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16x16 XLR Audio Bridge with Dante® and PoE

VLDT-XL16DB

  • 16x16 Dante audio bridge with XLR/TRS inputs and XLR outputs

  • Integrated DSP with gain, 8-band PEQ, and delay control on all 16 channels

  • Dual Dante network support with redundancy and dual PoE+ for mission-critical applications

  • Maximum-capacity 1U 19" rack-mount design for large-scale professional installations

Where to Buy

Product Description

The VLDT-XL16DB is a Dante®-enabled 16x16 audio bridge that converts analog audio signals to and from the Dante® network standard. Built on the DEP (Dante Embedded Platform) architecture, this unit handles up to 16 analog inputs and 16 analog outputs. The analog inputs utilize XLR/TRS combo jacks supporting both balanced and unbalanced connections, with 48V phantom power and 6-level sensitivity adjustment available. Analog outputs offer 5-level gain control for precise signal management.

Integrated DSP provides comprehensive audio processing including gain control, equalization, and delay adjustments. Configuration is straightforward through either the built-in web GUI or standard Dante® Controller software.

The unit supports both primary and secondary Dante® networks for enhanced redundancy and reliability. Power options include dual PoE+ (Power over Ethernet) or local DC supply, providing flexible installation choices. This cost-effective 1U rack-mountable unit delivers an efficient solution for professional AV installations, integrating with diverse audio equipment while dramatically reducing system cabling complexity.

Key Features

  • 16x balanced analog inputs on XLR, supporting XLR/TRS combo connection

  • 16x balanced analog outputs on XLR

  • Dante® 16x16 and AES67 audio input/output supported

  • Supports balanced/unbalanced analog audio input and output

  • 2x RJ45 Dante® connectors with redundancy and dual PoE+, supporting Dante® primary and backup networks

  • Each input supports +48V phantom power

  • Adjustable global 0dBFS line up selection (-35dBV/-18dBV/0dBV/+4dBu/+14dBu/+24dBu)

  • Built-in audio DSP processing for sensitivity, gain, 8-band PEQ and delay control

  • Audio input and output support 8 band PEQ adjustment (with +15dB/-15dB gain), and a maximum of 50ms delay setting

  • Dante® audio supports: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, and 96kHz sampling rates @ 16/24bit

  • Dante® audio delay supports settings of 2, 3, 4, 5, 10ms

  • Configuration using internal Web GUI or Dante® Controller

  • Powered by PoE+ or local DC power supply

  • Standard 1U 19” rack-mount form factor

Downloads

VLDT-XL16DB DATA SHEET (PDF)
VLDT-XL16DB USER MANUAL (PDF)

Ideal Applications

Large-Scale Corporate & Government Facilities

Essential for corporate headquarters, government buildings, and institutional facilities requiring extensive audio infrastructure across multiple floors and zones. Connect up to sixteen analog sources including conference room microphones, emergency paging systems, background music feeds, and public address equipment, routing them throughout your Dante® network to hundreds of endpoints. The sixteen outputs support multiple zones, language interpretation channels, assistive listening feeds, and confidence monitoring simultaneously. Dual PoE+ redundancy ensures mission-critical audio distribution for emergency communications and executive briefings operates without interruption.

Professional Touring & Festival Production

Designed for large-scale concert tours, music festivals, and major live events requiring maximum analog I/O capacity in a compact form factor. Interface sixteen stage inputs (microphones, DI boxes, monitor sends, or effects returns) to your Dante® network, distributing them to front-of-house, monitor consoles, side-fill systems, broadcast trucks, and multitrack recording systems simultaneously. The superior 105dB dynamic range handles the full spectrum from delicate acoustic performances to high-energy rock concerts, while ultra-low 2ms latency option ensures perfect synchronization across your entire production. Single 1U design saves precious rack space in production cases and OB vans.

Broadcast & Media Production Complexes

Perfect for television networks, major radio stations, and large media production facilities requiring extensive analog integration with Dante® infrastructure. Bridge sixteen simultaneous connections including studio microphones, remote feeds, satellite receivers, phone systems, intercom channels, and legacy equipment to your networked production environment. Use the sixteen outputs for talent monitoring, producer feeds, technical monitoring, archive recording, and distribution to multiple control rooms. The dual network redundancy with automatic failover is essential for live broadcast operations where even momentary audio loss is unacceptable. Centralized web-based configuration allows audio engineering staff to manage multiple units across the facility from a master control room.

