ATEN VE66DTH 6 x 6 Dante Audio Interface with HDMI User Manual

: June 16, 2024
: Aten

Table of Contents

ATEN VE66DTH 6 x 6 Dante Audio Interface with HDMI
Compliance Statements
User Information
Package Contents
About this Manual
Introduction
Hardware Setup
Operation
Safety Instructions
Specifications
ATEN Standard Warranty Policy
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

ATEN VE66DTH 6 x 6 Dante Audio Interface with HDMI

Compliance Statements

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, under Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used by the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense. The device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

FCC Caution
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Warning
Operation of this equipment in a residential environment could cause radio interference.

Industry Canada Statement
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

HDMI Trademark Statement
The terms HDMI, HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and the HDMI Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc.

RoHS
This product is RoHS compliant.

User Information

Online Registration
Be sure to register your product at our online support center:

International http://eservice.aten.com

Telephone Support
For telephone support, call this number:

International 886-2-8692-6959
China 86-400-810-0-810
Japan 81-3-5615-5811
Korea 82-2-467-6789
North America 1-888-999-ATEN ext 4988 1-949-428-1111

User Notice
All information, documentation, and specifications contained in this manual are subject to change without prior notification by the manufacturer. The manufacturer makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any warranties as to merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Any of the manufacturer’s software described in this manual is sold or licensed as is. Should the programs prove defective following their purchase, the buyer (and not the manufacturer, its distributor, or its dealer), assumes the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair and any incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect in the software. The manufacturer of this system is not responsible for any radio and/or TV interference caused by unauthorized modifications to this device. It is the responsibility of the user to correct such interference. The manufacturer is not responsible for any damage incurred in the operation of this system if the correct operational voltage setting was not selected prior to operation. PLEASE VERIFY THAT THE VOLTAGE SETTING IS CORRECT BEFORE USE.

Product Information
For information about all ATEN products and how they can help you connect without limits, visit ATEN on the Web or contact an ATEN Authorized Reseller. Visit ATEN on the Web for a list of locations and telephone numbers:

International http://www.aten.com
North America http://www.aten-usa.com

Package Contents

Check to make sure that all the components are in working order. If you encounter any problem, please contact your dealer.

1 VE66DTH 6 x 6 Dante Audio Interface with HDMI
6 5-pole terminal blocks
4 foot pads
1 mounting kit
1 power adapter
1 user instructions

About this Manual

This user manual is provided to help you get the most from the VE66DTH unit. It covers all aspects of installation, configuration, and operation. An overview of the information found in the manual is provided below.

Chapter 1, Introduction introduces you to the 6 x 6 Dante Audio Interface with HDMI. Its purpose, features, installation considerations, and panel components are presented and described.
Chapter 2, Hardware Setup describes the steps that are necessary to quickly and safely set up your installation.
Chapter 3, Operation explains the firmware upgrade utility, web GUI, and additional applications.
Appendix provides a list of safety instructions and precautions, contact information for ATEN technical support, product specifications, and other technical information.

Note

Read this manual thoroughly and follow the installation and operation procedures carefully to prevent any damage to the unit or any connected devices.
This product may be updated, with features and functions added, improved or removed since the release of this manual. For an up-to-date VE66DTH documentation, visit. http://www.aten.com/global/en/

Conventions
This manual uses the following conventions:

Introduction

Overview
ATEN VE66DTH is a Dante-enabled six−input / six−output Audio Interface with HDMI. Using Dante™ – the most popular audio networking solution created by Audinate, the VE66DTH is capable of delivering uncompressed, close-to-zero latency digital audio signals across your standard IP network. The VE66DTH transmits and receives up to 6-channel of audio inputs and outputs via a Dante network— the audio inputs can support not only the line input but also the dynamic and condenser microphones at the same time. Additionally, the device can also provide condenser microphones with 48V Phantom power supply. With its built-in PoE (Power over Ethernet), the VE66DTH can be powered by a compatible PSE device through Ethernet cable. Moreover, the VE66DTH provides flexible audio capability with audio de-embedding and embedding. It can de-embed HDMI stereo audio signals to the Dante networking system and embed Dante audio signals into the HDMI output.
The VE66DTH is tailor-made to a wide range of environments, such as conference centers, concert halls, entertainment facilities or wherever that requires implantation of Dante-based professional audio devices for extended and flexible networked AV applications. Users of the VE66DTH can benefit from improved system performance, reduction in cabling and more to installations of all sizes.

