DXA-A2-RX Overview and Use Cases

What Is the DXA-A2-RX?

The ToVi DXA-A2-RX is a 2-channel Dante analog audio decoder that receives a Dante/AES67 digital audio stream from an IP network and converts it back into analog audio output. It is designed for professional AV environments where Dante audio needs to be delivered to analog devices — such as powered speakers, amplifiers, mixers, or recording equipment — at the far end of a network audio distribution system.

The DXA-A2-RX supports both balanced and unbalanced analog audio outputs via Phoenix connectors, with three selectable gain levels (+18 dBu, 0 dBu, and -10 dBV) to match the input requirements of professional and consumer destination devices. It supports 24-bit audio at 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, and 96 kHz sampling rates, and can be powered via PoE (IEEE 802.3af Class 0) from a connected network switch or via an external 12V DC supply.

IMPORTANT — The DXA-A2-RX Is a Decoder (Receiver), Not an Encoder

The DXA-A2-RX receives Dante audio from the network and converts it to analog audio output. It does not accept analog audio input or transmit Dante audio.

To send analog audio into a Dante network (e.g., from a mixer, DVD player, or other analog source), you need a compatible Dante analog encoder such as the ToVi DXA-A2-TX.

IMPORTANT — Dante Controller Software Is Required for Audio Routing

The DXA-A2-RX does not have a front-panel display or standalone routing controls. Audio routing from Dante transmitter devices to the DXA-A2-RX 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-RX.

IMPORTANT — Set the GAIN Switch to Match Your Audio Destination

The DXA-A2-RX has a 3-position GAIN switch on the side panel that must be set correctly for the device receiving its audio output:

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

  • 0 dBu: Standard balanced line level destinations

  • -10 dBV: Consumer/unbalanced audio destinations (e.g., powered speakers with consumer inputs, home audio equipment)

Setting the gain level incorrectly can result in distorted output or a signal that is too weak for the connected device.

Ports and Panel Layout

Step-by-Step Setup

• Set the GAIN switch on the side panel of the DXA-A2-RX to match the input level expected by your connected audio device: +18 dBu for professional balanced, 0 dBu for standard line level, or -10 dBV for consumer/unbalanced equipment.
• Connect your analog audio destination device (powered speakers, amplifier, mixer, etc.) to the AUDIO OUTPUT port using the included 6-pin Phoenix connector. CH1 and CH2 support 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 receiver device.
• On a computer connected to the same network, open Dante Controller software. Locate the DXA-A2-RX in the receiver list and route audio to it from the desired Dante transmitter devices (such as a ToVi DXA-A2-TX encoder or other Dante-enabled equipment).
• Once routing is active, the Yellow DATA LED on the DANTE port will begin blinking and analog audio will appear at the AUDIO OUTPUT connectors.

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 1.32W).

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

The DXA-A2-RX can receive Dante audio streams from any Dante-enabled or AES67-compatible transmitter device on the same network. Compatible sources include:

• ToVi DXA-A2-TX Dante analog encoder (converts analog audio to Dante for transmission to the DXA-A2-RX)
• Other ToVi Dante-enabled audio devices
• Any third-party Dante-certified devices (mixing consoles, DSPs, media servers, etc.)
• AES67-compatible transmitters on the same network

The analog audio output can feed any device that accepts a standard line-level analog audio input, including:

• Powered speakers and amplifiers
• Mixing consoles and audio interfaces
• AV receivers and zone amplifiers
• Recording devices and monitors

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A: The DXA-A2-RX receives a Dante/AES67 digital audio stream from an IP network and converts it back into 2-channel analog audio output, so it can feed analog devices such as speakers, amplifiers, or mixers.

Q: Does the DXA-A2-RX also accept analog audio input?

A: No. The DXA-A2-RX is a decoder only — it receives Dante audio from the network and outputs analog audio. To convert analog audio into a Dante stream, use a compatible Dante analog encoder such as the ToVi DXA-A2-TX.

Q: What is the difference between the DXA-A2-RX and the DXA-A2-TX?

A: The DXA-A2-TX is an encoder — it takes analog audio in and transmits it as a Dante stream over the network. The DXA-A2-RX is a decoder — it receives that Dante stream and converts it back to analog audio output. They are companion devices often used together.

Q: Do I need a separate power supply?

A: Not if your network switch supports PoE (IEEE 802.3af). The DXA-A2-RX 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 to the DXA-A2-RX from a transmitter device. No additional software or drivers are required.

Q: What gain setting should I use?

A: Use +18 dBu for professional balanced destinations (mixing consoles, pro amplifiers), 0 dBu for standard balanced line level, and -10 dBV for consumer or unbalanced destinations such as powered speakers with consumer-level inputs. Using the wrong setting can result in distorted or very quiet audio.

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

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

Q: What sampling rates does the DXA-A2-RX 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-RX are on the same network subnet. Check that any firewall software is not blocking network discovery. Try restarting Dante Controller.

Q: There is no audio at the output — what should I check?

A: Confirm a Dante transmitter has been routed to the DXA-A2-RX in Dante Controller and that the Yellow DATA LED is blinking. Check the GAIN switch is set correctly for your connected device. Verify the Phoenix connector wiring and that the destination device is powered on and its input is selected.