Webinar: Inside Dante Domain Manager Version 1.1: New Features and More

Dante Domain Manager (DDM)  is network management software that enables user authentication, role-based security and audit capabilities for Dante networks, while allowing seamless expansion of Dante systems over any network infrastructure.  In this webinar held on September 24 at 11:00 AM PDT, we briefly reviewed DDM’s core functionality, then took an in depth look at the new features included in version 1.1. 

Topics covered included: How to install an .iso file and the pro/cons of hypervised vs. bare-metal install.  Getting email alerts and downloading device details. A comprehensive explanation of how clocking works within a single subnet, across multiple subnets, and using GPS clock zones to enable geographically separated zones to be fully synchronized. Finally we took the mystery out of how Dante and DDM support standards like AES67 and SMPTE 2110, discussing how and what will be supported and the place of standards in AV systems.

There was a brief Q&A at the end of the webinar, and all questions have been answered below. 

Date:Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Time:11:00 PDT (Los Angeles)
14:00 EDT (New York)
Cost:Free
Duration:1 hour

Q&A

Q: I have DDM. is there an upgrade? looking on the website now.  (From Frederick Domenigoni)

A: Yes. An existing DDM server that is within the initial 1-year warranty, or one whose owner has signed up for additional yearly support packages can update their DDM. If your DDM server has internet access, the Administrator can navigate to the Settings/Updates & System Information page and click on Check Updates. The latest version of DDM can also be downloaded from the DDM support portal. If you do not have access to this, you can register for access by using the following link: https://www.audinate.com/support/ddm.

Q: What is the purpose of or usages of Dante? (From Muhammed Jafir) 

A: Dante is a combination of software, hardware, and network protocols that delivers uncompressed, multi-channel, low-latency digital audio over a standard Ethernet network using Layer 3 IP packets. Audinate sells Dante chips, cards, and software to audio and video equipment manufacturers, who build these into their products. Dante is used in all aspects of live sound, broadcast, commercial AV, and entertainment venues. More information on specific applications is available on our website.

Q: Can I route audio between devices which are in separate domains, same LAN. also route audio between Device A which is not enrolled, and Device B which is enrolled in a Domain. (From Manoj Shirahatti)

A: Yes. By default, each Dante Domain is isolated from others and is its own clock Domain. We do have a method of sharing audio between Dante Domains. This is done by creating a Shared Audio Group in two or more Domains. What this does is it makes all of the Domains in the group a single clock Domain. Once this is done, you can pick and choose what Dante devices audio channels you wish to share between the Domains. Devices that are enrolled in Dante Domains cannot share audio with devices that are in the Unmanaged Network.

Q: The audio routes are set up Manual Routing using custom controller not Dante Controller. (From Manoj Shirahatti)

A: The Dante Controller software is used to set up subscriptions between Dante Transmitters and Dante Receivers. Subscriptions. The DDM browser interface is used to configure Dante Domains, clocking in Domains that have devices in multiple subnets, to create users with roles on a per-Domain basis.

Q: Moving forward, if manufacturers choose to ship with 4.2 firmware on Ultimo X devices, those devices will no longer support AES67? (From Kevin Rhodus)

A: In our Brooklyn II/Broadway/HC 4.2 firmware update, manufactures will still be able to have their products use AES67. A device will have the ability to used Dante and AES67, or Dante and SMPTE ST-2110 (if enrolled in a Domain). You will not be able to use AES67 and SMPTE ST-2110 at the same time. If we proceed with an UltimoX 4.2 firmware update, we will do the same.

Q: The NY/LA example with GPS clocking. do you need larger buffers? (From Dominic Torchia)

A: Dante devices that are enrolled into Domains are capable of using higher latency settings. Up to 40ms for Brooklyn II devices and 20ms for Ultimo devices.

Q: Is it possible to have a trial version of DDM? (From Martin Villaincourt)

A: Yes. You can contact our Systems Solution Sales Team to request a DDM Trial license .

Q: The SMPTE flows do not appear on Dante Controller. Need to run Dante Controller with command line option, version is 4.2.3.1 (From Manoj Shirahatti)

A: The flows of SMPTE sources will appear in Dante Controller as Dante Transmitters, highlighted in blue. 

Q: Who could I speak with regarding whether DDM would be beneficial to our infrastructure? we have breakout rooms using Yamaha RMIO MADI clock as a master. (From Adam Blomberg)

A: You can contact Bernie Farkus at bernie.farkus@audinate (dot)com or Technical Sales Engineer Kathryn Taub at kathryn.taub@audinate (dot)com.

Q: I work for a manufacturer who OEM's Dante into our hardware, is there a way to get a demo version of DDM to use strictly for purposes of supporting out customers? (From Eric de Gaston)

A: As a Dante OEM partner, you can get a Partner license for the DDM software. This is available at the OEM Support Portal on our website. If you do not have access to the portal, please contact your Audinate OEM Account Rep for access.

Q: Any news on the compatibility with macOS Catalina 10.15.x? (From Rob Mekken)

A: Since DDM is browser-based software, this is not an issue. As for other Dante software products like Dante Controller, Dante Virtual Soundcard, and Dante Via, please refer to each products download page on the Audinate website for the current Mac OS versions supported.

Q: Are there configuration guides available, especially the new email notifications and the requirements from my network make the email alerts work? (From Simon Lang)

A: Click here  to download various DDM User Guides and other information on Dante products.