When designing a professional network audio system, two terms appear frequently: AES67 and Dante.
Both are associated with Audio-over-IP (AoIP), low-latency digital audio transmission, network synchronization, and distributed audio systems. However, AES67 and Dante are not exactly the same thing.
For equipment manufacturers developing network microphone arrays, conference systems, smart classrooms, broadcast equipment, and professional audio devices, understanding the difference between AES67 and Dante is important before selecting a network audio architecture.
The simplest way to understand them is: AES67 vs Dante.
AES67 is an interoperability standard for high-performance networked audio, while Dante is a complete network audio platform and ecosystem.
This article explains the key differences between AES67 and Dante and how they apply to modern MEMS microphone arrays and network audio devices.
This article will also explore the implications of choosing between AES67 vs Dante for your audio solutions.
1. What Is AES67?
AES67 is a standard developed by the Audio Engineering Society for high-performance Audio-over-IP interoperability.
Instead of transmitting audio through dedicated point-to-point analog or digital connections, an AES67-based system transports audio over an IP network.
A simplified architecture looks like this:
Microphone → DSP → Network Interface → Ethernet → Network Switch → Audio Processor
This architecture allows audio devices to communicate through standard network infrastructure.
AES67 addresses important areas such as:
- Network audio synchronization
- Media clocks
- Audio transport
- RTP-based audio streams
- Session management
- Interoperability between compatible network audio systems
AES67 is particularly relevant when equipment from different manufacturers needs to exchange professional-quality audio over an IP network.
2. What Is Dante?
Dante is a network audio platform developed by Audinate.
Unlike a single protocol specification, Dante provides a broader ecosystem for transporting, managing, configuring, and routing professional audio over IP networks.
A Dante-enabled device can become a network audio endpoint.
For example:
Dante Microphone → Ethernet Switch → Dante DSP → Dante Amplifier
The system can route audio between different network devices without requiring a separate analog cable for every audio channel.
Dante is widely used in:
- Conference systems
- Commercial audio
- Professional AV
- Education
- Broadcast
- Corporate installations
- Installed sound systems
3. AES67 vs Dante: The Key Difference
The most important distinction is their scope.
| Feature | AES67 | Dante |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Interoperability standard | Network audio platform |
| Primary purpose | Network audio interoperability | Complete network audio ecosystem |
| IP audio | Yes | Yes |
| Network synchronization | Yes | Yes |
| Professional audio | Yes | Yes |
| Device discovery | Depends on implementation | Integrated ecosystem |
| Routing/management | Depends on implementation | Dante ecosystem |
| Interoperability | Core objective | Supports interoperability features |
| Application | Multi-vendor AoIP environments | Professional network audio systems |
Therefore, it is not technically accurate to say:
“AES67 and Dante are competing versions of the same protocol.”
A better explanation is:
AES67 defines an interoperable approach to high-performance network audio, while Dante provides an integrated network audio solution and ecosystem.
4. Can Dante and AES67 Work Together?
Yes, under the appropriate implementation.
Certain Dante-enabled devices support AES67 interoperability, allowing them to exchange audio with compatible AES67 devices.
However, support should always be confirmed from the specific product specification.
This distinction is important for system designers.
A device being labeled “Dante” does not automatically mean that every AES67 feature is available.
Likewise, an AES67-compatible device may have different implementation capabilities depending on its hardware and firmware.
For equipment manufacturers, the correct question is therefore:
Does this specific device support the network audio functions required by my system?
5. Why Is Network Audio Important for Microphone Arrays?
Traditional microphone systems often use dedicated cables:
Microphone → Analog Cable → Mixer
A modern network microphone array can instead use:
MEMS Microphone Array → DSP → Ethernet → Network Switch → Audio Network
This creates several advantages.
Centralized audio management
Multiple microphone arrays can connect to the same network.
Flexible system architecture
Audio devices can be distributed across different rooms or areas.
Reduced cabling complexity
Audio can share network infrastructure rather than requiring a dedicated point-to-point connection for every signal.
Easier system expansion
Additional network audio devices can be added as the system grows, subject to the network and system architecture.
6. Why Combine MEMS Microphones with AES67 or Dante?
A MEMS microphone array provides the audio sensing layer.
Network audio provides the audio transport layer.
DSP provides the audio processing layer.
