RØDE, Mackie & Lectrosonics add Dante to future audio gear
RØDE, Mackie and Lectrosonics will integrate Dante technology into their upcoming product ranges as part of a new partnership between their parent company, The Freedman Group, and Audinate.
The collaboration aims to bring Audinate's Dante platform, used for digital audio and video networking, to a broader set of professional audio products, expanding its accessibility for creators and audio professionals worldwide.
Dante technology
Dante is designed to transmit uncompressed, multi-channel digital audio and video with low latency using standard Ethernet connections. It is widely recognised in the industry for its scalable network capabilities, allowing users to route and manage complex audio and video systems efficiently. The technology is used extensively in broadcast studios, live production, content creation and commercial installations.
By integrating Dante, The Freedman Group will enable users of RØDE, Mackie, and Lectrosonics products to access networked audio and video workflows compatible with a wide range of devices. This move is expected to benefit professionals who require flexible, interoperable setups.
Industry perspectives
Peter Freedman AM, Founder of The Freedman Group, said:
"I've known Audinate's CEO, Aidan Williams, for many years, and it's been inspiring to watch Dante grow from a bold idea into a world-leading technology. I'm truly delighted that we can now bring Dante's unmatched networking capabilities to RØDE, Mackie, and Lectrosonics, unlocking exciting new possibilities for today's creators and audio professionals. The Australian Audio Army is set to take over the world!"
Audinate's Dante technology has been adopted by thousands of professional audio and video products globally, known for its ability to deliver robust scalability and system interoperability. These features are valued by users seeking to manage large and complex audio environments with relative ease, regardless of the manufacturer.
Aidan Williams, CEO of Audinate, described the partnership as a significant step for both companies:
"It is a particular pleasure to announce a broad partnership with the Freedman Group, a fellow Australian company with global vision and passion for creating innovative products. Standardising on Dante will give creators and AV professionals seamless interoperability between iconic brands like RØDE, Mackie & Lectrosonics, and with thousands of networked products in the Dante ecosystem."
Product integration
The partnership will see each brand within The Freedman Group incorporating Dante natively into their upcoming products, tailored to meet the specific requirements of their respective markets. The Freedman Group will also develop user interfaces designed to simplify the setup and management of advanced audio networks, aiming to strike a balance between ease of use and the need for professional-grade flexibility and performance.
This development is part of a broader trend within the sector for offering user-centric, networked solutions that reflect contemporary production demands. As more content creators and professionals seek systems that allow for efficient, scalable, and interoperable workflows, manufacturers are looking to standardised platforms as a path forward.
The integration of Dante into the RØDE, Mackie, and Lectrosonics brands is designed to support a range of users, from musicians and broadcasters to studio professionals and live production crews, who require reliable and adaptable audio solutions for various application environments.
The Freedman Group, which employs over 500 people and exports products to more than 120 countries, continues to evolve its portfolio to meet the needs of a growing international customer base. Audinate, with development offices spanning multiple continents, continues to promote Dante as a standard for networked media in professional contexts.
