Atlas Sound HPA-DAC2 – Two-Input Dante Accessory Card for HPA Amps

Product Overview

The Atlas Sound HPA-DAC2 is a two-input Dante® accessory card designed for HPA Series 2-channel amplifiers, enabling Dante network audio transport over standard IP infrastructure as an expansion input option. The HPA-DAC2 installs into the accessory card slot on HPA Series 2-channel amplifiers, adding two Dante receiver inputs alongside the amplifier's existing two balanced analog inputs for a total of four inputs per amplifier. This card is the correct solution for commercial AV integrators deploying Dante-based distributed audio who need to add IP audio routing to HPA 2-channel amplifier installations without replacing hardware or adding external Dante interfaces.

Product Description

The HPA-DAC2 follows the same architecture as the HPA-DAC4, scaled to the 2-channel HPA amplifier platform. It provides two Dante network audio inputs via a single RJ-45 Ethernet connection, enabling audio to be distributed to the amplifier over standard Cat5e/6 network infrastructure without dedicated analog audio cabling to the rack. Each Dante input channel is isolated from its corresponding analog input and electronically summed to form a mixed output at the amplifier channel — both analog and Dante sources can be active simultaneously on each channel, with the combined level governed by the channel level control on the amplifier.

The card supports PCB shunt-selectable gain alignment at two settings: 0dBFS = 20dBu and 0dBFS = 10dBu, allowing system gain structure to be set without external attenuation hardware. Frequency response is flat within ±1dB from 20Hz to 20kHz, and THD is rated at 0.06% at 1kHz — consistent with professional Dante networking products. Maximum output level is 7dBu. Physical dimensions are compact: 2.7" W x 2.5" D x 0.97" H at 2.6oz, ensuring the card adds Dante capability with no rack space overhead. All HPA Series 2-channel amplifiers with an accessory card slot are compatible.

Key Features

• Two Dante Inputs via RJ-45 — Receives two channels of Dante network audio over standard Cat5e/6 Ethernet, eliminating dedicated analog audio runs to the HPA 2-channel amplifier.
• Accessory Card Slot Integration — Installs directly into the HPA Series 2-channel amplifier's expansion slot, expanding total inputs from 2 to 4 without external hardware.
• Analog + Dante Summing Per Channel — Each Dante input is electronically summed with the corresponding analog input, enabling simultaneous use of both source types under a single channel level control.
• PCB Shunt-Selectable Gain Alignment — Two gain settings (0dBFS = 20dBu or 0dBFS = 10dBu) selectable on-board to match system gain structure without external pads.
• Flat Frequency Response — 20Hz–20kHz ±1dB ensures transparent audio from the network source through to the amplifier stage.
• Low THD Performance — 0.06% THD at 1kHz delivers clean signal transfer appropriate for commercial speech and music reinforcement.
• Compact Form Factor — At 2.6oz and under 3" in any dimension, the card adds Dante networking with no rack space impact.

Typical Applications

• Conference room distributed audio with Dante network routing
• Huddle room and small meeting space audio systems
• Commercial meeting spaces requiring IP audio transport
• Corporate office multi-zone Dante-based audio distribution
• Training room and boardroom AV with networked amplification

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which HPA amplifier models are compatible with the HPA-DAC2?

A: The HPA-DAC2 is compatible with HPA Series 2-channel amplifiers that include an accessory card expansion slot. Verify your amplifier model includes the accessory card slot before ordering.

Q: How does the HPA-DAC2 differ from the HPA-DAC4?

A: The HPA-DAC2 provides two Dante inputs and is designed for HPA 2-channel amplifiers. The HPA-DAC4 provides four Dante inputs and is designed for HPA 4-channel amplifiers. Internally, the architecture and specifications are the same.

Q: Can analog and Dante inputs be used at the same time?

A: Yes. The analog and Dante inputs for each channel are isolated and electronically summed, so both sources can be active simultaneously, controlled by the single channel level control on the amplifier.

Q: What network infrastructure does Dante require?

A: Dante operates over standard Gigabit Ethernet using Cat5e or Cat6 cabling. A managed switch with QoS support is recommended for larger multi-device deployments to ensure consistent low-latency audio transport.

Q: How is the gain alignment set on the HPA-DAC2?

A: Gain alignment is set via PCB shunt on the card itself, with two positions — 0dBFS = 20dBu and 0dBFS = 10dBu. This should be configured before installation into the amplifier.

Q: What is the warranty on the HPA-DAC2?

A: Atlas Sound products are covered by the manufacturer's standard commercial warranty. Contact Creation Networks for current warranty terms and support options.