Guide

Dante Controller User Guide

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InDDMNetworks

In DDMnetworks, each Dante domain typically uses its own special clocking domain (except in the case

of audio sharing between domains, when multiple Dante domains will share the same clock domain).

About Master Clocks

The Dante network master clock (often also referred to as the 'Grand Master'), is displayed at all times in

the center of the toolbar of the Network View. This is the device that is providing the time sync source for

all devices on the network.

If multiple clock domains are in use, the master clock for each domain is shown, in a comma-separated

list.

The master clock is chosen automatically through an election process, though there are user configurable

parameters that allow prioritization of some devices in the master clock election. Configuring a device to

have an external word clock source will force that device to become master clock, unless another device

has 'Preferred Master' set.

Checking the 'Preferred Master' flag will always result in that device (or the device with the lowest MAC

address, if more than one device has been checked) becoming master clock for that domain.

Note: If the master clock device is not directly visible to Dante Controller (for example, if the master

clock device is for some reason only connected to the secondary network, and Dante Controller is

only connected to the primary network), the 'Master Clock' display in the toolbar may show a

MACaddress string, instead of the device name.

Clock Status Monitoring

Dante devices are monitored by Dante Controller to establish the status of their clock synchronization with

the Dante network master clock.

There are two levels of monitoring: 'passive' and 'active'.

In passive mode, Dante Controller will report if a clock loses sync (or regains sync) with the master clock.

In active mode, Dante Controller will

also

report if a clock is showing signs of instability. If a device clock

is significantly unstable, it can lose sync with the master clock, which will result in the device being

automatically muted.

Why would a device clock be unstable?

There are a range of network conditions that can interfere with a device’s clock stability. These include:

n A switch on the network is configured to use Energy Efficient Ethernet ('Green Ethernet') func-

tionality

n A 100 Mb switch or link is present where a Gigabit connection is required

n One or more switches are incorrectly configured

n A 'problematic' external word clock is being used as the master clock

Refer to the Dante FAQs for more information.