DXA-XLR-TX Overview and Use Cases

What Is the DXA-XLR-TX?

The OREI DXA-XLR-TX is a 2-channel Dante® XLR Encoder that converts balanced or unbalanced XLR analog audio into Dante® digital audio for transmission over standard IP networks. It is designed for professional AV environments — including conference rooms, broadcast setups, and live sound — where XLR-connected audio sources need to be integrated into a Dante® network.

Unlike the DXA-LINE-TX which uses a wired phoenix connector, the DXA-XLR-TX features two attached XLR female cables (approximately 30cm each) for direct connection to standard XLR sources. It 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, and a 5-level input sensitivity adjustment (+24dBu, +4dBu, 0dBu, 0dBV, and −10dBV). The unit can be powered via USB-C or PoE (IEEE 802.3af Class 0).

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

The DXA-XLR-TX converts XLR 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 microphone (with a suitable preamp), mixing console XLR output, or other XLR audio source to a Dante® network
• Feeding XLR analog audio from a DVD/Blu-ray player, media source, or instrument DI box into a Dante® system
• Distributing XLR audio over long distances via an IP network without signal degradation
• Integrating XLR-equipped audio equipment into an existing Dante® infrastructure

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

IMPORTANT — XLR Input Cables Are Permanently Attached, Not Detachable

The DXA-XLR-TX has two XLR female input plugs on short attached cables (approximately 30cm each) — one for Channel 1 and one for Channel 2. These cables are permanently integrated into the device body and cannot be removed or replaced.

To connect your audio source, plug your XLR male cable directly into the CH 1 or CH 2 XLR female plug on the attached cables. Both balanced and unbalanced XLR connections are supported.

If your application requires terminating directly to screw-terminal wiring rather than XLR plugs, consider the DXA-LINE-TX Dante® Line Encoder, which uses a 6-pin phoenix connector instead.

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-XLR-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. Connect your XLR audio source cables to the CH 1 and CH 2 XLR female plugs on the attached cables of the DXA-XLR-TX. Plug the male XLR connector from your source directly into each female plug.
2. Connect a CAT6, CAT6A, or CAT7 Ethernet cable from the DANTE (PoE) port on the DXA-XLR-TX to a network switch on your Dante® network.
3. 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.
4. Confirm the green LINK LED on the DANTE (PoE) port is lit, indicating a successful network connection.
5. 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).
6. Open Dante® Controller on a computer connected to the same network. The DXA-XLR-TX will appear as a Dante® transmitter device.
7. In Dante® Controller, route the DXA-XLR-TX audio channels to the desired Dante®-enabled receiver devices on the network (such as a Dante® XLR decoder, amplifier, or processor).
8. Optionally, configure the audio latency setting (1 ms, 2 ms, or 5 ms) in Dante® Controller to suit your system timing requirements.
9. 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-XLR-TX has two independent sensitivity knobs — one for each channel — that allow you to match the input level of your XLR 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 XLR 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)

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. For noise or interference issues, try adjusting the sensitivity setting and ensure the device is on a dedicated or properly managed network.

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-XLR-TX Compatible With?

The DXA-XLR-TX is compatible with any audio source that uses standard XLR connectors with balanced or unbalanced analog signals. This includes:

• Mixing consoles and audio mixers with XLR line outputs
• DVD and Blu-ray players with XLR outputs
• Microphone preamps and DI boxes with XLR outputs
• Instruments and audio processors with balanced XLR line outputs
• Any source device with a standard 3-pin XLR male output connector

Note: The DXA-XLR-TX accepts line-level XLR signals. It does not provide phantom power (48V), so dynamic microphones connected directly may work, but condenser microphones requiring phantom power will need an external preamp or phantom power supply before connecting to the DXA-XLR-TX.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A: The DXA-XLR-TX is a 2-channel Dante® XLR Encoder that connects XLR analog audio sources to a professional Dante® audio-over-IP network, allowing XLR audio to be distributed over standard IP infrastructure to any Dante®-enabled devices.

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

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

Q: What type of XLR connector does the DXA-XLR-TX use?

A: The DXA-XLR-TX has two XLR female plugs on short permanently attached cables (approximately 30cm each) — one for Channel 1 and one for Channel 2. You connect your XLR source by plugging the male XLR end of your source cable directly into these female plugs.

Q: Does the DXA-XLR-TX provide phantom power for condenser microphones?

A: No. The DXA-XLR-TX does not supply phantom power (48V). Condenser microphones that require phantom power will need an external microphone preamp or phantom power supply connected between the microphone and the DXA-XLR-TX.

Q: What is the difference between the DXA-XLR-TX and the DXA-LINE-TX?

A: Both are 2-channel Dante® encoders that convert analog audio to Dante® network audio. The key difference is the input connector: the DXA-XLR-TX has two permanently attached XLR female cables for direct XLR source connection, while the DXA-LINE-TX uses a removable 6-pin 3.5mm phoenix (terminal block) connector for direct wire termination. Both support balanced and unbalanced analog inputs with the same sensitivity settings and audio specifications.

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-XLR-TX to other devices?

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

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-XLR-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: Try adjusting the input sensitivity setting on the relevant channel. Use a dedicated or properly managed Gigabit Ethernet network for your Dante® devices, and keep audio cables physically separated from power cables to reduce interference.