2x2 XLR Audio Bridge with Dante® and PoE

Does the VLDT-XL22DB work with non-Dante audio equipment?

Yes, that's its primary purpose. The VLDT-XL22DB bridges analog audio equipment (microphones, mixers, wireless receivers, legacy gear) with Dante® network infrastructure. It converts analog XLR/TRS signals to Dante® digital audio and vice versa, allowing you to integrate traditional analog equipment into a modern networked AV system.

What is the difference between primary and secondary Dante networks?

The VLDT-XL22DB features dual Dante® network connections for redundancy. The primary network handles all audio traffic during normal operation. If the primary network fails (cable damage, switch failure, etc.), the unit automatically switches to the secondary network, ensuring uninterrupted audio in mission-critical applications like live events, broadcast, or corporate presentations.

Can I use this with Shure wireless microphone receivers?

Yes, the VLDT-XL22DB is perfect for connecting Shure wireless receivers (or any brand) to a Dante® network. Connect the receiver's XLR or TRS outputs to the VLDT-XL22DB inputs, and the audio is immediately available on your Dante® network. You can route it to mixing consoles, DSPs, recorders, or any other Dante®-enabled device. The adjustable input sensitivity accommodates both line-level and microphone-level signals.

Do I need phantom power for dynamic microphones?

No, phantom power (+48V) is only required for condenser microphones that need external power. Dynamic microphones (like Shure SM58, SM57) do not require phantom power and will work fine with it turned off. The VLDT-XL22DB allows you to enable/disable phantom power on each input independently, so you can use condenser mics on one input and dynamic mics on the other.

What DSP processing is available on the VLDT-XL22DB?

The integrated DSP provides comprehensive signal processing on both inputs and outputs: adjustable gain control, 8-band parametric equalizer with ±15dB gain per band (allowing precise frequency shaping), and up to 50ms of delay compensation for time alignment. All processing is configured through the web GUI or Dante® Controller, with settings stored in the device memory.

Can I power this unit using PoE instead of the DC adapter?

Yes, the VLDT-XL22DB supports PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at, Class 4) power through the primary Dante® network port. This eliminates the need for a separate power supply, simplifying installation in locations where AC outlets are limited or difficult to access. You can also use the included 12V DC power supply if PoE is unavailable. The unit automatically detects which power source is available.

Is the VLDT-XL22DB compatible with AES67 devices?

Yes, the VLDT-XL22DB supports both Dante® and AES67 audio protocols. AES67 is an interoperability standard that allows different networked audio systems to communicate. This means you can use the VLDT-XL22DB in mixed environments with devices from different manufacturers that support AES67, ensuring compatibility across diverse networked audio ecosystems.

What is the maximum distance I can run Dante network cables?

Dante® audio operates over standard Gigabit Ethernet, allowing cable runs up to 100 meters (328 feet) using Cat6, Cat6A, or Cat7 network cables. For longer distances, you can use Ethernet switches to extend the network. The dual network ports on the VLDT-XL22DB allow you to daisy-chain units or create redundant network paths for enhanced reliability.

How many Dante audio channels does the VLDT-XL22DB support?

The VLDT-XL22DB supports 2 Dante® audio channels in and 2 channels out simultaneously — referred to as 2x2 channel capacity. These channels operate at your choice of 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, or 96kHz sampling rates at 16 or 24-bit depth. Both input and output channels are available simultaneously on both the primary and secondary Dante® networks, and each channel is independently configurable for gain, EQ, and delay using Dante® Controller or the built-in web GUI.

What is the difference between the VLDT-XL22DB and the VLDT-XL44DB?

The primary difference is channel count and form factor. The VLDT-XL22DB provides 2 analog inputs and 2 analog outputs in a compact half-rack form factor, while the VLDT-XL44DB offers 4 inputs and 4 outputs in a standard 1U 19-inch rack-mount enclosure. The XL44DB also adds dual PoE+ on both network ports (primary and secondary), a higher dynamic range of ≥105dB versus >90dB on the XL22DB, and more granular latency options (2, 3, 4, 5, or 10ms versus 5 or 10ms). Choose the XL22DB for smaller installations or discreet mounting; choose the XL44DB for larger systems, rack environments, or broadcast applications requiring maximum audio performance.

Why Choose Dante® Networking for Professional AV?

Dante® has become the de facto standard for professional networked audio because it runs on standard Gigabit Ethernet infrastructure that most facilities already have in place. Where traditional analog or AES3 digital audio requires dedicated point-to-point wiring for every connection, a single Cat6 cable running to a network switch can carry hundreds of Dante® audio channels simultaneously, dramatically reducing installation complexity and cost.

For AV integrators and system designers, Dante® delivers key practical advantages: any Dante® device on the network can send audio to any other Dante® device without physical rewiring; routing changes are made entirely in software using the free Dante® Controller application; and the open ecosystem of over 600 manufacturers means mixing console, DSP, amplifier, and bridge products from different brands interoperate seamlessly. The VLDT-XL22DB serves as the bridge point in this ecosystem — the device that brings legacy analog sources into the Dante® network where they can be routed, processed, and distributed like any native Dante® signal.