Hi all. I’ve been running an SQ6 with SQ Dante for a while now, with four DT168s, Dante virtual sound card etc. The SQ Dante takes its clock from the host SQ6 ‘accept clock from external’ and becomes ‘clock leader’ with the network. Everything works fine but I have a question regarding expanding the system.
If I add another SQ6 with SQ Dante (for monitors) should I also set that console to accept clock from its own host SQ6, and then keep the FOH console’s SQ Dante as clock leader, or do I let the 2nd SQ Dante clock itself internally?
As Timot said, there can only be only clock leader. Currently the original SQ is the clock leader for itself and the rest of the Dante network. You’ll want to set up the new SQ to get it’s internal clock from the external Dante card (yes it’s physically mounted in the SQ, but it is technically an external device). Basically the opposite of how the original SQ has it’s clock set up.
Maybe I didn’t articulate myself well enough. I’ve done the Dante level 3 training and I fully understand that there can be only one clock leader. My query was about the clock configuration for the 2nd SQ6.
‘Basically the opposite of how the original SQ has its clock set up.’
As others have said, in a Dante network, there can only be one clock leader. Your job here is to decide which of your Dante devices you want to be the preferred clock leader. The way you decide this is to decide which device is critical to the operation of the entire system - then that device becomes the preferred clock leader.
Once you have set that (using the Dante Controller software), you can pretty much forget about it.
Also, please go through the Dante level 1 and 2 training that Audinate offers for free. This will help clarify your understanding. Dante Certification Program | Dante