Dante Multitrack Recorders

Before you start

A Dante multitrack recorder captures audio from Dante network channels instead of physical microphone inputs. Confirm that the recorder is connected to the same managed network or VLAN as the Dante sources and that the recording computer or hardware has enough free storage for the expected channel count and session length.

Check whether your setup uses a software recorder such as a DAW with Dante Virtual Soundcard or a dedicated hardware recorder. The recording process runs locally on the computer or device connected to the Dante network; Dante audio routing itself requires the network and compatible Dante-enabled devices.

Set all Dante devices to the same sample rate and clock domain before recording. One device normally acts as the clock leader, while other devices follow it. Mixing sample rates or creating multiple clock leaders can cause clicks, dropouts, or failed recording.

Step-by-step instructions

Use a Dante controller application to view transmitters and receivers on the network. For a computer-based recorder, install and enable the Dante audio interface or virtual soundcard, then open the recorder or DAW.

• 1. Open the Dante routing software and confirm that the recorder appears as a receiver.
• 2. Route the required source channels to the recorder inputs. Match source channel numbers to recorder input channels in order.
• 3. In the recorder or DAW, select the Dante interface as the audio device.
• 4. Create a track for each input channel you need to capture, or configure the hardware recorder for the expected channel count.
• 5. Set the session sample rate to match the Dante network sample rate.
• 6. Arm the tracks for recording and check input meters before starting.
• 7. Start recording, then stop and save the session when the capture is complete.

Version and platform differences may affect where routing, device names, and channel labels appear. On hardware recorders, routing is usually configured through the Dante controller, while track naming and file format are set on the recorder itself.

Keep the procedure reversible by saving a routing preset or noting the original transmitter-to-receiver assignments before changing them. Disarm tracks after recording to avoid overwriting or adding unwanted takes.

Check the output

After recording, open the saved files or session and confirm that each expected channel contains audio. Solo each channel during playback to check for silence, distortion, clicks, or channel swap.

Compare file length with the intended recording duration. In a DAW, verify that all clips start at the same timeline position and that the recorded channel count matches the routed input count.

Check the file format and sample rate reported by the recorder. Large multitrack sessions may be split into multiple files or require consolidation before sharing, depending on the recorder model and settings.

Common problems and next steps

If a channel is silent, reopen the Dante routing software and confirm that the source is still routed to the correct recorder input and that the source device is not muted or powered down.

For clicks or timing errors, verify that only one device is the clock leader and that all devices share the same sample rate. If the recorder supports clock status display, check for sync errors or follower devices reporting a problem.

If the computer-based recorder does not list the Dante interface, confirm that the virtual soundcard or driver is running and that the recording application was opened after enabling it. Some applications only detect audio devices at launch.

When routing changes do not appear, refresh the device list in the Dante controller and wait for the network to finish updating. Do not repeatedly re-route the same channels without checking the current subscription state.

For a hardware recorder, consult the manufacturer instructions for media formatting, file splitting, and firmware-specific channel limits. Unsupported media or outdated firmware can prevent recording even when Dante routing looks correct.