Features

Features Dante™ networked audio interface – a complete audio networking solution that distributes uncompressed, multi-channel audio transmission via standard Ethernet networks, with near-zero latency and perfect synchronization
Integrates up to 6-channel balanced mono audio Line/Mic input signals onto a Dante-enabled audio system and supports both dynamic and condenser microphones
Provides 48V Phantom power supply to condenser microphones
AES67 support
Easy to use and set up – The user can use “Dante Controller” for the simple setup
Delivers up to 6-channel balanced mono audio Line outputs from the Dante network to the audio system
Supports HDMI input with HDCP 2.2 compliant— the HDMI input can de-embed HDMI stereo audio to the Dante network
Supports HDMI local output—the VE66DTH can embed the Dante audio into HDMI output
Supports PoE – power can be supplied by a compatible PSE device through an Ethernet cable

Planning the Installation

Requirements
Prepare the following before installing the VE66DTH unit:
- 1 HDMI source device
- 1 HDMI display
- 1 to 6 Audio source
- 1 Audio mixer amplifier & speaker
- 1 Cat 5e/6/6a, ATEN 2L-2801 Cat 5e, or ATEN 2L-2910 Cat 6 cable
Considerations
- The maximum transmission distance varies at different parts of the transmission:
- Audio
- Phantom power is used with condenser microphones. Dynamic microphones and line input do not require power.
- To avoid damaging your unbalanced dynamic microphones and line input, do not turn on the phantom power on your VE66DTH. Verify whether your condenser microphones will safely operate at +48V DC.
- Make sure the +48V phantom power is off when you connect a line level source.
- Make sure the condenser microphones are connected before turning on the phantom power on your VE66DTH.

Components

VE66DTH Front View
VE66DTH Rear View

Hardware Setup

Please review the safety information regarding the placement of this device in Safety Instructions, page 27.
Do not power on the VE66DTH until all the necessary hardware is connected.

Rack Mounting the VE66DTH Unit

Rack Mounting
Use the VE-RMK 1U Rack Mount Kit to rack-mount the VE66DTH. For more information about this accessory, go to www.aten.com/products For convenience and flexibility, the VE66DTH can be mounted on system racks. To rack mount a unit, follow the steps below.

Screw the mounting bracket into the bottom of the unit as shown in the diagram below.
Screw the bracket into any convenient location on the rack.
Note: The screws are not provided. We recommend that you use M5 x 12 Philips Type I cross, recessed type screws.

Connecting the VE66DTH Unit
Follow the steps below to connect the VE66DTH to audio and HDMI sources, an HDMI display, and other controls as required.

Ground the VE66DTH by connecting one end of a grounding wire to the ground terminal and the other end to a suitable grounded object.
Note: Do not omit this step. Proper grounding helps to prevent damage to the unit from power surges or static electricity.
Use an HDMI cable to connect an HDMI source to the HDMI input port.
(a) Use an HDMI cable to connect an HDMI-enabled display.
(b) The HDMI output audio could be selected by DIP switch from local HDMI input, Dante audio input, or mute.
Note: The HDMI output will be terminated if the local HDMI input is unplugged or without any input signal.
(a) Connect up to six audio input devices to the mic/line input ports. The
audio mic/line inputs status LEDs light solid when the audio input channel is active. See Connecting Balanced Inputs Source and Output Device and Connecting Unbalanced Input Source and Output Device, page 12 for more information.
(b) Optionally turn on the pre-amp or Phantom power by DIP switch in front of the device per channel.
Connect up to 6 audio output devices (e.g, speaker, audio mixer, or amplifier) to the line output ports. The audio line outputs status LEDs lights solid when the audio output channel is active. See Connecting Balanced Inputs Source and Output Device and Connecting Unbalanced Input Source and Output Device, page 12 for more information.
To allow Dante audio over IP matrix and extension application, use an Ethernet cable to connect the Dante link port to a network switch. The Dante link LED lights solid orange when the connection is stable.
(Optional) Plug the power adapter cable into the power jack on the VE66DTH. The VE66DTH can be powered on via an Ethernet cable if the Dante link port (Ethernet) is connected to a PoE network switch. The power LED lights solid green when the power supply is stable.
Note: The VE66DTH prioritizes the power supply from the power adapter when the power adapter is plugged in. If you wish to power the unit through an Ethernet cable, unplug the Power Adapter cable from the power jack on the VE66DTH.
Power on all the connected devices.

