Dante® brand
Six Year Warranty logo

8x8 XLR Audio Bridge with Dante® and PoE

VLDT-XL88DB

  • 8x8 Dante audio bridge with XLR/TRS inputs and XLR outputs

  • Integrated DSP with gain, 8-band PEQ, and delay control

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

  • Standard 1U 19" rack-mount form factor for professional installations

Where to Buy

Product Description

The VLDT-XL88DB is a Dante®-enabled 8x8 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 8 analog inputs and 8 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 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 seamlessly with diverse audio equipment while dramatically reducing system cabling complexity.

Key Features

  • 8x balanced analog inputs on XLR, supporting XLR/TRS combo connection

  • 8x balanced analog outputs on XLR

  • Dante® 8x8 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 (6-level input sensitivity adjustment: -35dBV/-18dBV/0dBV/+4dBu/+14dBu/+24dBu; 5-level output adjustment: +20dBu/+14dBu/+4dBu/0dBV/-18dBV)

  • 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-XL88DB DATA SHEET (PDF)
VLDT-XL88DB USER MANUAL (PDF)

Ideal Applications

Enterprise Corporate Campuses

Ideal for corporate headquarters, multi-building campuses, and enterprise conference facilities requiring extensive audio distribution. Connect up to eight analog sources (boardroom microphones, video conferencing systems, wireless receivers, presentation audio) and route them throughout your Dante® network to multiple destinations including recording systems, streaming encoders, and remote conference rooms. The eight outputs allow local monitoring, confidence feeds, or zone-specific audio routing, all managed centrally through the web GUI. Dual PoE+ redundancy ensures uninterrupted audio during critical shareholder meetings and executive presentations.

Large-Scale Live Production & Touring

Essential for concert tours, festival systems, and large-scale live events requiring robust multi-channel analog-to-Dante® conversion. Interface eight stage microphones, instrument feeds, or monitor sends to your Dante® network, allowing flexible routing to front-of-house, monitor consoles, broadcast feeds, and recording systems simultaneously. The enhanced 105dB dynamic range handles everything from quiet acoustic performances to high-SPL rock concerts, while the 2-10ms configurable latency ensures perfect synchronization across your entire audio system. Professional 1U rack design integrates seamlessly into road cases and production racks.

Broadcast Studios & OB Vans

Perfect for television studios, radio facilities, and outside broadcast vehicles requiring multiple simultaneous analog-to-Dante® conversions. Bridge eight talent microphones, phone-in lines, remote feeds, or legacy equipment connections to your Dante®-based production infrastructure. Use the eight outputs for talent monitoring, producer feeds, confidence monitoring, or routing to multiple recording destinations. The dual network redundancy with automatic failover is essential for live broadcast environments where audio interruption is unacceptable, while remote web GUI configuration allows adjustments without entering the broadcast area.

Multi-Zone Hospitality & Entertainment Venues

Designed for hotels, casinos, convention centers, and entertainment complexes requiring sophisticated audio distribution to multiple zones. Connect eight different audio sources (background music, live bands, DJ systems, announcement feeds) and route them to eight separate zones or mix them dynamically based on venue needs. Each zone's output includes independent DSP processing for room-specific EQ and delay compensation. PoE+ power on both network ports simplifies installation throughout large facilities, while centralized web-based control allows facility managers to adjust audio for different events and times of day without visiting equipment rooms.

Professional Recording & Post-Production Studios

Perfect for recording studios and post-production facilities requiring flexible analog I/O expansion for their Dante® networks. Connect eight analog outboard preamps, vintage equipment, or external processors to your DAW via Dante®, while using the eight outputs for headphone distribution, client monitoring, or routing to analog summing mixers. The 8-band parametric EQ on each channel allows pre-processing before signals reach your DAW, reducing plugin load. Individual phantom power control accommodates mixed equipment types, while the superior 105dB dynamic range preserves the full sonic character of high-end analog gear.

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 8CH 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
8x MIC/LINE INPUTS [XLR/TRS Combo, female]
[Line analog audio, Balanced/unbalanced, Max input level 24dBu]
[Mic analog audio, Balanced/unbalanced, Min input level -35dBV]
8x LINE OUTPUTS [XLR, male]
[Analog audio, Balanced/unbalanced, Max output level 20dBu]
1x DANTE PRIMARY [RJ45 locking connector, PoE+/PD (Class 4 IEEE 802.3at)]
[Dante®/AES67 digital audio in/out, PCM 8CH 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 8CH 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) × 44.5mm (H)
Weight 2.2kg
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 15.36W (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-XL88DB 8x8 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-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.

Get More Product Information or Where to Purchase

Compare Similar Models