New! The EXP2x Dante Expander

Features

• Supports 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96 kHz Dante network sample rates.
• Up to 32 transmit channels and up to 32 receive channels (at any supported sample rate - that’s right, even at 96 kHz).
• 32 bi-directional channels of high-quality sample rate conversion.
• Switch Mode and Redundant Mode for the Secondary Dante network port.
• Clear signal presence and fault status indication in Halogen Software and on the EXP2x front panel.
• Discoverable and configurable using Dante Controller software.
• The EXP2x is shipping now!

The EXP2x is an input/output expander that enables the HAL1x to transmit 32 and receive 32 audio channels from a Dante™ network. Applications abound in houses of worship, installed sound, performing arts venues, education and corporate environments – anywhere a Dante network is used. The EXP2x also allows connecting a Dante network between multiple independent HAL1x systems. Built-in sample rate converters convert the 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96 kHz sample rate on the Dante network to the HAL’s 48 kHz clock domain. Daisy-chain up to 16 EXP2x Expanders to a single HAL1x to max-out at 512 x 512 channels on both a single cable on the Dante network and the HAL1x’s Expansion Bus. The HAL1x is capable of 32 Expanders on its bus, so the EXP2x can be combined with other Expanders. For example, use 16 EXP2x Expanders with 512 input and 512 output channels, and then put on another 16 EXP3x Expanders for more outputs. The EXP2x is equipped with a Secondary Dante port for either Redundant Mode or Switch Mode. Use Dante Controller software for all network audio and EXP2x settings via its Brooklyn II card. Front panel and Halogen software indicators for Dante connection, network status, flow active, and audio signal present aid troubleshooting. Dante Controller provides all network setup, monitoring, control, diagnostics and troubleshooting beyond compare; while Halogen reads, but does not edit the Dante setup, simplifying which software to use and eliminating conflict. Dante provides a no-hassle, self-configuring network with ultra-low latency, while providing a true plug-and-play digital audio network using standard Internet Protocols on existing infrastructure — without requiring a dedicated network. The technology is built on global networking standards, making signal distribution more flexible, cost-effective and user-friendly and has been used at some of the largest live events and sophisticated installations worldwide.

• Rane EXP2x Dante Programming Intro

EXP2x Basics & Rane’s Dante Setup Philosophy

Unlike all other Rane EXP devices, names and all the settings inside the EXP2x are read-only in Halogen software. The only thing you can do in Halogen with the EXP2x is click the Locate button to flash a light on the front or rear to identify the device. Configure the EXP2x Dante device name, audio channel names, audio routing, latency, sample rate, secondary Ethernet port mode, and every EXP2x setting using Dante Controller software, available free from Audinate. Once you’ve set the EXP2x settings on a live Dante system using Dante Controller and talked live to the HAL1x using Halogen, all EXP2x settings and names are read from the Dante network and saved inside your HAL and the Halogen configuration file. These settings remain saved and intact in the EXP2x’s Dante cards (a Brooklyn II card from Audinate). You cannot edit these settings in Halogen. There is only one place to make changes: Dante Controller – it is well-equipped for the job. Read the Dante Controller User Guide from Audinate’s website. It is worth your time. To connect, route or subscribe audio channels between any two Dante devices, all devices must be configured with the same sample rate using Dante Controller software. Because Rane has chosen to disable editing of all Dante network settings inside Halogen software, this creates a clear distinction between where to go to configure or change a system. And there is no concept of pushing settings from Rane to Dante. All Dante audio network settings are managed, set up and configured using Dante Controller. Dante Subscriptions & Flows – When you route a receive and transmit audio channel using Dante Controller’s grid, Dante creates a single, unicast Flow. This audio route is called a subscription. A single Dante Flow can contain multiple audio channels, typically 4 audio channels. The number of channels in a Flow can change as you add more subscriptions, change latencies, or after you restart your network. It’s all about Dante optimizing network bandwidth when it can as you subscribe audio channels between devices. Dante Controller lets you view and manage Flows which may rarely be required. When clicking the routing grid in Dante Controller, Dante only creates unicast flows. If you need audio to be received by two or more devices, you must manually configure multicast Flows within Dante Controller. See the Dante Controller User Guide for details such as using IGMP in managed switches to manage networks requiring many multicast Flows. Also note that the different Audinate Dante implementations support different number of maximum Flows. The Audinate Brooklyn II card inside the EXP2x supports 32 Flows in and 32 Flows out, maximum. Unlike unicast Flows, by definition and default, multicast Flows use network bandwidth on the entire network, even when no receivers are set to listen. EXP2x Firmware. The Brooklyn II card inside the EXP2x has its own firmware that is a Rane-customized file specifically for the EXP2x. Audinate does not have this, or any firmware file; the Dante manufacturer controls the firmware file. Yet, like all HAL System firmware, the EXP2x Dante card’s firmware is included within the Halogen software. Thus, only by updating Halogen software is it possible to update the firmware in the EXP2x Dante card. All HAL hardware device firmware is stored in the HAL device. See the Halogen Desktop Help or Mobile Help entry “Understanding the Role of Firmware in the HAL System.”

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What Ethernet switch can I use for my Dante network?

Answers to this and many other Dante questions are found here. The Cisco 300 Series Ethernet switches are available in many varieties, such as the 10-port, SG300-10. They are very affordable, managed, and some offer PoE versions if needed. If you use an Ethernet switch with “Green” Energy-Efficient Ethernet (IEEE 802.3az) turn off this feature. This green technology can delay packets hundreds of milliseconds which will stop all Dante audio from working.

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Example 1: Using a Dante network with the EXP2x, Console, Microphones and Amplifiers. A Rane HAL system supplies DSP for distribution and sound reinforcement, while adding AEC to Dante wireless mics.

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Example 2: Add AEC to Shure SCM820 Automatic Mixers

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Example 3: EXP2x Expanders allow two independent HAL systems to share audio channels through an Ethernet switch.

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About Audinate

Audinate revolutionizes AV systems to customers to thrive in a networked world. Audinate’s patented Dante media networking technology has been adopted by the leading manufacturers in the professional audio/visual industry. Dante is used extensively for live performance events, commercial installation, broadcast, recording and production, and communications systems. Audinate offices are located in US, United Kingdom and Australia. Visit www.audinate.com for the latest news and information on the company. Dante is Digital Media Networking Perfected.

Dante is a trademark of Audinate Pty Ltd. Audinate is a registered trademark of Audinate Pty Ltd.

• Specifications for the EXP2x are in the HAL1x and Expanders Data Sheet (6M)
• So You're Adding Dante [What Ethernet Switch Do I Use?] (1M)