Connecting Balanced Inputs Source and Output Device
When connecting a balanced input source or output device, make sure to connect

Positive pin to the +, – Negative pin to the -, and Ground pin to the GND as illustrated below.

Connecting Unbalanced Input Source and Output Device
When connecting an unbalanced input source or output device, make sure to connect + Positive pin to the +, and Ground pin to the GND as illustrated below.

Operation

Operating the VE66DTH over an IP LAN
The VE66DTH is operated over an IP LAN. Setting up the units on a network allows point to- point, point-to-multipoint, and multipoint-to-multipoint computer to console operation by connecting multiple VE66DTH or Dante built-in devices on the same IP LAN. User can download the Dante Controller to the setup from the ATEN VE66DTH product page or the Audinate official website below. http://www.audinate.com/products/software/dante-controller?lang=en

Firmware Upgrades
The purpose of the Windows-based Firmware Upgrade Utility is to provide an easy process for upgrading the VE66DTH. The program comes as part of a Firmware Upgrade Package that is specific for each device. As new firmware versions become available, new firmware upgrade packages are posted on our website. Check the website regularly to find the latest information and packages.

Downloading the Firmware Upgrade Package
To download the firmware upgrade package, follow the steps below.

Go to the download link below: https://www.aten.com/global/en/supportcenter/downloads/
Type in VE66DTH in the field below “Download materials for other products” and press OK.
Choose the firmware upgrade package that you wish to install (usually the most recent) and download it to your computer.

Starting the Upgrade
There are two subsystems that needed to be upgraded for the VE66DTH. To upgrade the firmware of your VE66DTH, follow the steps below.

For the first subsystem, upgrade the VE66DTH with firmware VE66DTH_upgrade_V1.0.0XX.img using Web GUI or Firmware Upgrade Tool.
- Web GUI: The VE66DTH’s firmware can be upgraded through the VE66DTH’s Web GUI. To upgrade the firmware of your VE66DTH through the Web GUI, see Upgrading the Firmware, page 19.
- Firmware Upgrade Tool: The VE66DTH’s firmware can be upgraded through the Firmware Upgrade Tool. To upgrade the firmware of your VE66DTH through the Firmware Upgrade Tool, download the Firmware Upgrade Tool from our website. For detailed steps, see Firmware Upgrade Tool, page 15.
For the second subsystem, upgrade the Dante Module with firmware dante_V1.0.0XX.dnt using the Dante Firmware Update Manager. For more details, see Dante Firmware Update Manager, page 14.

Dante Firmware Update Manager
The Dante Module is controlled by the Dante Controller. For more details and to download the Dante Controller, refer to the Audinate official website below. http://www.my.audinate.com/products/software/dante-controller
To upgrade the firmware of your VE66DTH through the Dante Firmware Update Manager, download the Dante Firmware Update Manager from the Audinate offical website below. http://www.my.audinate.com/latest-firmware-update-manager
For more details on how to use the Audinate Dante Firmware Update Manger, refer to the user guide below. http://www.my.audinate.com/system/files/release/AUD-MAN- Firmware_Update_Manager-v2.7.pdf

Firmware Upgrade Tool

Go to the download link below: https://www.aten.com/global/en/supportcenter/downloads/
Type in VE66DTH in the field below “Download materials for other products” and press OK.
Scroll down the page to find Firmware upgrade tool zip file under “Software & Drivers”. Click the file to download.
Unzip and execute the downloaded Firmware Upgrade Tool.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install the Firmware Upgrade Tool.
Execute the Firmware Upgrade Tool and wait for the scanning to finish.
Select your VE66DTH from the device list and follow the on-screen instructions to upgrade the firmware.

