Audinate has revealed the launch of Dante Ready, a licensing programme that empowers end-users to add channels of Dante audio to supported products in the field. The first deployment is with K-array on its new Kommander, Thunder and Mugello amplifiers that will be showcased at InfoComm 2022 (booth #W3138) in Las Vegas.
According to Audinate Senior Product Manager, Laurence Crew, the early adoption of Dante Ready by one of the most ambitious and innovative brands in professional audio underscores the commercial potential of customer activated Dante channels. “We are truly excited about the possibilities that Dante Ready enables for manufacturers and customers alike, giving them the flexibility to add Dante channels and features when they need them. As one of the most innovative companies in the AV industry, K-array is the perfect partner to launch this revolutionary new service,” he said.
Dante Ready is available for devices built using the Dante Embedded Platform, a software implementation of Dante audio designed for Linux-based audio appliances.
Dante Ready lets customers activate Dante as software online while devices are in the field, purchasing only as many channels of Dante audio as they require — from 2×2 to 64×64. Once activated, the product license never expires and can be expanded as needed through later purchases. All purchases are routed through Audinate’s secure payment system.
The Kommander Series amplifiers are a new chapter for K-array boasting cloud-based technologies thanks to the Integrated Electronic Brain on board each amp, coinciding with the launch of Dante Ready. More than a traditional DSP, the built-in microelectronics driven by the integrated operating system feature expansive sound processing and complete user control over the system performance: Volumes, Signal Routing, Presets as well as a complete USB player, are directly manageable from the device via a mobile app and dedicated professional interface.
“To be the first to use Audiante’s Dante Ready activation is a great privilege. Every aspect of K-array’s experience and expertise has been poured into the Kommander,” said K-array President, Alessandro Tatini. “Our all-new, High-Performance amplifiers deliver all of the performance and dynamic excellence for which K-array is renowned, with the additional benefit of cloud-based technologies to extend the possibilities. This is for our customers who will appreciate and enjoy having complete control of K-array speakers.”