What Is the DXA-USBC-ED?
The ToVi DXA-USBC-ED is a Dante USB-C Transceiver designed to convert two-channel USB audio to Dante audio and convert Dante audio back to two-channel USB audio.
The DXA-USBC-ED is built on the Dante Ultimo 2x2 platform and is designed to bridge USB audio devices with professional Dante networked audio systems. It supports bi-directional conversion between USB audio and Dante 2-channel digital audio, making it useful for integrating computers, laptops, smartphones, and USB-based audio devices into Dante audio networks.
The unit supports USB Audio Device Class 1.0 and 2.0, allowing plug-and-play compatibility with most Windows, macOS, and Linux systems without requiring driver installation. It supports USB audio input and output up to 96kHz at 24-bit depth. Dante audio supports 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, and 96kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit depth.
The DXA-USBC-ED supports Dante Controller software for routing, configurable Dante latency of 1ms, 2ms, or 5ms, PoE power, USB-C power, firmware updates, compact installation, and plug-and-play Dante audio integration.
The DXA-USBC-ED is useful for recording studios, live performances, concerts, broadcast setups, conference rooms, professional AV systems, computer audio integration, and installations where USB audio needs to be connected to a Dante network.
IMPORTANT — DXA-USBC-ED Is a Bi-Directional USB-C Dante Transceiver
The DXA-USBC-ED can work in both directions.
| Function | Support |
| USB audio to Dante audio | Supported |
| Dante audio to USB audio | Supported |
| USB Audio Device Class 1.0 | Supported |
| USB Audio Device Class 2.0 | Supported |
| Dante Controller routing | Supported |
| USB-C audio input / output | Supported |
| HDMI input / output | Not supported |
| Optical audio | Not supported |
| Analog audio | Not listed |
This model is for USB-C audio and Dante audio conversion.
It is not an HDMI device, optical converter, analog audio adapter, ARC converter, or video extender.
IMPORTANT — This Unit Can Act as Dante Transmitter or Dante Receiver
The DXA-USBC-ED can be used as a Dante input or output device depending on the routing.
| Use Case | Dante Role |
| USB audio source into Dante network | Dante transmitter |
| Dante audio sent to USB device | Dante receiver |
When using a USB audio device as the audio source, configure the DXA-USBC-ED as a Dante transmitter in Dante Controller.
When using the DXA-USBC-ED as a USB audio output device, configure it as a Dante receiver in Dante Controller.
IMPORTANT — USB Audio Class Compliant
The DXA-USBC-ED supports USB Audio Device Class 1.0 and 2.0.
| USB Audio Feature | Support |
| USB Audio Class 1.0 | Supported |
| USB Audio Class 2.0 | Supported |
| Windows compatibility | Supported |
| macOS compatibility | Supported |
| Linux compatibility | Supported |
| Driver-free operation | Supported for most systems |
| Plug-and-play operation | Supported |
Most Windows, macOS, and Linux systems can recognize the device automatically without additional driver installation.
IMPORTANT — USB-C Audio Input and Output Are Supported
The DXA-USBC-ED includes a USB-C audio port for connecting an audio input or output device.
| USB-C Audio Direction | Function |
| USB audio input | Sends USB audio into the Dante network |
| USB audio output | Receives Dante audio and outputs it to the USB device |
| USB-C power support | Supported through USB-C audio port |
| USB audio sample rate | 44.1kHz–96kHz |
| Bit depth | 16-bit / 24-bit |
The USB-C audio port can also provide 5V/500mA power input to power the device.
IMPORTANT — Dante Controller Is Required for Audio Routing
All Dante routing is managed through Dante Controller software.
| Dante Function | Support |
| Dante Controller routing | Supported |
| Dante input routing | Supported |
| Dante output routing | Supported |
| Dante latency configuration | Supported |
| Same network / subnet required | Yes |
The DXA-USBC-ED will not automatically route audio without configuration. Use Dante Controller to patch audio between this unit and other Dante-enabled devices.
IMPORTANT — Dante Ultimo 2x2 Platform
The DXA-USBC-ED is based on the Dante Ultimo 2x2 platform.
| Dante Feature | Support |
| Dante Ultimo 2x2 | Supported |
| Dante 2CH input / output | Supported |
| Low-latency audio over IP | Supported |
| Dante Controller management | Supported |
This provides stable Dante audio transport over standard IP networks.
IMPORTANT — Audio Sampling Rate Support
The DXA-USBC-ED supports PCM 2-channel audio.
| Audio Path | Supported Format |
| USB AUDIO IN | PCM 2CH, 44.1kHz–96kHz, 16/24-bit |
| USB AUDIO OUT | PCM 2CH, 44.1kHz–96kHz, 16/24-bit |
| Dante IN / OUT | PCM 2CH, 44.1kHz–96kHz, 16/24-bit |
Supported sample rates include:
| Supported Sample Rate |
| 44.1kHz |
| 48kHz |
| 88.2kHz |
| 96kHz |
Make sure the connected USB device and Dante devices use compatible sample rates.
