Lightware MX2M-AUX-DANTE-32CH – Modular Matrix 32-Channel Dante I/O Board

Product Overview

The Lightware MX2M-AUX-DANTE-32CH is a hot-swappable 32-channel Dante and AES67 input/output board designed for the MX2M modular matrix switcher family. It allows large-scale AV installations to integrate Dante audio networking directly into the matrix routing layer, supporting simultaneous transmission and reception of up to 2x16 mono audio channels from one or two independent Dante domains. Broadcast studios, auditoriums, and house of worship installations requiring modular Dante audio integration into a Lightware MX2M matrix will find this board a technically precise solution for multi-domain audio distribution. The MX2M-AUX-DANTE-32CH Dante audio board for MX2M matrix systems is available at Creation Networks.

Product Description

The MX2M-AUX-DANTE-32CH presents itself to the Dante network as two independent Dante devices, each capable of sending and receiving 16 mono audio channels via its own pair of 1GbE connectors (Primary and Secondary). This architecture allows the board to connect to the same Dante domain in redundant mode, or to two separate Dante domains simultaneously — a flexible deployment option for large venues with segmented audio networks.

Audio received from the Dante network is made available across all video and audio outputs of the MX2M matrix as LPCM streams, and audio routed to the Dante network can originate from any video or audio input connected to the matrix. An in-built asynchronous sample rate converter (ASRC) handles differences in sampling frequency between domains without external processing equipment.

The board supports LPCM audio at 16 and 24 bits per sample and sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz. It is hot-swappable, meaning it can be inserted or removed from a powered MX2M frame without interrupting other signal paths. Power is supplied by the MX2M frame, with a maximum board consumption of 14W. Purchase the MX2M-AUX-DANTE-32CH at Creation Networks.

Key Features

• Dual Dante Device Architecture — Appears as two independent Dante devices on the network, each with its own MAC address and IP configuration, enabling connection to two separate Dante domains simultaneously.
• 2x16 Mono Channel Capacity — Simultaneously sends and receives 2x16 mono audio channels (32 total per direction), fully integrated into the MX2M audio routing matrix.
• Redundant Operation Mode — In redundant mode, the same stream is transmitted over both Primary and Secondary 1GbE connectors per Dante device, protecting against single-link network failure.
• AES67 RTP Compatibility — Supports AES67 RTP transport for interoperability with non-Dante AES67-compliant audio devices and systems.
• In-Built High-Quality ASRC — Asynchronous sample rate conversion handles different sampling frequencies across connected Dante domains without external DSP.
• Hot-Swap Support — Boards can be installed or replaced in a live MX2M frame without powering down the system or interrupting other I/O boards.
• Full MX2M Matrix Integration — Dante audio inputs and outputs are fully accessible across the matrix routing layer to all video and audio I/O boards in the frame.
• 4x RJ45 Connectors — Two Primary and two Secondary GbE connectors provide network connectivity for both Dante devices with physical redundancy options.
• LPCM Audio Support — Operates with 16 and 24-bit LPCM at sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz.
• Frame-Powered — Draws power directly from the MX2M frame, with a maximum consumption of 14W, requiring no external power supply.

Typical Applications

• Broadcast studio
• Auditorium
• House of worship
• Conference room
• All-hands room

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the MX2M-AUX-DANTE-32CH connect to two different Dante networks at the same time?

Yes. The board presents as two independent Dante devices, each with its own network connectors and configuration. They can be assigned to the same Dante domain for redundancy, or to two completely separate Dante domains, including domains with different sampling frequencies thanks to the built-in ASRC.

What MX2M frame is required to use this board?

The MX2M-AUX-DANTE-32CH is designed exclusively for the Lightware MX2M modular matrix frame. It occupies one auxiliary slot in the frame and draws power from the frame's power supply. It is not compatible with MX-FR series frames.

Does the board support audio sample rate conversion between domains?

Yes. An in-built asynchronous sample rate converter (ASRC) allows the two Dante devices on the board to operate at different sampling frequencies simultaneously, avoiding the need for external sample rate conversion equipment.

Is the board hot-swappable during live operation?

Yes. The MX2M-AUX-DANTE-32CH supports hot-swap, meaning it can be installed or removed from a powered MX2M frame without interrupting other signal paths in the matrix.

How is Dante audio integrated with video routing in the MX2M?

Audio received from the Dante network is available across the MX2M audio routing layer to all output boards in the frame. Conversely, audio from any video or audio input in the matrix can be routed to the Dante network as output streams. This is managed through the MX2M software without external audio DSP.

Where can I purchase the Lightware MX2M-AUX-DANTE-32CH?

The MX2M-AUX-DANTE-32CH is stocked and sold by Creation Networks, an authorized Lightware reseller for commercial AV integrators and end users.