DXA-A2-TX Overview and Use Cases – OREI

What Is the DXA-A2-TX?

The ToVi DXA-A2-TX is a 2-channel Dante analog audio encoder that converts analog audio signals into Dante/AES67 digital audio streams for transmission over a standard IP network. It is designed for professional AV environments where analog audio sources — such as mixers, amplifiers, DVD players, or other line-level devices — need to be integrated into a Dante audio-over-IP network without requiring additional converters or complex wiring runs.

The DXA-A2-TX supports both balanced and unbalanced analog audio inputs via Phoenix connectors, with three selectable gain levels (+18 dBu, 0 dBu, and -10 dBV) to accommodate professional and consumer signal types. It supports 24-bit audio at 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, and 96 kHz sampling rates, and can be powered either via PoE (IEEE 802.3af Class 0) from a connected network switch or via an external 12V DC supply — making it easy to deploy in locations where AC power is not readily available.

IMPORTANT — The DXA-A2-TX Is an Encoder (Transmitter), Not a Decoder

The DXA-A2-TX takes analog audio IN and sends it out as a Dante digital audio stream over the network. It does not receive Dante audio or convert it back to analog.

To receive Dante audio and convert it back to analog output (e.g., to feed speakers or an amplifier), you need a compatible Dante analog decoder such as the ToVi DXA-A2-RX.

IMPORTANT — Dante Controller Software Is Required for Audio Routing

The DXA-A2-TX does not have a front-panel display or standalone routing controls. Audio routing between Dante devices on the network is managed entirely through Dante Controller software (free, available from Audinate). Your computer running Dante Controller must be on the same network subnet as the DXA-A2-TX.

IMPORTANT — Set the GAIN Switch to Match Your Audio Source

The DXA-A2-TX has a 3-position GAIN switch on the side panel that must be set correctly for your audio source:

• +18 dBu: Professional balanced audio (e.g., mixing consoles, professional AV equipment)

• 0 dBu: Standard balanced line level

• -10 dBV: Consumer/unbalanced audio (e.g., DVD players, consumer electronics)

Setting the gain level incorrectly can result in clipped, distorted, or very low audio.

Ports and Panel Layout

Port / Control	Location	Function
DC IN	End panel	12V DC power input via the included 2-pin 3.81mm Phoenix connector. Not required when the unit is powered via PoE from a connected network switch.
AUDIO INPUT CH1 / CH2	End panel	2-channel balanced/unbalanced analog audio input via the included 6-pin 3.81mm Phoenix connector. Connect your analog audio source (e.g., mixer, amplifier, DVD player) to CH1 and CH2.
DANTE (POE)	End panel	RJ45 network port. Connects to a Gigabit network switch for both PoE power delivery and Dante audio data transmission. Green LINK LED: steady when network link is established. Yellow DATA LED: blinks during active Dante audio transmission.
GAIN Switch	Side panel	3-position switch for selecting the analog input gain level: +18 dBu (professional balanced), 0 dBu (line level balanced), or -10 dBV (consumer/unbalanced). Set this to match your audio source level.

Step-by-Step Setup

Set the GAIN switch on the side panel of the DXA-A2-TX to match your audio source level: +18 dBu for professional balanced, 0 dBu for standard line level, or -10 dBV for consumer/unbalanced audio.
Connect your analog audio source to the AUDIO INPUT port using the included 6-pin Phoenix connector. CH1 and CH2 accept both balanced (+/-/GND) and unbalanced (+/GND) wiring.
Connect the DANTE (POE) RJ45 port to a PoE-enabled Gigabit network switch using a Cat6 or Cat6A Ethernet cable. The unit will be powered automatically via PoE — no separate power supply is needed.
If your network switch does not support PoE, connect a 12V DC power supply to the DC IN port using the included 2-pin Phoenix connector.
The Green LINK LED on the DANTE port will light up once the network connection is established. The unit will appear in Dante Controller as a transmitter device.
On a computer connected to the same network, open Dante Controller software. Locate the DXA-A2-TX in the transmitter list and route its audio channels to the desired Dante receiver devices (such as a ToVi DXA-A2-RX decoder or other Dante-enabled equipment).

Cable Requirement

Use Cat6 or Cat6A Ethernet cables for best performance. The maximum transmission distance is 328ft (100m) per network segment. For PoE power delivery, ensure the connected switch supports IEEE 802.3af (Class 0, minimum 1.2W).

What Devices Is the DXA-A2-TX Compatible With?

The DXA-A2-TX can send its encoded Dante audio stream to any Dante-enabled or AES67-compatible device on the same network. Compatible receivers include:

ToVi DXA-A2-RX Dante analog decoder (converts the Dante stream back to analog audio output)
Other ToVi Dante-enabled audio devices
Any third-party Dante-certified devices (amplifiers, DSPs, mixers, etc.)
AES67-compatible devices on the same network

The analog audio input accepts signals from any device with a standard line-level analog audio output, including:

Mixing consoles and audio interfaces
DVD and Blu-ray players
Audio amplifiers and preamplifiers
Consumer and professional playback devices

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the ToVi DXA-A2-TX used for?

A: The DXA-A2-TX takes analog audio from sources like mixers or media players and encodes it into a Dante/AES67 digital audio stream that can be routed over a standard IP network to Dante-enabled receivers.

Q: Does the DXA-A2-TX also output analog audio?

A: No. The DXA-A2-TX is an encoder only — it takes analog input and transmits Dante audio over the network. To convert Dante audio back to analog, use a compatible Dante analog decoder such as the ToVi DXA-A2-RX.

Q: Do I need a separate power supply?

A: Not if your network switch supports PoE (IEEE 802.3af). The DXA-A2-TX will draw power directly from the Ethernet cable. If your switch does not support PoE, connect a 12V DC supply to the DC IN port using the included 2-pin Phoenix connector.

Q: What software is needed to use this device?

A: Dante Controller, available free from Audinate (audinate.com). It is used to discover Dante devices on the network and route audio between them. No additional software or drivers are required for the DXA-A2-TX itself.

Q: What gain setting should I use?

A: Use +18 dBu for professional balanced sources (mixing consoles, pro AV gear), 0 dBu for standard balanced line level, and -10 dBV for consumer or unbalanced sources such as DVD players. Using the wrong setting can result in distorted or very quiet audio.

Q: Can I connect both balanced and unbalanced audio sources?

A: Yes. The 6-pin Phoenix connector on the AUDIO INPUT port supports both balanced (+/-/GND) and unbalanced (+/GND) wiring on each channel. Set the GAIN switch to -10 dBV for unbalanced consumer sources.

Q: What sampling rates does the DXA-A2-TX support?

A: It supports 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, and 96 kHz at 24-bit depth. The active sample rate is set and synchronized through Dante Controller.

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

A: Confirm the device is powered (LINK LED should be solid green). Ensure the computer running Dante Controller and the DXA-A2-TX are on the same network subnet. Check that any firewall software is not blocking network discovery. Try restarting Dante Controller.

Q: How far can the Dante audio signal travel over the network?

A: Up to 328ft (100m) per network cable segment using Cat6 or Cat6A cable. Over a managed network, Dante audio can travel across multiple switches without distance limitations, subject to network latency requirements.