Audio-Technica ATND1061DAN Beamforming microphone array with Dante network

Product Overview

The Audio-Technica ATND1061DAN is a ceiling-mount beamforming microphone array with Dante network audio output, designed for professional AV integration in conference rooms, boardrooms, and collaborative meeting spaces. This beamforming ceiling microphone captures speech from multiple talkers simultaneously using adaptive beam steering, eliminating the need for individual desk or gooseneck microphones at each seat. The ATND1061DAN outputs audio natively over a Dante network, connecting directly to Dante-enabled DSPs, amplifiers, and conferencing platforms without requiring analog cabling runs from the ceiling. Configuration and beam management are handled through Audio-Technica's Digital Microphone Manager software, allowing AV integrators to define pickup zones, adjust sensitivity, and manage multiple units from a single interface.

Product Description

The ATND1061DAN uses an array of microphone elements arranged to form multiple simultaneous steerable beams that track and follow voices as talkers move within the coverage zone. Unlike fixed polar pattern microphones, the beamforming design rejects audio arriving from outside the defined pickup zone — including projector noise, HVAC systems, and reflections from hard surfaces — resulting in cleaner speech intelligibility for far-end participants in video conferencing and unified communications systems. The unit can be mounted flush against a ceiling surface, surface-mounted, or suspended using a VESA-compatible mount, providing flexibility for both new construction and retrofit installations in commercial meeting spaces and government facilities.

Audio is transported via Dante, the widely deployed AoIP (Audio over IP) protocol from Audinate, over a standard gigabit Ethernet network. This eliminates dedicated analog audio cabling and allows the microphone array to be located anywhere on the network within latency constraints. The ATND1061DAN is compatible with Dante Controller for network management and can be integrated into AV systems using Dante-enabled DSPs from manufacturers including Biamp, QSC, Crestron, and others. PoE+ (Power over Ethernet Plus, 802.3at) powers the device entirely from the network switch, with no separate power supply required. The Digital Microphone Manager software runs on a Windows PC and provides real-time visualization of beam activity, allowing integrators to verify coverage during commissioning without a separate audio analyzer.

The ATND1061DAN supports up to 8 simultaneous output channels, allowing different beam configurations to be sent to different destinations on the Dante network — for example, separate channels for near-end monitoring, recording, and the far-end codec in a video conferencing system. The unit's low-profile form factor is designed to blend into standard drop-ceiling or hard-lid ceiling environments. For multi-room deployments, multiple ATND1061DAN units can be managed from the same instance of Digital Microphone Manager, reducing commissioning time on large enterprise or government campuses.

Key Features

• Adaptive Beamforming Technology — Multiple steerable beams track active talkers throughout the coverage zone, maintaining pickup quality as participants move or change speaking positions.
• Dante Network Audio Output — Native AoIP connectivity over standard gigabit Ethernet eliminates analog audio cabling from the ceiling and integrates directly with Dante-enabled DSPs and conferencing infrastructure.
• Up to 8 Simultaneous Output Channels — Independent beam outputs can be routed to separate destinations on the Dante network for recording, monitoring, and codec feeds from a single device.
• PoE+ Powered (802.3at) — Single Ethernet cable delivers both data and power, simplifying ceiling installation and eliminating separate power supply runs.
• Flexible Mounting Options — Compatible with flush ceiling mount, surface mount, and VESA-compatible suspension mount to accommodate a range of ceiling types and installation constraints.
• Digital Microphone Manager Software — Windows-based configuration utility provides real-time beam visualization, zone definition, sensitivity adjustment, and multi-unit management from a single interface.
• Dante Controller Compatible — Standard Dante network integration allows routing management through Audinate's Dante Controller alongside other Dante devices on the network.
• Automatic Echo Cancellation and Noise Reduction — On-board DSP processing reduces reverberation and ambient noise, improving far-end speech intelligibility without requiring external processing for basic deployments.
• Low-Profile Ceiling Design — Form factor integrates cleanly into commercial ceiling environments with minimal visual footprint.

Typical Applications

• Conference room audio (medium to large rooms)
• Boardroom AV integration
• Government meeting and hearing room
• Commercial meeting space with video conferencing
• All-hands room and town hall space
• Multi-purpose room requiring ceiling-mount audio
• Training room with instructor-led and participant audio
• Huddle room scaled deployment with central DSP

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What network infrastructure does the ATND1061DAN require?
The ATND1061DAN requires a gigabit Ethernet switch with PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) support on the port serving the microphone. A dedicated or VLAN-segmented audio network is recommended for Dante deployments to minimize latency and packet loss. Standard IT-managed switches from Cisco, Netgear, or similar vendors are compatible provided QoS settings align with Audinate's Dante deployment guidelines.

How is the ATND1061DAN configured after installation?
Initial configuration is performed using Audio-Technica's Digital Microphone Manager software running on a Windows PC connected to the same network segment. The software provides beam zone setup, sensitivity controls, and real-time beam activity visualization. Dante audio routing is handled separately through Audinate's Dante Controller application.

How many ATND1061DAN units can be managed simultaneously?
Multiple units can be managed from a single instance of Digital Microphone Manager, making it practical to deploy and commission multi-room installations from one workstation. The number of concurrent units is not fixed and depends on network architecture and software version.

Is the ATND1061DAN compatible with third-party DSPs and conferencing platforms?
Yes. Because the ATND1061DAN outputs audio over Dante, it is compatible with any Dante-enabled DSP or conferencing bridge, including products from Biamp, QSC, Crestron, Extron, and others. For platforms without native Dante support, a Dante AVIO adapter or Dante PCIe card can bridge the audio to analog or USB.

What mounting accessories are required for ceiling installation?
The ATND1061DAN supports flush ceiling mount, surface mount, and VESA suspension mounting. Specific mounting hardware requirements depend on ceiling type (drop tile vs. hard lid). Contact Creation Networks to discuss mounting hardware for your specific ceiling construction.

Does the ATND1061DAN include built-in echo cancellation?
Yes. The device includes on-board AEC (Acoustic Echo Cancellation) and noise reduction processing. For complex rooms or advanced signal processing requirements, it can also be used in combination with an external DSP to supplement these functions.

What warranty does the ATND1061DAN carry?
Audio-Technica covers the ATND1061DAN under their 5-Year Limited End User Warranty in the United States.

Can the ATND1061DAN be used in a hybrid work or Microsoft Teams/Zoom environment?
Yes. The Dante audio output can be routed to a PC running Teams, Zoom, or other UC platforms via a Dante AVIO USB adapter or a Dante-enabled interface. For AV-over-IP room systems, the microphone integrates directly with certified room systems that support Dante audio inputs.