IMPORTANT — Configurable Dante Latency Is Supported
The DXA-USBC-ED supports configurable Dante device latency.
| Latency Setting | Support |
| 1ms | Supported |
| 2ms | Supported |
| 5ms | Supported |
Latency is configured using Dante Controller.
If audio dropouts or unstable playback occur, increase Dante latency to 2ms or 5ms.
IMPORTANT — Network Distance up to 328ft / 100m
The DXA-USBC-ED connects to the Dante network through its RJ45 DANTE port.
| Cable Type | Maximum Distance |
| CAT6 / CAT6A / CAT7 | Up to 328ft / 100m |
Use high-quality network cable and a suitable network switch.
Poor network cable, damaged connectors, weak terminations, or incorrect network settings may cause the device not to appear in Dante Controller, audio dropouts, unstable playback, clock sync issues, or network discovery problems.
IMPORTANT — PoE and USB-C Power Are Supported
The DXA-USBC-ED can be powered through PoE or USB-C.
| Power Method | Support |
| PoE through Dante RJ45 port | Supported |
| PoE standard | IEEE 802.3af Class 0 |
| USB-C power | 5V/500mA |
| Power consumption | 1.65W max |
If the Dante network switch supports PoE, the separate USB-C power connection is not required for normal power.
The USB-C audio port can also provide power input when connected to a compatible USB-C device.
The POWER USB-C port can be used with a 5V/500mA power supply and also supports firmware updates.
IMPORTANT — RESET Button Reboots the Unit Only
The DXA-USBC-ED includes a RESET button.
| Reset Function | Description |
| RESET button | Reboots the unit |
| Device reset | Must be performed through Dante Controller software |
The manual notes that the RESET button only reboots the device. Device reset must be performed through Dante Controller software.
Ports and Panel Layout
| Port / Button / Indicator | Function |
| DANTE / PoE port | Connect to a 1G network switch for Dante audio, PoE, and signal transmission |
| Green LINK LED | Stays steady when the network connection is established successfully |
| Yellow DATA LED | Blinks during active Dante audio data transmission |
| USB-C LED | Lights green when power input is detected |
| USB-C audio port | Connect USB audio input or output device; also supports 5V/500mA power input |
| RESET button | Press to reboot the unit |
| POWER USB-C port | Connect 5V/500mA power supply; also supports firmware updates |
Understanding the LED Indicators
| Indicator | Status | Meaning |
| Green LINK LED on Dante port | Steady | Network connection is established successfully |
| Yellow DATA LED on Dante port | Blinking | Dante audio data is transmitting |
| USB-C LED | Green on | Power input is detected |
Use these indicators first when troubleshooting power, network connection, Dante activity, or USB-C connection status.
Step-by-Step Setup
- Connect the DANTE / PoE port on the DXA-USBC-ED to a 1G network switch.
- If using a PoE switch, confirm the switch supports IEEE 802.3af PoE.
- If PoE is not available, connect a 5V/500mA USB-C power supply to the POWER port.
- Connect the USB-C audio port to a computer, laptop, smartphone, or compatible USB audio device.
- Confirm the USB-C LED lights when power input is detected.
- Connect the computer running Dante Controller to the same Dante network.
- Open Dante Controller.
- Confirm the DXA-USBC-ED appears in Dante Controller.
- For USB audio to Dante, route the DXA-USBC-ED as a Dante transmitter to the desired Dante receiver.
- For Dante audio to USB, route the desired Dante transmitter to the DXA-USBC-ED as a Dante receiver.
- Confirm all routed Dante devices use compatible sample rates.
- Set Dante latency to 1ms, 2ms, or 5ms as required.
- On the computer or USB device, select the DXA-USBC-ED as the audio input or output device if needed.
- Test audio playback and recording.
- If audio is unstable, set the audio source to PCM or Stereo and increase Dante latency in Dante Controller.
Dante Controller Setup Requirement — Critical
Use Dante Controller to route audio.
| Requirement | Details |
| Software | Dante Controller |
| Computer network | Same network / subnet as DXA-USBC-ED |
| USB to Dante use | Configure as Dante transmitter |
| Dante to USB use | Configure as Dante receiver |
| Routing target | Dante transmitter or receiver depending on setup |
If the device does not appear in Dante Controller:
- Confirm the DXA-USBC-ED is powered by USB-C or PoE.
- Make sure the computer and the DXA-USBC-ED are on the same network or subnet.
