Dante carries digital audio over a wired network. Power over Ethernet (PoE) can supply power over the network cable when the speaker and power source are compatible. Understanding those two separate jobs is the first step to choosing a networked ceiling or pendant system.
1. Dante, PoE and 70V do different jobs
| Term | What it means for your purchase | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Dante | The audio transport and routing between compatible devices. | The source can transmit Dante and the speakers can receive the required channels. |
| PoE | Electrical power delivered through Ethernet cabling. | Supported standard, power required per port and the switch’s total budget. |
| 70V | An amplified speaker-line connection for compatible passive speakers. | A matching amplifier output and transformer tap-load calculation. |
Dante can be useful when several areas need flexible routing or the system must connect to other networked audio equipment. For a straightforward shared background-music system, compare the overall equipment and setup with a 70V system. A network connection is not automatically the simplest choice for a small room.
2. Build the complete signal path
- Audio source: use a Dante-capable mixer, processor, interface or suitable computer software. Check how your music or paging source will enter the network.
- Network: use the manufacturer’s wired-network requirements and coordinate configuration with whoever manages the site’s network.
- Speaker power: verify the supported PoE arrangement for the exact model. Some SoundTube IPD models also support an external DC supply; that does not mean a supply is included.
- Routing and control: plan device naming, audio subscriptions, levels and zones during setup. Keep a record of the finished configuration.
Audinate explains routing with Dante Controller and why Dante audio requires a wired network. Controller configures audio routes; it does not replace an audio source.
3. Check PoE compatibility and budget
Check both the power available at each switch port and the total power budget across all connected devices. A switch with enough ports may still lack enough power for the full system. The speaker’s supported standard and the manufacturer-approved switch or injector arrangement matter as well as the wattage.
For SoundTube IPD equipment, consult the exact model’s manual for PoE/PoE+, STNet and any external-power options. Do not assume that a higher-wattage PoE++ specification makes a switch arrangement suitable. Confirm compatibility and the available speaker output under the selected power method before ordering.
4. Count endpoints as well as speakers
A kit can contain a networked master plus passive satellite speakers. That gives you several physical speakers without making each one a separate network endpoint. Check how many independently routed audio channels the complete kit supports.
Kit and channel references: SoundTube kit contents and IPD4 master speaker details.
5. Models to compare
- SoundTube IPD-CM62-BGM-II-WH — an individual Dante ceiling speaker to compare for a networked installation.
- SoundTube IPD4-CM62-KIT — a master-and-satellite option when its channel arrangement matches your coverage plan.
- SoundTube IPD4-CM62-BGM-II-WH master — the master speaker sold separately; additional passive speakers are not included in that individual listing.
Common Dante and PoE questions
Will plugging the speaker into a router make music play?
No. The system still needs a compatible audio source, a valid route to the speaker and sufficient compatible power. Network connectivity alone does not provide the program audio.
Can I play audio from a computer?
Yes, with an appropriate Dante software or hardware path and correct routing. Confirm software support and any required licenses before buying. Audinate’s Dante Via routing example illustrates one option.
Is a networked speaker also a pendant or ceiling speaker?
It can be either. Choose the physical mounting style for the room, then confirm that the exact model has the network and power features your design needs. See the pendant buying guide for open ceilings.
Let’s narrow down your options
Send the intended audio source, switch make and model, available power budget, number of listening zones, ceiling type and speaker locations. We can help compare individual speakers with master-and-satellite kits.