DXA-LINE-TX Overview and Use Cases

What Is the DXA-LINE-TX?

The OREI DXA-LINE-TX is a 2-channel Dante® Line Encoder that converts balanced or unbalanced analog line-level audio into Dante® digital audio for transmission over standard IP networks. It is designed for professional AV and Dante® audio deployments where analog audio sources need to be integrated into a Dante® network.

The DXA-LINE-TX supports 24-bit audio at sampling rates of 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, and 96 kHz, with selectable audio delay options of 1 ms, 2 ms, or 5 ms for precise system timing. A 5-level input sensitivity adjustment (+24dBu, +4dBu, 0dBu, 0dBV, and −10dBV) allows seamless integration with a wide range of professional and consumer audio sources. The unit can be powered via USB-C or PoE (IEEE 802.3af Class 0).

IMPORTANT — DXA-LINE-TX Is an Encoder Only (Analog In, Dante® Out)

The DXA-LINE-TX converts analog audio into Dante® network audio. It is an input/encoder device only — it does not output analog audio.

Common use cases include:

• Connecting a mixing console, media player, or other line-level source to a Dante® network
• Feeding analog audio from instruments or playback devices into a Dante® system
• Distributing analog audio over long distances via an IP network without signal degradation
• Integrating non-Dante® analog audio equipment into an existing Dante® infrastructure

If you need to receive Dante® audio and convert it back to analog output, use the companion DXA-LINE-RX Dante® Line Decoder instead.

IMPORTANT — Audio Inputs Use a Phoenix Connector, Not XLR or TRS

The DXA-LINE-TX uses a 6-pin 3.5mm phoenix (terminal block) connector for its two analog audio input channels. It does not have XLR or TRS jack inputs.

The included 6-pin phoenix connector (male) is used to wire your audio sources directly. Both balanced and unbalanced connections are supported:

• Balanced: Wire the positive (+), negative (−), and ground (shield) for each channel following the XLR pinout convention
• Unbalanced: Wire the positive (+) and ground (−) for each channel; leave the negative (−) pin unconnected or tied to ground

IMPORTANT — Audio Routing and Latency Settings Require Dante® Controller

All Dante® audio routing and configurable latency settings (1 ms, 2 ms, or 5 ms) are managed through the free Dante® Controller software. The DXA-LINE-TX will appear in Dante® Controller as a Dante® transmitter, and its audio channels can be routed to any Dante®-enabled receiver on the same network.

Note: The RESET button on the device only reboots the unit. A full factory reset must be performed through Dante® Controller software.

Ports and Panel Layout

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Wire your analog audio source(s) to the included 6-pin phoenix connector. For Channel 1, connect the positive (+) and negative (−) signal wires and ground to the CH1 pins. Repeat for Channel 2. Refer to the wiring configuration diagram in the user manual for balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) wiring layouts.
2. Insert the wired phoenix connector into the CH 1 / CH 2 LINE port on the right end panel of the DXA-LINE-TX.
3. Connect a CAT6, CAT6A, or CAT7 Ethernet cable from the DANTE (PoE) port to a network switch on your Dante® network.
4. Power the device via the USB-C port using a 5V/500mA USB power adapter, or use a PoE-capable network switch to supply power through the Ethernet cable. Either power method can be used independently.
5. Confirm the green LINK LED on the DANTE (PoE) port is lit, indicating a successful network connection.
6. Using the CH 1 and CH 2 sensitivity knobs on the top panel, select the appropriate input sensitivity level for your audio source (1. +24dBu, 2. +4dBu, 3. 0dBu, 4. 0dBV, 5. −10dBV).
7. Open Dante® Controller on a computer connected to the same network. The DXA-LINE-TX will appear as a Dante® transmitter device.
8. In Dante® Controller, route the DXA-LINE-TX audio channels to the desired Dante®-enabled receiver devices on the network (such as a Dante® decoder, amplifier, or processor).
9. Optionally, configure the audio latency setting (1 ms, 2 ms, or 5 ms) in Dante® Controller to suit your system timing requirements.
10. Verify audio is transmitting by checking that the yellow DATA LED on the DANTE (PoE) port blinks during active audio data transmission.

Understanding Input Sensitivity Settings

The DXA-LINE-TX has two independent sensitivity knobs — one for each channel — that allow you to match the input level of your audio source to the device's input stage. Selecting the correct sensitivity level prevents distortion from over-driving the input and ensures optimal audio quality.