Together, they create a complete audio front end:
MEMS Microphones
↓
Multi-Channel Audio Capture
↓
Beamforming / AEC / Noise Reduction
↓
DSP
↓
AES67 / Dante
↓
IP Network
↓
Conference Processor / DSP / Amplifier / Recording System
This architecture is especially useful for professional equipment manufacturers.
7. Network Microphone Array vs Traditional USB Microphone
A USB microphone is generally designed to connect directly to a computer or host device.
A network microphone array is designed to participate in a larger IP-based audio system.
| Feature | USB Microphone | Network Microphone Array |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | USB | Ethernet |
| Typical system | PC / embedded host | Network audio system |
| Multi-device deployment | Limited | Highly scalable |
| Remote routing | Limited | Network-based |
| Beamforming | Product dependent | Can be integrated |
| AEC | Product dependent | Can be integrated |
| AES67 | Usually not | Possible |
| Dante | Usually not | Possible |
| Professional AV integration | Limited | Strong |
For a single computer, USB may be sufficient.
For a large conference room or distributed audio system, network audio can provide a more scalable architecture.
8. Where Are AES67 and Dante Microphone Arrays Used?
Typical applications include:
Conference Rooms
Multiple network microphone arrays can be connected to a central DSP or conference processor.
Smart Classrooms
Microphones can be distributed across classrooms while audio is transported through the network.
Broadcast Systems
Network audio enables microphones and processing equipment to operate as distributed audio endpoints.
Large Commercial AV Systems
Network connectivity simplifies the integration of microphones, DSPs, amplifiers, and control systems.
Distributed Audio
Microphone arrays can be deployed across multiple areas while remaining part of the same network audio infrastructure.
9. What Should Equipment Manufacturers Consider?
Before selecting an AES67 or Dante microphone array, engineers should evaluate:
- Number of microphone channels
- Microphone spacing
- Array geometry
- Far-field pickup requirements
- DSP processing
- Beamforming performance
- AEC performance
- Noise reduction
- Network interface
- Power requirements
- Ethernet architecture
- AES67 compatibility
- Dante compatibility
- Firmware support
- Acoustic enclosure design
The network protocol is only one part of the complete audio system.
A high-performance network microphone still needs good acoustic design and signal processing.
10. How SISTC Approaches Network Microphone Array Design
SISTC develops MEMS microphone arrays and audio modules for equipment manufacturers that require more than a conventional microphone interface.
Depending on project requirements, microphone array solutions can integrate:
- Multiple MEMS microphones
- Multi-channel audio capture
- Beamforming
- Acoustic Echo Cancellation
- Noise Reduction
- Voice Enhancement
- Sound Source Localization
- USB
- I2S
- PDM
- Ethernet
- AES67
- Dante
The objective is to provide a complete intelligent audio front end that can be integrated into professional equipment.
FAQ: AES67 vs Dante
Is AES67 the same as Dante?
No. AES67 is an interoperability standard for high-performance network audio, while Dante is a broader network audio platform and ecosystem.
Can a Dante microphone support AES67?
Some Dante-enabled devices support AES67 interoperability. The exact capability depends on the specific Dante implementation.
Is Dante better than AES67?
Neither is universally “better.” The correct choice depends on system architecture, interoperability requirements, device ecosystem, and project requirements.
Can a MEMS microphone array support Dante?
Yes, a microphone array can be designed as a Dante network audio endpoint when the appropriate hardware and software architecture is implemented.
Can a microphone array support both AES67 and Dante?
Yes, depending on the hardware, network audio implementation, and firmware architecture.
Conclusion
AES67 and Dante are important technologies in the transition from traditional point-to-point audio connections to networked audio architectures.
For equipment manufacturers, the combination of:
MEMS Microphone Array + DSP + Beamforming + AEC + Noise Reduction + Ethernet + AES67/Dante
can provide a highly integrated audio front end for modern professional equipment.
The key question is not simply whether a system uses AES67 or Dante.
The more important question is:
What audio architecture does your product need?
If you are developing a conference system, smart classroom device, AI voice product, broadcast system, or professional network audio equipment, SISTC can help evaluate the appropriate MEMS microphone array and network audio architecture for your application.
AES67 is a standard for high-performance Audio-over-IP interoperability, while Dante is a broader network audio platform and ecosystem. Some Dante devices support AES67 interoperability, but compatibility depends on the specific device implementation.