On previous occasions when we have discussed audio over IP and how we can use it in real world situations and we identified the need for a box with a mic preamp and headphone amp that supports an audio network protocol like Dante. Well our friends at Aspen Media have just let me know about two units that will fit that requirement perfectly.

DELEC Audio und Videotechnik GmbH (based in Germany) have a product range called Unito. They describe the unito family of products as a number of task specific, powerful devices for the integration of traditional audio gear into Dante audio networks.  In that range are two products that fit the requirement of a mic preamp and headphone amp with a Dante connection. 

DELEC Unito DIO

Short for “DanteTM Input Output”, the DIO provides a host of interfaces and conversion options for installation scenarios.

• Compact footprint

• Two 1GB Ethernet ports (1x RJ45 and 1x SFP)

• AES/EBU input and output

• Microphone preamp

• Stereo line input and output

• Stereo headphone amplifier

• 2 GPIOs

• Powered by an external PSU and/or via POE (Power Over Ethernet)

• UK price £530 ex vat and delivery

• Shipping and available to order now

DELEC Unito NIO 0204

The NIO 0204, for its part, has been designed for monitoring applications as well as editorial workstations in a Dante environment. It features a multitude of conventional audio interfaces equipped with XLR connectors. 

• ½ 19“/1U enclosure

• Four 1GB Ethernet ports (3x RJ45 and 1x SFP)

• 2 AES/EBU inputs and outputs

• High-quality 32-bit stereo microphone preamp

• Stereo line input and output

• Stereo headphone amplifier

• Built-in audio mixer

• Powered by the internal PSU and/or via POE

• UK price £1415.00 ex vat and delivery

• Available in January 2016

Summary Of Unito DIO & NIO 0204 Units

Control Via A Web Browser

All DELEC unito devices have built-in web service. Units connected to the network can easily be named and configured all the way to their filter coefficient settings. Device configurations can be stored, imported, and exported for a considerable reduction of the setup time for large installations.

What Is Dante?

DanteTM is an uncompressed, multi-channel digital media networking technology offering near-zero latency and synchronisation. It is the networking solution adopted by more professional audio manufacturers than any other, so you can connect to hundreds of compatible products.

DanteTM is true IP networking, using the same Layer-3 technology that powers computer networks around the world. It supports hundreds of channels per device and is designed to work with industry-standard network equipment. It is easy to use, with true plug-and-play operation.

Free Dante Controller software provides automatic device detection, one-click routing of signals and user-editable names for devices and channels, and works with all DanteTM-enabled products.