AES67 & Dante Audio
Summary
AES67 audio IS SMPTE ST 2110-30 — they are the same protocol. The lab’s PTP-synced network is already an AES67/Dante-ready infrastructure. Phase 1 implements a basic AES67 stream using GStreamer (24-bit/48kHz stereo over RTP multicast). Future expansion integrates real Dante hardware into the studio.
The existing Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is USB-based, not Dante. Integration options range from a 500-600 Focusrite RedNet PCIeNX card (native 256-channel Dante/AES67). Long-term, the 18i20 could be replaced with a Dante-native interface like the RedNet A16R MkII (~$1,800).
Dante runs on the same PTP-clocked CRS326 1GbE ports. The CRS326 QoS configuration supports Dante natively: DSCP 46 (EF) for audio, DSCP 56 (CS7) for PTP.
Timeline
- 2026-04-03: AES67 identified as same protocol as ST 2110-30. No separate implementation needed.
- 2026-04-03: Dante/AES67 expansion phases documented with pricing.
- 2026-04-03: GStreamer audio stream commands drafted for Phase 1.
Current State
No audio streams running yet. GStreamer sender/receiver commands are drafted. Focusrite 18i20 integration is a future expansion item.
Phase 1 audio stream spec:
- Sender: Stream-PC (GStreamer, audiotestsrc → rtpL24pay)
- Receiver: SERVER-PC (GStreamer, udpsrc → rtpL24depay)
- Multicast: 239.1.0.1:5004
- Format: L24/48000/2 (24-bit, 48kHz, stereo)
Key Decisions
- 2026-04-03: GStreamer test tone for Phase 1 — proves the protocol without requiring Dante hardware.
- 2026-04-03: Dante AVIO USB as entry point ($130) — cheapest way to get real Dante on the network.
- 2026-04-03: Audio routed through motherboard Realtek to Focusrite after Sound Blaster removal — maintains existing audio workflow.
Experiments & Results
| Experiment | Status | Finding | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GStreamer AES67 audio | Planned | 1kHz sine → RTP multicast | Phase 1 plan |
| Dante AVIO on CRS326 | Future (Phase C) | Real Dante audio on PTP network | Future expansion |
| RedNet PCIeNX | Future | 256-channel native AES67/2110-30 | Future expansion |
Gotchas & Known Issues
- Focusrite 18i20 is USB, not Dante — cannot directly participate in AES67/Dante network without a bridge adapter.
- Dante uses its own DSCP values — must match CRS326 QoS config (EF for audio, CS7 for PTP, CS1 for low-priority).
- GStreamer Windows audio capture — may need
wasapisrcordirectsoundsrcinstead ofaudiotestsrcfor real audio.
Open Questions
- Does the Dante AVIO USB adapter work alongside the existing Focusrite USB connection on the same PC?
- Can Dante Controller discover devices on the CRS326 without a dedicated Dante network switch?
- Is there a latency difference between GStreamer AES67 and native Dante?
Signal Feed (2026-04-15)
- NAB 2026: Blackmagic announced Fairlight Live, a free software audio mixer (public beta). Supports ST2110 audio natively, unlimited channels/busses (hardware-dependent), VST/AU plugin support. quentez2: “Since it does ST2110 it might even be directly compatible with Dante configured in AES67 mode.” Could serve as a free 2110 audio endpoint for lab testing before investing in Dante hardware. (source: r/livesound, https://reddit.com/r/livesound/comments/1skrn0l/)
- Real-world Fairlight Live latency: ~9-10ms at 64 buffer (tested with Digiface Dante + QL5 A/D). Viable for broadcast, not for live reinforcement. Control surfaces at 3.8K/$8.2K. (source: r/livesound, Electrical_Carob_699, 6pts)
Signal Feed (2026-04-16)
- Fairlight Live “unlimited buses” marketing corrected: actual cap is 512 total buses, confirmed by rsv_music (9pts) who found the bus counter in the UI immediately contradicts the claim. Plan accordingly for large-scale broadcast audio layouts. (source: r/livesound, https://reddit.com/r/livesound/comments/1skrn0l/)
- Church broadcast community already uses DAWs for live mixing, so Fairlight Live has an existing user base. FatRufus (15pts): VST/AU plugin support is the real differentiator vs dedicated hardware consoles. (source: r/livesound, https://reddit.com/r/livesound/comments/1skrn0l/)