Web GUI
The ATEN VE66DTH can be remotely configured via web GUI, accessed through a web browser and allows you to perform firmware upgrade, upload SSL certificates, and setup access control for IP Installer.

Looking Up the Login IP Address
Follow the steps below to download IP Installer utility, and use the utility to look up the IP address of your VE66DTH.

Go to the download link below: https://www.aten.com/global/en/supportcenter/downloads/
Type in VE66DTH in the field below “Download materials for other products” and press OK.
Scroll down the page to find IP Installer zip file under “Software & Drivers”. Click the file to download.
Unzip and execute the downloaded IP Installer. The Network Device IP Installer screen appears.
Click Enumerate to search for ATEN devices in the network. The detected devices are shown in the Device List.
Use the IP address of VE66DTH to log into the web GUI for a firmware upgrade.
Note: The VE66DTH will not be discovered by the IP Installer if the Access Control is set to Disable. See Access Control, page 24.

Logging In
On a computer with web access, open a web browser and type the IP address you obtained using IP Installer Utility. This screen appears.

Upgrading the Firmware
To upgrade the firmware of your VE66DTH, follow the steps below.

From the VE66DTH’s web GUI, select System.
The System page appears.
Check the VE66DTH you wish to upgrade, or check Select All to upgrade all the VE66DTHs in the network, then click Choose File.
Select the downloaded firmware file and click Open.
Click Upload to begin to firmware upgrade.
Wait for the firmware upgrade process to finish.
The VE66DTH will reboot itself after the firmware upgrade has been completed.
Now the VE66DTH has rebooted, and the firmware upgrade was successful.

Uploading SSL Certificate
To secure the audio output and sessions for the VE66DTH, you can apply SSL encryption.
Note: Before you begin to encrypt SSL, you are required to purchase an SSL certificate from a trusted certificate authority and save the files to a computer with access to the VE66DTH’s web interface.
To upload an SSL certificate, follow the steps below.

From the System page, select Upload SSL Certificate. This screen appears.
Select Choose File under Certificate to upload the SSL certificate.
Select Choose File under Private Key to upload the SSL private key.
Click Upload.
- If the SSL certificate have not been configured, a warning message appears every time you enter the VE66DTH’s web GUI. Click Advanced and select Proceed to with IP address.

Access Control
Access control allows you to set the accessibility for the IP Installer to discover the VE66DTH in your local network. To allow the installed VE66DTH to be discovered by the IP Installer, follow the steps below.

From the System page, select Access Control. This screen appears.
Select Enable and click Apply.
- Enable: Allows the VE66DTH to be configured, and discovered by the IP Installer.
- Disable: Disallows the VE66DTH to be discovered by the IP Installer.
- View Only: Only allows the VE66DTH to be discovered by the IP Installer.

Converting Analog Signal into Dante™ Signal
Please refer the diagram below to convert an analog signal into a Dante™ signal.

Note: The VE66DTH is used to integrate up to 6 analog LINE signals into a Dante™ networking system.
Please refer the diagram below to convert a Dante™ signal into an analog signal.

Note: Via the VE66DTH, audio speakers and amplifiers that do not support Dante™ networked audio interface can be integrated into a Dante™ networking system.

Dante Interface Transceiver
The VE66DTH can be used as a Dante Interface as a transmitter and a receiver. When used as a transmitter, it connects audio inputs devices to the Dante network. When used as a receiver, it extends the audio output with non-Dante implemented audio mixer and amplifier.