The five sensitivity levels correspond to the following input signal levels:

• 1. +24dBu — For high-level professional balanced sources (maximum input level)
• 2. +4dBu — Standard professional line level (balanced)
• 3. 0dBu — Lower professional line level
• 4. 0dBV — Consumer line level (unbalanced)
• 5. −10dBV — Low-level consumer line level (unbalanced, e.g., RCA devices)

If you experience distortion or clipping, try a higher-numbered (lower sensitivity) setting. If the signal is too quiet or weak, try a lower-numbered (higher sensitivity) setting.

Cable Requirement — Important

For reliable Dante® network audio performance, use CAT6, CAT6A, or CAT7 Ethernet cables up to 328 ft (100m). A dedicated Gigabit Ethernet switch is recommended to avoid network congestion. Ensure all Dante® devices on the network are set to the same sample rate to prevent audio dropouts or sync issues.

What Audio Sources Is the DXA-LINE-TX Compatible With?

The DXA-LINE-TX is compatible with any analog line-level audio source that uses balanced or unbalanced connections. This includes:

• Mixing consoles and audio mixers (balanced XLR or TRS line outputs)
• Media players and CD/DVD players (unbalanced RCA outputs)
• Laptops and computers (unbalanced 3.5mm or RCA line outputs, with appropriate adapter)
• Instruments and DI boxes with line-level output
• Consumer audio equipment with RCA or unbalanced line outputs

On the Dante® network side, the DXA-LINE-TX is compatible with any Dante®-enabled device, including the companion DXA-LINE-RX decoder, Dante®-enabled amplifiers, processors, mixers, and other ToVi Dante® products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OREI DXA-LINE-TX used for?

A: The DXA-LINE-TX is a 2-channel Dante® Line Encoder that converts balanced or unbalanced analog line-level audio into Dante® network audio, allowing analog sources to be distributed over a standard IP network to any Dante®-enabled devices.

Q: Can the DXA-LINE-TX output analog audio?

A: No. The DXA-LINE-TX is an encoder only — it accepts analog audio inputs and outputs Dante® digital audio over the network. To receive Dante® audio and convert it back to analog, use the companion DXA-LINE-RX Dante® Line Decoder.

Q: What type of connector is used for the analog audio inputs?

A: The DXA-LINE-TX uses a 6-pin 3.5mm phoenix (terminal block) connector for its two analog input channels. The connector is included in the box. Both balanced and unbalanced wiring configurations are supported.

Q: How do I adjust the input sensitivity?

A: Use the CH 1 and CH 2 sensitivity knobs on the top panel to select from five input levels: +24dBu, +4dBu, 0dBu, 0dBV, or −10dBV. Choose the level that best matches your audio source to avoid distortion or a weak signal.

Q: How do I route audio from the DXA-LINE-TX to other devices?

A: All audio routing is done through the free Dante® Controller software. The DXA-LINE-TX will appear as a Dante® transmitter, and you can route its channels to any Dante®-enabled receiver device on the same network.

Q: How do I change the audio latency?

A: Audio latency (1 ms, 2 ms, or 5 ms) is configured in Dante® Controller software. Select the latency that best suits your system. Lower latency is ideal for live sound applications; higher latency can help with network stability in larger installations.

Q: The device does not appear in Dante® Controller — what should I check?

A: Confirm the device is powered (via USB-C or PoE) and the green LINK LED is lit. Make sure your computer and the DXA-LINE-TX are on the same network subnet. Also check that any firewall on your computer is not blocking Dante® Controller's network discovery.

Q: I am experiencing audio dropouts or unstable playback — what should I do?

A: Try increasing the Dante® latency to 2 ms or 5 ms in Dante® Controller. Make sure all Dante® devices on the network are set to the same sample rate. You can also press the RESET button to reboot the unit, or perform a full reset through Dante® Controller software. Using a dedicated Gigabit Ethernet switch can also help reduce network congestion.

Q: I hear noise or interference in the audio — what can I do?

A: Switch to a balanced connection if you are currently using an unbalanced connection, as balanced wiring rejects common-mode noise. Ensure all audio equipment is properly grounded, and keep audio cables physically separated from power cables to reduce interference.

Q: What does the RESET button do?

A: The RESET button reboots the DXA-LINE-TX unit. It does not perform a factory reset. To restore the device to factory default settings, use the reset function within Dante® Controller software.