Allen & Heath AH-DT-20-X – Dante Input Interface with Power Supply

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath AH-DT-20-X is a compact, rugged 2-channel Dante audio input interface that ships complete with a 12 VDC power supply, making it the right choice for standalone deployments where Power over Ethernet (PoE) is not available or not preferred. Two combo XLR/TRS inputs with up to 55 dB of analog gain and switchable 48V phantom power enable connection of microphones, line-level sources, and instruments directly to any Dante-enabled mixing system. Operating at 48 or 96 kHz, the DT-20-X is AES67 compatible and Dante Domain Manager ready, fitting into both proprietary Allen & Heath ecosystems and open Dante network architectures used across commercial AV installations. The included rubber feet and power supply mean the unit is deployment-ready out of the box.

Product Description

The DT-20-X addresses a common requirement in commercial AV and live production: getting microphone or line-level audio from a remote location — a podium, a stage wing, a breakout room — onto a Dante network without running long analog cable runs. By placing the DT-20-X at the source, only a single Cat5e/Cat6 network cable is needed back to the Dante-enabled mixer or AHM system, simplifying installation and reducing cable infrastructure cost.

The "-X" suffix distinguishes this variant from the DT-20-M: the DT-20-X includes a 12 VDC, 1.25A power supply. This makes it the preferred choice for locations where the network switch does not provide PoE, or where the system designer prefers local power for predictable current budgeting. For installations using PoE-capable switches throughout, the DT-20-M (without power supply) offers the same functionality at a lower per-unit cost.

The combo XLR/TRS inputs accept both balanced XLR microphone signals and balanced TRS line inputs via a -20 dB pad. Analog gain is adjustable locally from 0 to +55 dB on the front panel, allowing gain staging to be set and locked during commissioning without requiring software access. Input impedance is greater than 4 kilohms on XLR and greater than 10 kilohms on TRS, compatible with all professional microphone and line-level sources. Maximum input level on the TRS input is +30 dBu, well above the output capability of most line-level sources.

Network connectivity uses a locking EtherCon connector — the professional-grade shielded RJ45 variant standard in touring and permanent installation environments — providing secure, vibration-resistant cable retention that a standard RJ45 cannot match. The DT-20-X operates at Dante's two standard sample rates (48 kHz and 96 kHz), selecting the rate to match the host system's clock. AES67 compatibility ensures interoperability with non-Dante AoIP systems in mixed-vendor enterprise and broadcast infrastructures.

The aluminum enclosure is compact (13 x 13.7 x 4.3 cm, 0.5 kg) and flat-profile, suitable for surface mounting, DIN rail attachment with optional accessories, or placement under tables or in floor pockets. The included rubber feet provide a non-slip surface for desktop deployments.

Key Features

• Includes 12 VDC power supply — ready for deployment in locations without PoE infrastructure; no additional power hardware required
• 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 gain control for commissioning and gain staging
• 48V phantom power with LED indicator — supports condenser microphones; LED confirms phantom state
• 48/96 kHz Dante operation — matches host system sample rate automatically
• AES67 compatible — interoperates with non-Dante AoIP systems in mixed-vendor installations
• Dante Domain Manager ready — supports DDM for enterprise-grade network segmentation and access control
• Locking EtherCon connector — secure network connection for permanent installation and touring
• Rugged aluminum enclosure — suitable for permanent installation, staging, and rental fleet use
• Rubber feet included — non-slip surface for desktop or surface deployment

Typical Applications

• Commercial AV Dante installations — distribute microphone inputs from rooms, podiums, or stages to a central Dante mixer without analog cable runs
• Enterprise audio networking — connect microphone feeds to corporate AV systems in non-PoE network environments
• Houses of worship — position inputs at the altar, lectern, or choir area and route to front-of-house over existing Cat6 infrastructure
• Broadcast and production facilities — add mic inputs to a Dante-based broadcast router at any location in the facility
• Live event hire — deploy as a portable Dante stage box input for touring productions with mixed PoE availability
• Allen & Heath AHM systems — feed microphone or line inputs into AHM-64 or AHM-32 audio matrix processors via Dante

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The DT-20-X includes a 12 VDC power supply; the DT-20-M does not. Both units are functionally identical otherwise. The DT-20-X is recommended for installations without PoE switching infrastructure, while the DT-20-M is more cost-effective in fully PoE-equipped environments.

Does the DT-20-X work with third-party Dante systems?

Yes. The DT-20-X is a standard Dante device and will appear in Dante Controller alongside any Dante-enabled product, regardless of manufacturer. It is not limited to Allen & Heath systems.

Can I connect a condenser microphone to the DT-20-X?

Yes. The XLR inputs provide 48V phantom power. The LED indicator on the unit confirms when phantom is active.

What network cable should I use?

Cat5e or Cat6 is recommended for all Dante installations. For runs over 90 meters, use a network switch to extend; do not exceed the Ethernet distance limit for a single cable segment.

Is the DT-20-X compatible with Dante Domain Manager?

Yes. The unit is Dante Domain Manager ready, supporting DDM's enterprise network segmentation, user authentication, and audit logging features.

How many DT-20-X units can connect to a single Dante network?

Dante networks support large numbers of devices limited by network bandwidth and switch capacity. Consult Audinate's network design guidelines for large-scale deployments.

Can I set the gain remotely, or must it be set locally?

The gain control on the DT-20-X is a physical knob that must be set locally on the unit. There is no remote gain control via Dante Controller or Allen & Heath software for this model.