Premium Hospitality & Entertainment Complexes

Ideal for luxury hotels, mega-resorts, cruise ships, and large entertainment venues requiring sophisticated multi-zone audio distribution throughout extensive properties. Connect sixteen different audio sources (live bands, DJ systems, background music channels, announcement systems, poolside audio, spa music, restaurant ambiance, event feeds) and route them dynamically to sixteen zones or combine sources as needed based on property operations. Each zone's output includes independent DSP processing allowing customized EQ and delay for diverse acoustic spaces from ballrooms to intimate lounges. PoE+ power on both network ports simplifies installation throughout sprawling properties, while web-based control allows hospitality staff to manage audio programming property-wide without specialized audio training.

Large-Scale Educational & Convention Centers

Perfect for university campuses, convention centers, and multi-purpose facilities requiring flexible audio routing between numerous spaces. Bridge sixteen analog sources including lecture hall microphones, auditorium sound systems, event feeds, streaming encoders, and recording systems to a centralized Dante® network serving dozens of rooms. The sixteen outputs allow simultaneous distribution to multiple spaces, overflow rooms, recording systems, and remote learning platforms. Individual channel DSP ensures optimal audio quality for different room acoustics and applications, while the low-latency options maintain lip-sync perfection when integrating with video conferencing and lecture capture systems across the campus or convention complex.

Specifications

Technical
Network Bandwidth Dante® Network 1000M
Audio Latency Configurable Dante® device latency: Supports 2, 3, 4, 5, 10ms configurable using Dante® Controller
Audio Format • DANTE [Dante®/AES67 digital audio in/out, PCM 16CH 44.1K-96kHz, 16/24Bit]
• LINE IN [Analog audio, Balanced/unbalanced, Max input level 24dBu]
• MIC IN [Analog audio, Balanced/unbalanced, Min input level -35dBV]
• LINE OUT [Analog audio, Balanced/unbalanced, Max output level 20dBu, Min output level -18dBV]
LINE/MIC INPUT AUDIO
Input Impedance • 20K Ohm balanced
• 10K Ohm unbalanced
Input Level • Max 24dBu (12.28Vrms) @ balanced line audio
• Max 18dBu (6.14Vrms) @ unbalanced line audio
• Min -35dBV (17.78mVrms) @ balanced mic audio
LINE OUTPUT AUDIO
Output Impedance • 600 Ohm balanced
• 300 Ohm unbalanced
Output Level • Max 20dBu (7.75Vrms) @ balanced audio
• Max 14dBu (3.875Vrms) @ unbalanced audio
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.5dB)
Dynamic Range ≥105dB @ +4dBu, 1kHz A-weighted
Audio S/N Ratio ≥105dB @ +4dBu, 1kHz A-weighted
Audio THD+N <0.01% at +4dBu, 1kHz
Transmission Distance 328ft/100m (CAT6/6A/7)
ESD Protection IEC 61000-4-2: ±8kV (Air-gap discharge), ±4kV (Contact discharge)
Connections
16x MIC/LINE INPUTS [XLR/TRS Combo, female]
[Line analog audio, Balanced/unbalanced 16CH, Max input level 24dBu]
[Mic analog audio, Balanced/unbalanced 16CH, Min input level -35dBV]
16x LINE OUTPUTS [XLR, male]
[Analog audio, Balanced/unbalanced 16CH, Max output level 20dBu]
1x DANTE PRIMARY [RJ45 locking connector, PoE+/PD (Class 4 IEEE 802.3at)]
[Dante®/AES67 digital audio in/out, PCM 16CH 44.1K-96kHz 16/24Bit, Web GUI and TCP/IP]
1x DANTE SECONDARY [RJ45 locking connector, PoE+/PD (Class 4 IEEE 802.3at)]
[Dante®/AES67 digital audio in/out, PCM 16CH 44.1K-96kHz 16/24Bit]
1x DC 12V IN [2-pin DC Locking Power Jack, Max 2.5A]
Mechanical
Housing Metal Enclosure
Color Black
Dimensions 440mm (W) × 200mm (D) × 88mm (H)
Weight 3.12kg
Power Supply • (1) 12V/2.5A 2-PIN Locking Power Supply
• (2) PoE+/PD (Class 4 IEEE 802.3at) on both Primary and Secondary ports
Power Consumption 19.44W (Test with 1Hz sine wave)
Operating Temperature 0°C ~ 40°C / 32°F ~ 104°F
Storage Temperature -20°C ~ 60°C / -4°F ~ 140°F
Operating Humidity 20%~80% (relative humidity, non-condensing)
Storage Humidity 10%~90% (relative humidity, non-condensing)

What’s in the Box

  • 1 × VLDT-XL16DB 16x16 Dante Audio Bridge

  • 1 × 12V/2.5A 2-Pin Locking Power Supply

  • 1 × Rack Mount Ears (1U standard)

  • 1 × User Manual

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Dante channels does the VLDT-XL16DB use on my network?

