Atlas Sound HPA-DAC4 – Four-Input Dante Accessory Card

Product Overview

The Atlas Sound HPA-DAC4 is a four-input Dante® accessory card engineered for HPA Series 4-channel amplifiers, enabling Dante network audio distribution over standard IP infrastructure. This Dante receiver card expands an HPA amplifier's input count from four balanced analog inputs to eight total inputs, making it ideal for commercial AV installations that require IP audio transport to amplifier racks. Installers deploying distributed audio in conference rooms, training facilities, or multi-zone commercial spaces gain flexible digital routing without replacing existing hardware.

Product Description

The HPA-DAC4 installs directly into the accessory card slot present on HPA Series 4-channel amplifiers. It provides four Dante network audio inputs via a single RJ-45 connection, allowing audio to be distributed over a standard Ethernet infrastructure with no dedicated audio cabling required. Each Dante channel is isolated from its corresponding analog input and electronically summed to form a mixed output at the amplifier channel — both signal levels are governed by the respective channel's level control on the amplifier. This summing architecture allows simultaneous use of analog and Dante sources on each channel, supporting hybrid deployments where both local sources and networked audio are active.

The card supports PCB shunt-selectable gain alignment, offering two settings: 0dBFS = 20dBu and 0dBFS = 10dBu, which accommodates different system gain structures without requiring external attenuation. Frequency response is flat within ±1dB from 20Hz to 20kHz, ensuring transparent audio across the full audible spectrum. THD is rated at 0.06% at 1kHz, consistent with professional-grade Dante networking products. The maximum output level of 7dBu interfaces correctly with downstream amplifier input stages. At under 3 ounces and compact dimensions of 2.7" W x 2.5" D x 0.97" H, the HPA-DAC4 adds Dante capability with no rack space overhead. All HPA Series 4-channel models that include an accessory card slot are compatible.

Key Features

• Four Dante Inputs via RJ-45 — Receives four channels of Dante network audio over a standard Cat5e/6 Ethernet connection, eliminating the need for dedicated analog audio runs to the amplifier.
• Accessory Card Slot Integration — Installs directly into the HPA Series 4-channel amplifier's expansion slot, expanding total inputs from 4 to 8 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) are selectable on-board to match system gain structure without external pads or attenuation.
• Flat Frequency Response — 20Hz–20kHz ±1dB ensures transparent audio reproduction from the network source through to the amplifier stage.
• Low THD Performance — 0.06% THD at 1kHz delivers clean, accurate 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
• Training room multi-zone commercial audio systems
• Commercial meeting spaces requiring IP audio transport
• Multi-purpose room AV installations with networked amplification
• Government and corporate spaces deploying Dante-based audio distribution

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which HPA amplifier models are compatible with the HPA-DAC4?

A: The HPA-DAC4 is compatible with HPA Series 4-channel amplifiers that include an accessory card expansion slot. Verify your amplifier model supports the accessory card slot before ordering.

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

A: Yes. The analog and Dante inputs for each channel are isolated from each other 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 standard Cat5e or Cat6 cabling. A managed switch with QoS support is recommended for larger deployments to ensure low-latency audio transport.

Q: How is the gain alignment set?

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

Q: Does the HPA-DAC4 require any software configuration for Dante routing?

A: Yes. Dante channel routing is managed through Audinate's Dante Controller software, which runs on any networked computer. The card itself does not require drivers but must be addressed and routed within the Dante network.

Q: What is the warranty on the HPA-DAC4?

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