AJA Launches DANTE-12GAM: 12G-SDI Dante Audio Embedder/Disembedder
AJA Video Systems has introduced the DANTE-12GAM, a compact 12G-SDI Dante audio embedder/disembedder designed for the modern broadcast environment. As audio-over-IP continues to take hold in studios, trucks, and live production setups, this new Mini-Converter provides a seamless bridge between SDI-based workflows and the Dante audio ecosystem.
Whether you’re upgrading infrastructure, working on hybrid productions, or looking for a compact field-ready solution, DANTE-12GAM delivers the flexibility and performance that broadcast engineers demand.
Why DANTE-12GAM Matters in Today’s Broadcast Workflows
Broadcasters and system designers are increasingly relying on Dante to simplify routing, reduce cabling, and support remote production. But integrating SDI-based audio and video with Dante networks hasn’t always been straightforward — until now.
The DANTE-12GAM addresses this critical need. It offers:
- Full Dante audio embedding/disembedding with 12G-SDI I/O
- A compact form factor suitable for OB trucks, flypacks, and control rooms
- Support for up to 64 channels of audio bridging with optional modules
- With this release, AJA is giving broadcasters a clean, scalable way to bridge digital video signals with networked audio in real-time.
Core Capabilities at a Glance
The DANTE-12GAM brings SDI video and Dante audio workflows together in one compact, powerful Mini-Converter. It allows users to embed up to 16 channels of Dante audio into a 12G-SDI signal and disembed up to 16 channels from SDI back into Dante. For larger setups, optional upgrade paths expand this capability to 64 Dante audio channels. The unit features a 2.2-inch LCD screen with control buttons for quick on-device setup, making it easy to adjust settings on the go — especially in mobile or field environments. Two built-in SDI signal generators let you embed Dante audio into SDI even without an external video source, which is ideal for audio-only testing or backup signal paths. It also includes independent 12G-SDI input and output ports that support up to 4K/UHD resolutions, ensuring the unit can handle high-quality video and audio workflows in demanding production settings.
Flexible Options for Higher Channel Counts
If you need more than 32 Dante audio channels, AJA offers two variants to extend the DANTE-12GAM’s capabilities: the DANTE-12GAM-TR-LC, which includes an LC fiber SFP, and the DANTE-12GAM-TR-BNC, featuring a BNC SFP. Both models support up to 64 channels of simultaneous audio bridging and provide greater flexibility for longer-distance signal transport, making them ideal choices for large production trucks, broadcast facilities, and complex installations.
Designed for the Broadcast Industry
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Ethernet Ports | Primary & Secondary etherCon GigE ports for Dante network redundancy |
| Control & Configuration | AJA’s eMini-Setup software, intuitive web UI, and on-device LCD interface |
| Network Compatibility | Supports PTPv2, SMPTE 2110-30, and AES67 |
| Power | PoE+ on primary port, 10–18VDC via 4-pin mini-XLR, or 12V power supply |
| Integration | Works with Dante Controller, Dante Domain Manager, and other Audinate tools |
It’s engineered to integrate easily in environments ranging from control rooms and studios to flypacks and OB vans.
Comparison to AJA’s OG-DANTE-12GAM
If you’re already familiar with AJA’s OG-DANTE-12GAM (openGear), the DANTE-12GAM packs the same functionality in a standalone Mini-Converter form.
This makes it ideal for:
-
Smaller setups that don’t use openGear frames
-
Portable broadcast setups
-
Remote productions
Who Should Consider DANTE-12GAM?
The DANTE-12GAM is perfect for live events and production facilities that require reliable audio routing over IP networks. It enables sending and receiving audio between machine rooms and audio post suites or DAWs across a facility’s IP network. Broadcast engineers can embed arena and stage microphones, as well as audio desk outputs, into SDI for ISO recording and feeds to video switchers used for program recording and streaming. It also supports embedding microphones and mixer outputs into SDI for review-and-approval workflows, live streams, and remote set monitoring, making it an essential tool for on-set production and large-scale event environments.
FAQ
Q: Can I use the DANTE-12GAM without an SDI input?
Yes, the device includes two internal signal generators, so you can embed Dante audio to SDI even without an external video source.
Q: What resolutions does it support?
The unit supports up to 4K/UltraHD via 12G-SDI BNC input and output.
Q: Can I expand audio channel support after purchase?
Yes. You can buy a post-sale Video SFP upgrade license and add fiber/BNC SFP modules to scale up to 64 channels.
Q: Is this compatible with Dante Domain Manager?
Absolutely. It works seamlessly with Dante Controller, Dante Domain Manager, and other software in the Audinate suite.
Q: What’s the power setup like?
It supports PoE+, 12V power supply, and mini-XLR DC input, giving you flexibility for any production setup.