As modern recording and monitoring systems continue to transition toward Audio-over-IP (AoIP) platforms, the choice of network protocol has become a decisive factor in determining performance, stability, and overall audio quality. Among popular standards such as Dante, AES67, and Ravenna, Neumann - a brand synonymous with sonic precision - has taken a distinct path by adopting AES67/Ravenna.
Network Protocols and Their Role in Professional Audio Systems
AoIP enables the transmission of digital audio signals over standard Ethernet networks, replacing traditional analog or digital connections. Its advantages include flexible routing, low latency, and space-efficient setups.
While Dante dominates live sound and fixed installations thanks to its plug-and-play convenience, studio-focused manufacturers like Neumann prioritize open standards that ensure absolute control and transparency - making AES67/Ravenna the ideal choice.
AES67 and Ravenna - Open Standards for Reference-Grade Audio
AES67, developed by the Audio Engineering Society (AES), serves as an open interoperability standard that bridges different AoIP technologies. It allows devices from various ecosystems - even Dante - to communicate seamlessly through a shared protocol.
Ravenna, created by Merging Technologies, is an open framework based on AES67, optimized for studio, broadcast, and post-production environments. Its key advantages include:
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Ultra-low latency, often within microseconds over Gigabit networks
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32-bit / 384 kHz transmission, maintaining full-resolution audio
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Scalable and flexible integration across diverse systems
These qualities make AES67/Ravenna the perfect foundation for reference-accuracy devices like Neumann’s professional lineup.
Dante - Widely Used but Proprietary
There’s no denying that Dante is the most widely adopted AoIP protocol, especially in live and installed sound, due to its ease of setup and intuitive management software.
However, Dante is a proprietary protocol owned by Audinate, requiring licensing fees and limiting scalability. Each device must be certified and operate within a closed ecosystem - preventing manufacturers like Neumann, who value engineering freedom, from fully controlling signal processing and firmware development.
Why Neumann Chose AES67/Ravenna
Open standard and broad compatibility
With AES67/Ravenna, Neumann devices can connect to virtually any AoIP system without proprietary drivers or licenses. Users can still integrate with Dante systems via an AES67 bridge without technical barriers.
Near-zero latency
Ravenna enables sub-millisecond latency, ensuring perfect synchronization - critical for recording, broadcast, and real-time monitoring.
Pure, uncompressed audio
Supporting up to 32-bit / 384 kHz, AES67/Ravenna preserves the original signal integrity - with no conversion, compression, or degradation. This allows Neumann products to deliver their full dynamic range and precision.
Full system control, no third-party dependency
Neumann empowers users to maintain complete control over their setup without restrictions from third-party licensing or firmware limitations. AES67/Ravenna reflects the brand’s philosophy: “by engineers, for engineers.”
Practical Application: Neumann MT 48
The Neumann MT 48, developed in collaboration with Merging Technologies, integrates AES67/Ravenna for seamless connection with Neumann KH 150 AES67 or KH 420 AES67 studio monitors.
This creates a fully digital signal chain, transmitting pristine audio without intermediate AD/DA conversions - resulting in cleaner, time-aligned, ultra-low-latency performance ideal for mixing, mastering, and broadcast environments.
AES67/Ravenna vs. Dante - Quick Comparison
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Criteria
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AES67/Ravenna
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Dante
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Licensing
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Open standard, free
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Proprietary, license required
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Latency
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< 1 ms
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approximately 13 ms
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Audio Quality
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32-bit / 384 kHz
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24-bit / 192 kHz
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System Compatibility
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High, flexible
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Limited to Audinate ecosystem
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Primary Use
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Studio, broadcast, mastering
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Live sound, fixed installations
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Conclusion
Choosing AES67/Ravenna is more than a technical decision - it reflects Neumann’s design philosophy: freedom, precision, and absolute sonic integrity. As the professional audio industry embraces open standards, Neumann stands at the forefront with a flexible, future-ready ecosystem built for uncompromising digital audio performance.
In Vietnam, Hoàng Bảo Khoa is the official distributor of Neumann, where you can experience genuine Neumann MT 48 interfaces and AES67/Ravenna-enabled monitoring systems, with expert consultation and professional technical support.