8x8 XLR Audio Bridge with Dante® and PoE

How many Dante channels does the VLDT-XL88DB use on my network?

The VLDT-XL88DB uses 8 Dante transmit channels (inputs) and 8 Dante receive channels (outputs), for a total of 16 channels on your Dante® network. With Gigabit Ethernet supporting up to 512 audio channels at 48kHz, you can deploy multiple VLDT-XL88DB units without approaching network capacity limits. Proper network switch selection and design ensures reliable operation with many devices simultaneously.

Can I power this unit entirely through PoE without the DC adapter?

Yes, the VLDT-XL88DB supports PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at, Class 4) power through both the primary and secondary Dante® network ports. Either port can provide sufficient power (up to 25.5W available, unit consumes 15.36W), or you can use both for redundant power sources. This eliminates the need for the DC power supply in installations where PoE infrastructure is available. The unit automatically detects and uses whichever power source is present.

What latency settings work best for live performance applications?

For live performance and stage monitoring where latency is critical, use the 2ms or 3ms Dante® device latency settings configured via Dante® Controller. These ultra-low latencies are suitable for in-ear monitoring, stage communications, and real-time performance applications where performers need immediate audio feedback. For studio recording, multi-room distribution, or installations with many Dante® devices, 5ms or 10ms latency provides greater network stability while remaining imperceptible to listeners.

Can I configure different EQ settings for each of the eight inputs independently?

Yes, each of the eight inputs has its own independent 8-band parametric equalizer with ±15dB gain per band. Similarly, each of the eight outputs has independent 8-band PEQ. This allows you to optimize each channel for different microphones, instruments, or room acoustics. For example, you might apply speech-optimized EQ to input 1, instrument EQ to input 2, and room compensation to specific outputs. All EQ settings are configured via web GUI or Dante® Controller and stored in device memory.

Does this support AES67 for integration with non-Dante equipment?

Yes, the VLDT-XL88DB fully supports both Dante® and AES67 audio protocols. AES67 is an interoperability standard that allows different networked audio systems to work together. This means you can integrate the VLDT-XL88DB into mixed environments with Ravenna, Livewire, Q-LAN, WheatNet-IP, or other AES67-compatible systems from different manufacturers, providing maximum flexibility in complex installations with diverse equipment requirements.

How is phantom power controlled on the eight inputs?

Phantom power (+48V) can be enabled or disabled independently on each of the eight inputs through the web GUI or Dante® Controller. This flexibility allows you to use condenser microphones requiring phantom power on some inputs while connecting dynamic microphones or line-level equipment on others without any risk of damage. Independent control ensures optimal compatibility with diverse analog equipment in the same installation.

What happens during a network failure with dual Dante ports?

The VLDT-XL88DB features automatic failover between primary and secondary Dante® networks. If the primary network connection fails (cable damage, switch failure, network congestion), the unit seamlessly switches to the secondary network with minimal audio interruption (typically imperceptible). When primary network connectivity is restored, the unit can automatically fail back based on Dante® Controller configuration. This redundancy is critical for broadcast, live events, and mission-critical corporate installations.

Can I use this with 8 different stereo sources or is it mono only?

The VLDT-XL88DB processes eight independent mono channels in each direction (8 mono inputs, 8 mono outputs). For stereo sources, you would use two channels per source. For example, you could connect 4 stereo sources using all 8 inputs, or 2 stereo sources with 4 inputs remaining for mono sources. The flexible DSP allows independent processing of each mono channel, giving you complete control over stereo imaging and channel-specific adjustments.

How many Dante audio channels does the VLDT-XL88DB support?

The VLDT-XL88DB supports 8 Dante® audio channels in and 8 channels out simultaneously — referred to as 8x8 channel capacity. These channels operate at your choice of 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, or 96kHz sampling rates at 16 or 24-bit depth. All 8 input and 8 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-XL88DB and the VLDT-XL44DB?

The primary difference is channel capacity and target application scale. The VLDT-XL88DB provides 8 analog inputs and 8 analog outputs in a standard 1U 19-inch rack-mount enclosure, while the VLDT-XL44DB offers 4 inputs and 4 outputs in the same form factor. Both models share the same professional specifications: ≥105dB dynamic range, dual PoE+ on both network ports (primary and secondary), and identical latency options (2, 3, 4, 5, or 10ms). Choose the XL44DB for small to medium installations requiring up to 4 channels per direction; choose the XL88DB for larger systems, multi-zone venues, or installations requiring extensive analog I/O such as broadcast facilities, touring production, and enterprise campuses.

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-XL88DB 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.