Choosing an Audio Network for Conference Rooms: AVB or Dante?

Comparing Dante & AVB Network Solutions 

Until recently, if you wanted to distribute real-time audio over long distances or to different locations, you’d need long runs of cables. Long wires can degrade signal quality and create noise and interference. 

Luckily, there’s a better way to distribute audio in the conference room: networked audio. New audio networks can send hundreds of high-resolution audio files to multiple destinations, all over standard Ethernet cables. Audio network systems like Dante and AVB make this possible. But which is best for your business? 

In this blog post, we'll guide you through the differences between AVB and Dante, helping you make the right choice for your conference room AV needs. And if you’re ready to upgrade your conferencing systems in the Plano, TX, area, contact Texadia Systems today. 

SEE ALSO: Maximizing Collaboration: Why Your Office Needs An AV Specialist 

The Basics: Dante and AVB

Dante and AVB are two popular audio networking solutions, but it's crucial to understand that they are not compatible with each other. Let's start by exploring the fundamental differences between these two protocols.

Dante

Developed by Audinate, Dante audio networking has gained widespread popularity among most audio manufacturers. Dante networks can route up to 512 channels of audio inputs and outputs, supporting resolutions ranging from 24-bit/48kHz up to 32-bit/192kHz. Key features of Dante include:

• Low Latency: Dante networks typically offer low latency, with a 1-millisecond delay for setups using standard Gigabit Ethernet hardware.
• Compatibility: Dante-enabled devices from different manufacturers can seamlessly communicate, making it versatile for diverse setups.
• Ease of Expansion: Many products are built compatible with Dante, while expansion cards are available for others.

AVB (Audio Video Bridging)

AVB is a set of networking protocols developed by the IEEE, allowing routing of audio, video, and control data using Gigabit or 100BASE-T Ethernet hardware with AVB-compatible switches. AVB arranges audio channels into "streams," with each stream carrying a specific number of channels. Key features of AVB include:

• Low Latency: AVB networks offer a maximum latency of 2 milliseconds on a 100BASE-T network, which can be reduced to as low as 250 microseconds with Gigabit switches.
• Open Standard: AVB is an open standard, meaning manufacturers are not required to pay licensing fees, potentially making AVB-compatible hardware more cost-effective.
• Audio Streams: AVB organizes audio into different streams, each of which carries a distinct number of channels. 

Dante vs. AVB

Both Dante and AVB offer advantages and considerations that can impact your choice. Here's a comparison:

Dante

Pros:

• Widely adopted by numerous major manufacturers.
• Low latency and high channel count.
• Supports multiple sample rates.
• Certified switches not required.
• Can run over any Ethernet cable. 

Cons:

• Licensing fees may increase the cost of hardware.
• Setting up a Dante system is generally quite complex. 

AVB

Pros:

• Open standard, potentially leading to cost savings.
• Low latency with support for multiple sample rates.
• AVB networks are more straightforward to set up. 

Cons:

• Not as widely adopted as Dante by manufacturers.
• Requires AVB-certified switches. 

Conclusion

Both Dante and AVB are powerful audio networking systems with their unique strengths. Your choice depends on your budget and specific studio requirements.

• If you're aiming to build or expand your conference room or auditorium with high-end gear from various manufacturers, Dante is a widely adopted choice.
• If you have a more modest budget and a preference for brands like PreSonus or MOTU, AVB can be a cost-effective solution.

For personalized assistance in selecting the right networked-audio interface, reach out to our Texadia Systems engineers here. We possess the expertise to answer your networking questions and ensure you acquire the system that precisely suits your business’s needs.