Patching Dante Channels

Your Dante audio network allows you to have a lot of versatility in connecting devices and getting their audio from point A to point B. This article will show you how to use Dante Controller to perform basic audio routing tasks. For more detailed information, check out Audinate's website and resources at http://audinate.com. You can also take several free courses from Audinate to become certified in working with Dante.

Step 1: Install Dante controller if it's not already installed

• Visit http://audinate.com and look for the Dante Controller download. You'll need an account, so sign up for one. These are free to do and active nearly immediately.
• We typically install Dante Controller on a computer near your audio console. If you have it installed already, it is best practice to keep it updated.

Step 2: Open Dante Controller and the "Routing" tab

• With Dante Controller open, the default starting page is the "Routing" tab. This will list all your transmitters on the top and receivers on the bottom. 

A Receiver is any device that receives audio from the Dante network. For example, the receiver channels of a mixer are its inputs. A receiver can also be an amplifier, or the output channels on a stage rack.

A Transmitter is any device that is creating audio for the Dante network. This could be a Dante mic, mixer stage rack etc. If we were looking from the audio mixer's perspective, its outputs like the master or matrix busses will be in Dante Controller as transmit channels because the mixer is transmitting these channels out. 

Step 3: Expand the transmitter and receiver devices

• Each device can hold multiple channels and these are often collapsed to keep the routing window organized. You'll need to expand the device's channels by clicking the [+] button next to its name. To collapse the device again, simply click the now present [-] next to its name.
• Once you can see the channels you want to patch on your transmitter and receiver, hover over the empty box where these two meet. You'll notice that the row and column you hover over highlights in dark blue. This helps you see which input and output channels you will be patching together.

Step 4: Patch Those Channels!

• Click the box where your transmit and receive channels meet in the grid. This will subscribe the channels together. You'll know that this has been done successfully when you see a green circle with a check mark in it.