications: the same gain range, the same maximum input levels, the same phantom power implementation, and the same Dante protocol stack. The only meaningful difference between the two SKUs is the inclusion of a factory power supply in the -X variant. When evaluating which to specify, the determining factor is the power delivery infrastructure at each input node.

The unit is housed in the same rugged aluminum enclosure as the DT-20-X, with the same locking EtherCon network connector that distinguishes professional installation-grade hardware from consumer networking components. At 0.5 kg and 13 x 13.7 x 4.3 cm, it fits unobtrusively in floor pockets, behind podiums, or inside AV furniture.

Key Features

• No power supply included — designed for PoE-powered deployments or integrator-supplied 12 VDC; reduces per-node hardware cost in large installations
• PoE powered (802.3af) — single cable from a PoE switch provides both Dante network connectivity and power
• 2x combo XLR/TRS inputs — accepts microphone (balanced XLR) and line-level (balanced TRS, -20 dB pad) sources
• 0 to +55 dB analog gain — locally adjustable for commissioning and gain staging at the input point
• 48V phantom power with LED indicator — supports all standard condenser microphone types
• 48/96 kHz Dante operation — full support for both Dante standard sample rates
• AES67 compatible — interoperates with non-Dante AoIP equipment in multi-vendor enterprise systems
• Dante Domain Manager ready — supports enterprise DDM network management and access control
• Locking EtherCon connector — secure, professional-grade network connection for installed environments
• Rugged aluminum enclosure — 0.5 kg, suitable for permanent installation in any venue type

Typical Applications

• Large-scale commercial AV Dante installations — primary application: multi-room enterprise AV systems with centralized PoE switching infrastructure
• Corporate AV networks — deploy at conference rooms, training rooms, and boardrooms connected to a centrally managed PoE Dante network
• Houses of worship — position at fixed microphone points throughout a sanctuary; power and audio over existing Cat6 infrastructure
• Educational facilities — install in classrooms, lecture halls, and auditoriums connected to a campus-wide Dante distribution system
• Broadcast facilities — add mic inputs to Dante-based broadcast routers in studios and production control rooms
• Integrator rack-power configurations — specify the DT-20-M and supply 12 VDC from a centralized power distribution unit in the equipment rack

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the DT-20-M and DT-20-X?

The DT-20-M does not include a power supply; the DT-20-X includes a 12 VDC adapter. Both are otherwise identical in functionality, audio performance, and Dante capability. Specify the DT-20-M for PoE-equipped installations or when using a centralized power distribution strategy.

Can I power the DT-20-M from a standard PoE network switch?

Yes. Any IEEE 802.3af-compliant PoE switch port will power the DT-20-M. The unit draws up to 10W, within the 15.4W budget of 802.3af.

What power supply should I use if PoE is not available?

The DT-20-M requires 12 VDC at 1.25A with a compatible connector. Source an appropriate regulated DC supply from an AV power distribution manufacturer. Contact Creation Networks if you need a compatible PSU recommendation.

Does the DT-20-M support Dante Domain Manager?

Yes. Like the DT-20-X, the DT-20-M is Dante Domain Manager ready and supports enterprise network segmentation and access control features.

Is the DT-20-M compatible with non-Allen & Heath Dante systems?

Yes. The unit operates as a standard Dante device visible to any Dante Controller installation, regardless of the host mixing system's manufacturer.

How does the DT-20-M compare to the DT-02-M?

The DT-20-M provides inputs (microphone and line in, sending audio to the Dante network), while the DT-02-M provides outputs (receiving audio from the Dante network and delivering it as balanced XLR line-level signals). They are complementary products for complete Dante I/O at remote points.