Allen & Heath AH-M-DL-DANTE64-A – Dante 64x64 Audio Networking Card for dLive & Avantis

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath AH-M-DL-DANTE64-A is a 64-channel bidirectional Dante audio networking card that fits the I/O port of dLive and Avantis mixing systems. It supports both 48 kHz and 96 kHz operation, making it a suitable choice for Dante audio networking card for dLive commercial AV installation where high-channel-count digital audio transport over standard Ethernet infrastructure is required. The card integrates with Dante Domain Manager (DDM) for enterprise-scale network management, supports AES67 for cross-platform interoperability, and provides dual RJ45 ports for redundant network connections. For AV integrators deploying Allen & Heath systems in large commercial installations, this card extends the system's networking capability with minimal additional infrastructure.

Product Description

The DANTE64 card slots directly into any available I/O port on a dLive or Avantis MixRack and is powered by the host system — no external power supply is required. Once installed, it presents 64 transmit and 64 receive Dante channels to the network, which can be routed to any Dante-enabled device on the same network using Dante Controller software.

The front panel provides two RJ45 Dante network ports (primary and secondary) and a dedicated Control Network port for configuration isolation. Primary and secondary ports enable dual-cable redundancy on compatible Dante network switches — a valuable feature for mission-critical installations where audio interruption is not acceptable. AES67 compliance extends interoperability to other AoIP platforms commonly found in broadcast, education, and enterprise AV environments, supporting Allen & Heath Dante card AES67 enterprise audio networking.

Support for Dante Virtual Soundcard (DVS) enables simultaneous multitrack recording from any computer on the Dante network without dedicated hardware, and sample-accurate playback synchronization ensures alignment across all connected devices. For large installations using Dante Domain Manager, the DANTE64 card participates in DDM's subnet-spanning routing and role-based access control, which is relevant for dLive Dante card integration with Dante Domain Manager in multi-zone enterprise deployments. The card also supports the Allen & Heath DT168 and DT164-W Dante I/O expanders, further extending the system's reach.

Key Features

• 64x64 Dante Channels — Provides 64 bidirectional channels of Dante audio at 48 kHz, or 64x64 at 96 kHz, over standard Cat 5e or higher Ethernet.
• Dual RJ45 Network Ports — Primary and secondary Dante ports support dual-cable redundancy for uninterrupted audio in critical installations.
• Dedicated Control Network Port — Separate RJ45 port for Dante Controller configuration, isolating control traffic from audio traffic.
• AES67 Compatible — Interoperates with other AoIP platforms in broadcast, enterprise, and installed sound environments.
• Dante Domain Manager Ready — Supports DDM for centralized management, subnet routing, and access control in large network deployments.
• Multitrack Recording via DVS — Enables simultaneous recording to any DVS-equipped computer on the Dante network without additional hardware.
• Sample-Accurate Sync — Maintains precise timing across all Dante devices for synchronized playback and monitoring.
• DT168 and DT164-W Support — Compatible with Allen & Heath Dante I/O expanders for additional I/O distribution.
• Standard Networking Infrastructure — Works with off-the-shelf Gigabit switches; no proprietary network hardware required.

Typical Applications

• Commercial AV installation requiring high-channel Dante audio distribution
• Enterprise audio networking across multiple rooms or buildings
• Large-format live sound with FOH/monitor digital splits over Dante
• Broadcast facilities needing AES67-compliant audio transport

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Allen & Heath mixers accept the DANTE64 card?

The card is compatible with dLive MixRack models (DM32, DM48, DM64) and Avantis MixRack. It installs in any available I/O expansion port on these units.

Does the card support 96 kHz operation?

Yes. The DANTE64 card operates at both 48 kHz and 96 kHz, with 64x64 channels available at both sample rates.

Can I record multitrack audio directly from the Dante network?

Yes, using Dante Virtual Soundcard (DVS) software on any computer connected to the Dante network. DVS is sold separately by Audinate.

Is dual-cable redundancy supported?

Yes. The primary and secondary RJ45 ports support Dante's dual-cable redundancy mode, which requires a compatible redundant-capable Dante network switch.

Is Dante Domain Manager required for basic operation?

No. DDM is optional and used for enterprise-scale deployments with multi-subnet routing and access control. Basic Dante routing is managed via the free Dante Controller application.

Does this card replace the need for analog multicore cables?

In many configurations, yes. The 64x64 channel count over a single Cat 5e cable eliminates the need for large-format analog multicore snakes between stages and FOH positions.

What warranty applies to this card?

Standard Allen & Heath manufacturer warranty applies. Contact Creation Networks for warranty registration and support options.