The DARK16I is a versatile box for converting analogue audio inputs to an AoIP system utilising the Dante and AES67 audio over IP (AoIP) protocols.

In total there are 16 audio input channels, all being simultaneously converted to the AoIP network via high quality low noise analogue to digital converters.

For ease of cabling audio inputs are balanced circuits on Neutrik XLRs.

Being designed for resilient broadcast applications, the DARK16I features both redundant power supplies and redundant Dante network links with link status GPOs (general purpose outputs (solid state relays)). Both primary and secondary network links are provided with both magnetic (copper RJ45) and fibre (SFP) interface connections. The Dante system itself provides a completely transparent redundant link system which means that if the DARK16I lost its primary link circuit the secondary link would automatically take over with no loss of audio.

The primary and secondary network interfaces are routed internally via a network switch.  It is possible to set this switch to work as a traditional network switch instead of the default redundant mode.  This means that there would be just one link to the Dante/ AES67 network and the other connections of the switch could have other Dante or network devices connected to them. As with all Dante devices, once set up, DARK16I units can be directly connected with each other with no external network hardware.