What AES67 is, and why use it here
AES67 is an industry standard for high-performance audio over IP. Its purpose is interoperability: it gives networked audio systems from different manufacturers a common way to send and receive audio. In a room that combines Crestron NVX video distribution with Biamp audio processing, it can carry audio between the two over the same network, instead of de-embedding it from video and converting it to analog.
This guide is a planning checklist, not a configuration manual. Exact settings vary by product and firmware, so always confirm details in each manufacturer's current documentation.
AES67 and Dante are not the same thing
Dante is Audinate's networked audio system. AES67 is an open standard. Many Dante devices can run in an AES67 mode so they can exchange audio with other systems, and on some devices that mode must be switched on and the device restarted. If every device in a project is Dante, use Dante. AES67 earns its place when you are connecting different ecosystems.
Planning checklist
1. Clocking
AES67 devices share a common clock using Precision Time Protocol (PTP). Decide which device or switch will be the clock leader and make sure every AES67 device follows it. Mixed or competing clocks are a common cause of dropouts and clicks.
2. Network design
- Use managed switches with enough capacity for audio and video on the same network.
- For multicast streams, configure IGMP snooping and an IGMP querier so streams only reach the ports that need them.
- Prefer switches with good PTP support, and use VLANs and quality-of-service settings that follow each manufacturer's guidance.
- Plan for NVX video traffic, which can be substantial, so audio does not compete with it.
3. Audio format
Agree on a sample rate and packet time that every device in the chain supports, and keep them consistent. Mismatched settings are a frequent reason for streams that connect but will not play cleanly.
4. Stream setup and discovery
Decide how streams will be created and discovered, whether by announcement or by exchanging stream descriptions manually. Know each device's limit on the number of streams it can send and receive before you design the signal flow.
5. Firmware and documentation
Confirm that every device is on a firmware version that supports the AES67 features you rely on. Record stream names, multicast addresses and the clock source so the next person can maintain the system.
Testing before handover
- Verify that every device is locked to the same clock.
- Play audio continuously and listen for dropouts, clicks or drift.
- Test under realistic network load, with NVX video running.
- Reboot a switch and a device, and confirm the system recovers on its own.
- Make a real conference call from the room.
When not to use it
If a room has a handful of sources and the DSP sits next to them, a few analog or direct digital connections may be simpler and perfectly reliable. Audio over IP pays off when there are many rooms or long distances, or when one network should carry everything.
Frequently asked questions
What is AES67?
AES67 is an interoperability standard for audio over IP networks. It lets networked audio equipment from different manufacturers exchange audio streams.
Is AES67 the same as Dante?
No. Dante is a specific networked audio system. Many Dante devices offer an AES67 mode for exchanging audio with other manufacturers' equipment.
Do I need special network switches?
You need managed switches that handle multicast properly, and PTP support helps keep timing stable. We plan the switch configuration with your IT team before installation.
Can AV8 set this up?
Yes. We configure NVX and Biamp audio over AES67 and Dante, and we work with your IT team on the network.