Software-based Dante™ for the Q-SYS Ecosystem
As a part of the Q-SYS Ecosystem, software-based Dante™ provides network audio integration without the need for additional hardware. As part of a strategic co-development effort with Audinate, Q-SYS leveraged the open architecture and Intel processing headroom of the Q-SYS OS to extend its audio integration capabilities to include Dante. In keeping with the Q-SYS commitment to software-based platform expansion, these optional software licenses will allow integrators to right-size and scale the appropriate Dante channel count into new and existing Q-SYS installations.
Features:
Simple Integration: Add Dante™ network audio to your Q-SYS system without network I/O cards or additional hardware. Dante integrates into the Q-SYS AV&C Ecosystem workflow, offering device discovery, synchronization, control and management for Dante audio within the Q-SYS network, alongside native Q-LAN and AES67 and other edge networks like AVB and CobraNet.
Software-based Upgrades and Scalability: The Q-SYS Ecosystem will enable networked Dante integration with a simple software update. This will reduce the need for I/O hardware customization and allow integrators to keep costs down, particularly when upgrading or expanding existing systems. This software-based approach serves to support specific security environment requirements as they change.
Licensing Tier Structure
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: In order to deploy Software-based Dante on a Core 110f, your Q-SYS designs must be installed with Q-SYS Designer Software v8.3.1 or higher. For all other compatible Cores, your Q-SYS designs must be installed with Q-SYS Designer Software v9.0 or higher.
Single Network Infrastructure: Unlike many other Dante solutions, Q-SYS integrates both Dante™ audio and control data on a single switch port. Furthermore, because Q-SYS operates over standard network infrastructure, Dante data can converge with Q-SYS AV&C data, eliminating the need for complicated network bridging or combining to manage your Q-SYS and Dante connected peripherals.
Simplified License Activation: Intuitive activation methods, including online activation for connected Q-SYS Cores, allow for fast integration (offline activation method also available)
License Overview
| License Type | Part Number | Applicable Hardware | Supported Q-SYS Designer Software Version | Description |
| Software-Based Dante | SLDAN-8-P | All Q-SYS Cores | v9.01 or higher | 8x8-channels. This license is included on all Q-SYS Cores except the NV-32-H. It can be purchased for an NV-32-H, or for a Q-SYS Core 110f sold prior to 30 March, 2020 or Cores 510i and 5200 sold prior to January 1, 2021. |
| SLDAN-16-P | 16x16-channels | |||
| SLDAN-32-P | 32x32-channels | |||
| SLDAN-64-P | Core 510i, 610, 5200 | 64x64-channels | ||
| SLDAN-128-P | 128x128-channels | |||
| SLDAN-256-P | Core 610, 5200 | 256x256-channels 1For Core 610, Q-SYS Designer v9.9 or higher is required. | ||
| SLDAN-512-P | Core 5200 | 512x512-channels |
Note: All Q-SYS Feature Licenses are Perpetual, Node Locked
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
FAQ
Q. What Q-SYS Core processor models support Software-based Dante feature licenses?
A. Software-based Dante is supported on the Core Nano, Core 8 Flex, NV-32-H (Core Capable), Core 110f, Core 610, and Core 5200.
Q. How do I purchase a Software-based Dante feature license? How much do they cost?
A. The process is similar to purchasing our “UCI Deployment License” or “Q-SYS Scripting Engine License.” Contact your local Q-SYS sales representative to purchase Q-SYS software licenses.
Q. Where is the Software-based Dante feature license installed?
A. Software-based Dante is a perpetual license that is node locked to the Q-SYS Core processor itself.
Q. How do I install the Software-based Dante feature license?
A. For a step-by-step walkthrough, read How to Activate a Q-SYS Feature License.
Q. Is Software-based Dante compatible with Dante Domain Manager?
A. Yes, Software-based Dante is compatible with Dante Domain Manager. It behaves no differently than other hardware Dante-based devices.
Q. Can Software-based Dante be managed with Dante Controller?
A. Yes. Software-based Dante offers an External Configuration mode, configurable in Q-SYS Designer, which allows for management with Dante Controller, if desired.
Q. Does Software-based Dante provide network redundancy?
A. Yes. However, each Q-SYS Core must have its own unique Software-based Dante license installed.
Q. Does Software-based Dante provide device redundancy?
A. Yes. Two supported, identical Q-SYS Core processors may be configured as a redundant pair. However, each Q-SYS Core must its own unique Software-based Dante license installed.
Q. Can a Core use Software-based Dante simultaneously with Q-LAN, AES67, WAN and Media streams?
A. Yes. All network audio technologies, including Dante, may co-exist on a Q-SYS Core processor in the same design so long as the total network I/O capacity of the Q-SYS Core is not exceeded.
Q. How many Dante flows does each Software-based Dante channel tier support and how does that affect the channel stream usage of my Q-SYS design?
A. For a comprehensive overview of Software-based Dante flow, channel, and stream usage, see the Q-SYS Help File.
Q. How do I add Software-based Dante to my Q-SYS design?
A. Like other network audio protocols, a Dante RX / TX component pair is added to the Inventory and dragged into a Schematic page within Q-SYS Designer. From there, the components appear nearly identical to previously available hardware equivalents, including audio and control I/O pins.