- Check the network switch and Ethernet cable.
- Disable or configure firewall settings that may block Dante discovery.
- Confirm the correct network adapter is selected in Dante Controller.
USB Audio Setup Requirement — Critical
The USB-C connection must be recognized by the connected USB device.
| Requirement | Details |
| USB standard | USB Audio Device Class 1.0 / 2.0 |
| USB audio format | PCM 2CH |
| Supported sample rates | 44.1kHz / 48kHz / 88.2kHz / 96kHz |
| Driver installation | Not required for most Windows / macOS systems |
If USB audio does not work:
- Confirm the USB-C cable supports data, not only charging.
- Select the DXA-USBC-ED as the input or output audio device in the computer audio settings.
- Set the audio format to PCM or Stereo.
- Confirm the sample rate matches the Dante route.
- Test with another USB-C cable.
- Reboot the unit using the RESET button.
Network Cable Requirement — Critical
Use high-quality CAT6 / CAT6A / CAT7 cable.
| Requirement | Specification |
| Network bandwidth | 100Mbps |
| Maximum distance | 328ft / 100m |
| Cable type | CAT6 / CAT6A / CAT7 |
| PoE support | IEEE 802.3af Class 0 |
Poor network cable or network setup may cause:
- Device not appearing in Dante Controller
- Dante routing failure
- Audio dropouts
- DATA LED not blinking
- LINK LED not steady
- Clock sync issues
- Discovery issues
- PoE power problems
- USB audio not passing through Dante
Use direct, properly terminated network cable whenever possible.
Power Requirement — Critical
The DXA-USBC-ED can be powered through PoE or USB-C.
| Power Detail | Specification |
| USB-C input | 5V/500mA |
| PoE input | IEEE 802.3af Class 0 |
| Power consumption | 1.65W max |
If the unit does not power on:
- Check the PoE switch.
- Check the Ethernet cable.
- Check the USB-C power source.
- Confirm the USB-C power supply provides 5V/500mA.
- Try another network port or USB-C cable.
Surge protection is recommended.
Understanding the Application Example
The application diagram shows the DXA-USBC-ED connected to a PoE network switch and a Dante amplifier. A laptop or smartphone connects to the USB-C port.
This shows the main use case: USB audio from a laptop or smartphone can be sent into the Dante network, or Dante audio can be routed back to a USB audio device, depending on Dante Controller configuration.
Supported Technical Specifications
| Specification | Support |
| Product Type | Dante USB-C Transceiver |
| Model | DXA-USBC-ED |
| Platform | Dante Ultimo 2x2 |
| Control Method | Dante Controller |
| Network Bandwidth | 100Mbps |
| Audio Latency | Configurable Dante device latency: 1ms, 2ms, or 5ms |
| USB Audio Class | USB Audio Device Class 1.0 / 2.0 |
| USB Audio Input | PCM 2CH, 44.1kHz–96kHz, 16/24-bit |
| USB Audio Output | PCM 2CH, 44.1kHz–96kHz, 16/24-bit |
| Dante Audio Input / Output | PCM 2CH, 44.1kHz–96kHz, 16/24-bit |
| Transmission Distance | 328ft / 100m over CAT6 / CAT6A / CAT7 |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz to 20kHz |
| Dynamic Range | Greater than 130dB, 1kHz A-weighted |
| Audio S/N Ratio | Greater than 130dB, 1kHz A-weighted |
| Audio THD+N | Less than 0.01% at +4dBu, 1kHz |
| USB IN Audio Output Sync Delay | Less than 10ms |
| USB OUT Audio Output Sync Delay | Less than 10ms |
| Dante Port | 1 x DANTE RJ45 with PoE |
| USB-C Audio Port | 1 x USB-C, USB audio in / out, 12-pin female |
| Power Port | 1 x USB-C, 12-pin female |
| Power Supply | USB input 5V/500mA or PoE IEEE 802.3af Class 0 |
| Power Consumption | 1.65W max |
| ESD Protection | ±8kV air-gap discharge, ±4kV contact discharge |
| Housing | Plastic enclosure |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 115mm x 40mm x 28mm / 4.53in x 1.57in x 1.10in |
| Weight | 94g / 3.32oz |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 40°C / 32°F to 104°F |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C to 60°C / -4°F to 140°F |
| Operating Humidity | 20%–80% RH, non-condensing |
| Storage Humidity | 10%–90% RH, non-condensing |
Package Contents
| Item | Quantity |
| DXA-USBC-ED | 1 |
| Hook & Loop | 2 |
| User Manual | 1 |
What USB Devices Is the DXA-USBC-ED Compatible With?
