Yamaha RIO3224-D3 – 32-Input Dante Stage I/O Rack

Product Overview

The Yamaha RIO3224-D3 is a third-generation Dante-networked I/O rack unit designed for professional live sound, installed AV, and broadcast applications requiring high channel counts and network redundancy. It provides 32 analog XLR mic/line inputs and 16 XLR line outputs over a redundant dual-port Dante network, making it the primary stage rack choice for large-format Yamaha console systems. The D3 generation introduces a dedicated headphone output for on-site monitoring, a third isolated network port for separate control and monitoring traffic, and a 16% reduction in power consumption compared to the D2. Built into a 1U chassis with a redundant internal power supply, the RIO3224-D3 is engineered for continuous operation in demanding touring, venue, and fixed-installation environments.

Product Description

The RIO3224-D3 connects directly to any Yamaha RIVAGE PM, DM7, CL, or QL series digital console via Dante, placing 32 mic preamp inputs and 16 line outputs at the stage without running long analog cable runs to the FOH position. All 32 inputs accept balanced XLR signals from microphones or line-level sources, and the 16 analog outputs plus 8 AES/EBU digital outputs provide flexible signal routing back to amplifiers, processors, or in-ear monitor systems. Each output port includes independently adjustable delay, phase inversion, and level — useful for aligning distributed speaker systems or managing monitor mixes at the rack level without relying solely on the console. The Dante primary and secondary ports support full network redundancy: if the primary Dante link fails, the secondary takes over without audio dropout, a critical requirement for live events and permanent installations. The third network port keeps control and monitoring traffic entirely separate from the audio network, simplifying network design and improving security in IT-managed AV environments. A built-in redundant power supply provides a second layer of protection against hardware failure. The onboard headphone socket — new in the D3 generation — allows a local engineer or system tech to monitor any input or output channel directly at the rack without additional hardware. At 1U, the RIO3224-D3 integrates cleanly into touring racks, stage boxes, and fixed AV equipment rooms. The 16% reduction in power draw over the previous D2 generation reduces heat load and operating costs in permanently installed systems. Creation Networks supplies the RIO3224-D3 as part of complete Yamaha Dante system builds; contact us at creationnetworks.net for integration support.

Key Features

• 32 Analog XLR Inputs — Accepts mic or line-level signals from any balanced XLR source, supporting full-scale stage input requirements.
• 16 Analog XLR Outputs + 8 AES/EBU Digital Outputs — Provides flexible analog and digital output routing for amplifiers, processors, and monitor systems.
• Redundant Dante Networking — Dual primary/secondary Dante ports ensure uninterrupted audio transmission if a network path is lost.
• Third Isolated Network Port — Dedicated control and monitoring port keeps management traffic off the Dante audio network.
• Per-Output Delay, Phase, and Level Adjustment — Independent signal processing on each output port for precise system alignment without external processors.
• Onboard Headphone Output — New in D3 generation; enables direct local monitoring at the rack without additional monitoring hardware.
• Redundant Internal Power Supply — Dual power path protects against PSU failure in mission-critical live and installed applications.
• 16% Lower Power Consumption vs. D2 — Reduced operating costs and heat output compared to the previous generation.
• 1U Rack-Mount Form Factor — Fits standard 19-inch touring, stage, and equipment room racks.
• Compatible with RIVAGE PM, DM7, CL, and QL Series — Direct integration with Yamaha's full range of professional digital mixing consoles.

Typical Applications

• Large-venue live sound: concert halls, arenas, theaters, and performing arts centers
• Touring production systems requiring stage-to-FOH Dante audio networks
• Houses of worship with distributed audio and multiple mix positions
• Broadcast and recording facilities using Dante-networked audio infrastructure
• Fixed AV installations in conference centers, convention halls, and multipurpose venues
• Education and campus AV systems with centralized console and distributed I/O

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which Yamaha consoles are compatible with the RIO3224-D3?
A: The RIO3224-D3 is compatible with the Yamaha RIVAGE PM series, DM7 series, CL series, and QL series digital mixing consoles. All communication occurs over Dante, so compatibility is determined by the console's Dante implementation.

Q: What is the difference between the RIO3224-D3 and the previous D2 generation?
A: The D3 generation adds a headphone monitoring output, introduces a third dedicated network port for control and monitoring traffic separate from Dante audio, and reduces power consumption by 16% compared to the D2.

Q: Does the RIO3224-D3 support network redundancy?
A: Yes. It includes both a primary and secondary Dante network port. If the primary connection fails, the secondary takes over automatically with no audio interruption, meeting the requirements for live events and critical installed systems.

Q: Can the RIO3224-D3 be used in a fixed installation as well as touring?
A: Yes. The 1U rack-mount chassis, redundant power supply, and isolated control port make it equally suited to permanent installations in venues, houses of worship, conference centers, and broadcast facilities.

Q: What does the third network port do?
A: The third port handles control and monitoring communications independently from the Dante audio network. This separation simplifies network topology and is particularly important in managed IT environments where AV and control traffic must be isolated.

Q: Can I adjust delay and phase per output without a separate processor?
A: Yes. Each of the 16 analog output ports and 8 AES/EBU outputs supports independent delay, phase inversion, and level adjustment directly on the unit, reducing the need for external signal processing hardware.

Q: Is the power supply truly redundant, or does it require an external redundant PSU?
A: The redundant power supply is built into the unit. No external redundant PSU chassis or accessory is required.