Safety Instructions

General

This product is for indoor use only.
Read all of these instructions. Save them for future reference.
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the device.
Do not place the device on any unstable surface (cart, stand, table, etc.). If the device falls, serious damage will result.
Do not use the device near water.
Do not place the device near, or over, radiators or heat registers.
The device cabinet is provided with slots and openings to allow for adequate ventilation. To ensure reliable operation, and to protect against overheating, these openings must never be blocked or covered.
The device should never be placed on a soft surface (bed, sofa, rug, etc.) as this will block its ventilation openings. Likewise, the device should not be placed in a built in enclosure unless adequate ventilation has been provided.
Never spill liquid of any kind on the device.
Unplug the device from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
The device should be operated from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power company.
To prevent damage to your installation all devices must be properly grounded.
Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord or cables. Route the power cord and cables so that they cannot be stepped on or tripped over.
Position system cables and power cables carefully; Be sure that nothing rests on any cables.
Never push objects of any kind into or through cabinet slots. They may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts resulting in a risk of fire or electrical shock.
Do not attempt to service the device yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
If the following conditions occur, unplug the device from the wall outlet and bring it to qualified service personnel for repair.
- The power cord or plug has become damaged or frayed.
- Liquid has been spilled into the device.
- The device has been exposed to rain or water.
- The device has been dropped, or the cabinet has been damaged.
- The device exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service.
- The device does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed.
Only adjust those controls that are covered in the operating instructions. Improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage that will require extensive work by a qualified technician to repair.

Rack Mounting

Before working on the rack, make sure that the stabilizers are secured to the rack, extended to the floor, and that the full weight of the rack rests on the floor. Install front and side stabilizers on a single rack or front stabilizers for joined multiple racks before working on the rack.
Always load the rack from the bottom up, and load the heaviest item in the rack first.
Make sure that the rack is level and stable before extending a device from the rack.
Use caution when pressing the device rail release latches and sliding a device into or out of a rack; the slide rails can pinch your fingers.
After a device is inserted into the rack, carefully extend the rail into a locking position, and then slide the device into the rack.
Do not overload the AC supply branch circuit that provides power to the rack. The total rack load should not exceed 80 percent of the branch circuit rating.
Make sure that all equipment used on the rack – including power strips and other electrical connectors – is properly grounded.
Ensure that proper airflow is provided to devices in the rack.
Ensure that the operating ambient temperature of the rack environment does not exceed the maximum ambient temperature specified for the equipment by the manufacturer.
Do not step on or stand on any device when servicing other devices in a rack.

Technical Support

International
- For online technical support – including troubleshooting, documentation, and software updates: http://support.aten.com
- For telephone support, see Telephone Support, page xii:
North America
Email Support [email protected]
Online Technical Support: Troubleshooting Documentation Software Updates http://www.aten-usa.com/support
Telephone Support 1-888-999-ATEN ext 4988

When you contact us, please have the following information ready beforehand:

Product model number, serial number, and date of purchase.
Your computer configuration, including operating system, revision level, expansion cards, and software.
Any error messages displayed at the time the error occurred.
The sequence of operations that led up to the error.
Any other information you feel may be of help.

Specifications

ATEN Standard Warranty Policy

Limited Hardware Warranty
ATEN warrants its hardware in the country of purchase against flaws in materials and workmanship for a Warranty Period of two [2] years (warranty period may vary in certain regions/countries) commencing on the date of original purchase. This warranty period includes the LCD panel of ATEN LCD KVM switches. For UPS products, the device warranty is two [2] years but the battery is one [1] year. Select products are warranted for an additional year (see A+ Warranty for further details). Cables and accessories are not covered by the Standard Warranty.

What is covered by the Limited Hardware Warranty
ATEN will provide a repair service, without charge, during the Warranty Period. If a product is a detective, ATEN will, at its discretion, have the option to (1) repair said product with new or repaired components, or (2) replace the entire product with an identical product or with a similar product that fulfills the same function as the defective product. Replaced products assume the warranty of the original product for the remaining period or a period of 90 days, whichever is longer. When the products or components are replaced, the replacing articles shall become customer property and the replaced articles shall become the property of ATEN.
To learn more about our warranty policies, please visit our website: http://www.aten.com/global/en/legal/policies/warranty-policy

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Released: 2023-09-18
ATEN and the ATEN logo are registered trademarks of ATEN International Co., Ltd. All rights reserved. All other brand names and trademarks are the registered property of their respective owners.