The DXA-USBC-ED can connect to USB audio devices such as:
- Windows computers
- macOS computers
- Linux computers
- Laptops
- Smartphones with compatible USB-C audio support
- USB-C audio sources
- USB-C audio output devices
- Recording or playback systems that support USB Audio Class 1.0 / 2.0
Compatibility depends on the USB device’s audio class support, cable type, and audio settings.
What Dante Devices Is the DXA-USBC-ED Compatible With?
The DXA-USBC-ED can route audio with Dante-enabled devices such as:
- Dante amplifiers
- Dante decoders
- Dante encoders
- Dante DSPs
- Dante mixers
- Dante audio interfaces
- Dante-enabled speakers
- ToVi Dante models
- Dante software audio devices
Routing must be configured in Dante Controller.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the DXA-USBC-ED used for?
A: It converts two-channel USB audio to Dante audio and converts Dante audio back to two-channel USB audio.
Q: Is the DXA-USBC-ED a transceiver?
A: Yes. It is a Dante USB-C Transceiver.
Q: What Dante platform does it use?
A: It is built on the Dante Ultimo 2x2 platform.
Q: Does it support USB audio input and output?
A: Yes. It supports USB AUDIO IN and USB AUDIO OUT.
Q: Can it send USB audio into a Dante network?
A: Yes. Use it as a Dante transmitter when sending USB audio into the Dante network.
Q: Can it receive Dante audio and output it through USB?
A: Yes. Use it as a Dante receiver when sending Dante audio to the USB device.
Q: Does it support USB Audio Device Class 1.0 and 2.0?
A: Yes. Both USB Audio Device Class 1.0 and 2.0 are supported.
Q: Does it need drivers on Windows or macOS?
A: No additional drivers are required for most Windows and macOS systems because it uses USB Audio Device Class standards.
Q: Does it work with Linux?
A: The manual lists Linux compatibility through USB Audio Device Class support.
Q: What USB audio format is supported?
A: USB audio input and output support PCM 2CH from 44.1kHz to 96kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit.
Q: What Dante audio format is supported?
A: Dante input / output supports PCM 2CH from 44.1kHz to 96kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit.
Q: Does it support Dolby or DTS audio?
A: Dolby and DTS formats are not listed. Use PCM or Stereo audio.
Q: Does it support HDMI, ARC, or optical audio?
A: No. It is a USB-C audio and Dante audio transceiver.
Q: Does it support analog audio?
A: Analog audio is not listed for this model.
Q: Does it support Dante Controller?
A: Yes. Dante Controller is used for routing and latency configuration.
Q: What should I do if no audio transmits in either configuration?
A: Verify routing in Dante Controller. When using the device as an output, make sure it is configured as a receiver. When using it as an input from a USB audio device, configure it as a transmitter. Also confirm compatible sample rates across routed Dante devices and connected USB audio devices.
Q: What Dante latency settings are supported?
A: 1ms, 2ms, and 5ms configurable Dante latency settings are supported.
Q: What should I do if audio has dropouts or unstable playback?
A: Set the audio source to PCM or Stereo, increase Dante latency to 2ms or 5ms in Dante Controller, press RESET to reboot the unit, or perform a hard reset in Dante Controller.
Q: What network cable should I use?
A: Use CAT6, CAT6A, or CAT7 cable.
Q: What is the maximum network distance?
A: Up to 328ft / 100m.
Q: What network bandwidth does it use?
A: The manual lists network bandwidth as 100Mbps.
Q: Does it support PoE?
A: Yes. It supports PoE IEEE 802.3af Class 0 through the Dante RJ45 port.
Q: Can it be powered by USB-C?
A: Yes. It can be powered through USB-C using a 5V/500mA power supply.
Q: Do I need USB-C power if using PoE?
A: No. If the Dante port is connected to a PoE switch, USB-C power is not required for normal operation.
Q: What is the power consumption?
A: The manual lists power consumption as 1.65W max.
Q: What does the green LINK LED mean?
A: It stays steady when the network connection is established successfully.
Q: What does the yellow DATA LED mean?
A: It blinks during active Dante audio data transmission.
Q: What does the USB-C LED mean?
A: The green USB-C LED lights when power input is detected.
Q: What should I do if the device does not appear in Dante Controller?
A: Confirm the device is powered by USB-C or PoE, make sure the computer and device are on the same network or subnet, and disable or configure firewalls that may block network discovery.
Q: Does the RESET button factory reset the device?
A: No. The manual states the RESET button only reboots the device. Device reset must be performed through Dante Controller software.
Q: Does the POWER USB-C port support firmware updates?
A: Yes. The POWER USB-C port supports firmware updates.
Q: Does the DXA-USBC-ED need external power?
A: It can be powered through PoE or through USB-C 5V/500mA.
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