The VLDT-XL16DB uses 16 Dante transmit channels (inputs) and 16 Dante receive channels (outputs), for a total of 32 channels on your Dante® network. This is the maximum capacity available in a single 1U device. With Gigabit Ethernet supporting up to 512 audio channels at 48kHz, you can deploy multiple VLDT-XL16DB units along with other Dante® devices without approaching network capacity limits when using properly designed network infrastructure with quality gigabit switches.

What makes the VLDT-XL16DB suitable for mission-critical applications?

The VLDT-XL16DB includes multiple redundancy features essential for mission-critical environments: dual Dante® network ports with automatic failover (if primary network fails, secondary takes over seamlessly), dual PoE+ power capability on both network ports (redundant power sources), superior 105dB dynamic range for pristine audio quality, and ultra-low configurable latency options (2-10ms). The professional metal enclosure and proven DEP platform architecture ensure reliable 24/7 operation in broadcast studios, government facilities, and major live events where audio failure is unacceptable.

Can all 16 inputs and 16 outputs be used simultaneously?

Yes, the VLDT-XL16DB is designed for full simultaneous operation of all 16 inputs and 16 outputs. Each channel has independent DSP processing, allowing you to apply different EQ, gain, and delay settings to all 32 channels simultaneously. This makes it ideal for complex routing scenarios where you need maximum flexibility, such as routing 16 different sources to 16 different zones, or creating complex mixes of multiple sources to multiple destinations.

How does power consumption scale with the 16x16 configuration?

The VLDT-XL16DB consumes 19.44W maximum, which can be supplied entirely through PoE+ on either network port (PoE+ provides up to 25.5W). For redundant power, you can use PoE+ from both network ports simultaneously, or combine PoE+ with the DC power input. Despite having twice the channel count of an 8x8 unit, the efficient design keeps power consumption reasonable, making it practical for PoE-powered installations throughout large facilities.

What latency settings are recommended for different applications?

Ultra-low latency (2-3ms) is ideal for live performance monitoring, stage communications, and real-time mixing where immediate audio feedback is critical. Standard latency (5ms) works well for most installations including recording studios, conference rooms, and broadcast facilities, balancing low latency with network stability. Higher latency (10ms) provides maximum network stability for very large installations with many Dante® devices, long cable runs, or complex routing, while remaining imperceptible to end users. The 50ms analog delay adjustment provides additional fine-tuning for acoustic time-alignment.

Can I manage multiple VLDT-XL16DB units centrally in a large installation?

Yes, all VLDT-XL16DB units on your network can be discovered and configured through Dante® Controller software, allowing centralized management of multiple units from a single workstation. Each unit's web GUI can also be accessed remotely via its IP address. In large facilities with dozens of Dante® devices, this centralized management capability significantly reduces configuration time and simplifies system maintenance. Settings for each unit are stored in device memory and persist through power cycles.

How is the 16x16 channel DSP distributed across inputs and outputs?

Each of the 16 inputs has independent 8-band parametric EQ, gain control, and delay adjustment. Similarly, each of the 16 outputs has its own independent 8-band PEQ, gain, and delay. This provides complete flexibility to optimize each channel for specific microphones, instruments, room acoustics, or routing requirements. For example, you could apply speech-optimized EQ to conference room inputs, instrument EQ to stage inputs, and room-specific compensation to individual zone outputs, all independently configured.

Does the VLDT-XL16DB support Dante Domain Manager for enterprise security?

Yes, as a Dante®-enabled device built on the DEP platform, the VLDT-XL16DB is compatible with Dante® Domain Manager (DDM). DDM provides enterprise-grade security features including role-based access control, device authentication, encrypted audio, and centralized management across large Dante® installations. This makes the VLDT-XL16DB suitable for government facilities, financial institutions, and other security-conscious environments requiring controlled access to audio infrastructure.

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