The Allen & Heath AB168 (AH-AB-168) is a portable 16-in, 8-out remote AudioRack for Allen & Heath Qu, SQ, Avantis, and AHM systems. It connects over a single Cat5 cable using dSNAKE and can sit up to 100m from the mixer.
Allen & Heath AB168 Features
- 16 mic preamps on XLR. Sixteen XLR mic/line preamps offer up to +60dB of gain, a -20dB pad for line sources, and a phantom power LED on every input.
- 8 XLR line outputs. Eight XLR line outputs carry monitor sends, main feeds, or zone outputs back out on stage. They are routed from the mixer soft patch.
- Single Cat5 to the mixer. dSNAKE runs audio and preamp control over one Cat5 cable up to 100m, and every preamp is scene recallable from the mixer.
- Second port for expansion. A second locking EtherCON port daisy-chains to another compatible expander or connects an ME personal mixing system.
- Built for the stage floor. Hard-wearing rubber bumpers and a sturdy carry handle let the 4.8kg AB168 sit right on the stage floor during shows.
- Automatic firmware updates. Firmware updates are handled automatically when the AB168 connects to the mixer, so there is no separate setup step.
Where the AB168 Fits
Live stages: Put preamps on stage and run one Cat5 to the mixer.
Houses of worship and schools: A portable box for platforms, choirs, and classrooms.
Rental: Rugged bumpers and a handle for frequent moves.
Why not buy this Allen & Heath AB168 Portable AudioRack today?
Allen & Heath AB168 Specifications
- Model: AB168
- Manufacturer part number: AH-AB-168
- Type: Portable remote AudioRack (dSNAKE)
- Inputs: 16x XLR mic/line, phantom LED per input
- Outputs: 8x XLR line
- Connection: dSNAKE over Cat5, up to 100m, locking EtherCON
- Expansion port: Second locking EtherCON for daisy-chain or ME personal mixing
- Sample rate: 48kHz
- Power: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz, 40W max, IEC
- Operating temperature: 5 to 35 C
- Mounting: Floor or tabletop; optional 4U rack kit (AB-168-RK19)
- Weight: 4.8 kg (10.6 lb)
- Warranty: 1-year limited manufacturer warranty
- UPC: 6938122241381
What's in the Box
- 1 x Allen & Heath AB168
Allen & Heath has not published a full packing list for the AB168 on the official pages cited for this listing. Call 833-WOLFPACK (833-965-3722) if you need the complete accessory list.
Why not buy this Allen & Heath AB168 Portable AudioRack today?
The AB168 user manual will be posted here soon. Need it now? Call 833-WOLFPACK (833-965-3722) and we'll email it to you.
Why not buy this Allen & Heath AB168 Portable AudioRack today?
Allen & Heath AB168 Q&A
Which mixers work with the AB168?
Which mixers work with the AB168?
Allen & Heath lists the AB168 as compatible with Avantis, SQ / SQ+, AHM, and Qu Classic systems.
How far can the AB168 be from the mixer?
How far can the AB168 be from the mixer?
The AB168 can be placed up to 100m from the mixer or upstream expander over a single Cat5 cable.
Does the AB168 have phantom power?
Does the AB168 have phantom power?
Yes. The AB168 preamps support phantom power, with a phantom power LED on each input.
Can I rack mount the AB168?
Can I rack mount the AB168?
Yes. An optional 4U rack mounting kit, the AB-168-RK19, is available for 19-inch racks.
Can I connect ME personal mixers to the AB168?
Can I connect ME personal mixers to the AB168?
Yes. The second EtherCON port can connect to an ME personal mixing system or daisy-chain another compatible expander.
Does the AB168 run at 96kHz?
Does the AB168 run at 96kHz?
No. The AB168 is a 48kHz AudioRack. Allen & Heath's DX and GX expanders run at 96kHz.
Are the AB168 preamps recallable?
Are the AB168 preamps recallable?
Yes. The Ethernet protocol gives the mixer control of the remote preamps, and all mic preamps are scene recallable.
How much does the Allen & Heath AB168 weigh?
How much does the Allen & Heath AB168 weigh?
The AB168 weighs 4.8 kg (10.6 lb) according to Allen & Heath's official specifications.
Is the AB168 a good stage box for an SQ mixer?
Is the AB168 a good stage box for an SQ mixer?
Yes. The AB168 adds 16 inputs and 8 outputs to an SQ over one Cat5 cable, and Allen & Heath lists SQ / SQ+ as compatible.
Does the Allen & Heath AB168 come with a warranty?
Does the Allen & Heath AB168 come with a warranty?
Yes. Allen & Heath lists a 1-year limited manufacturer warranty for the AB168, starting from the original purchase by the end user. Call 833-WOLFPACK (833-965-3722) if you have warranty questions.
Where can I buy the Allen & Heath AB168 in the USA?
Where can I buy the Allen & Heath AB168 in the USA?
You can buy the Allen & Heath AB168 (AH-AB-168) from HDTV Supply at hdtvsupply.com. Call 833-WOLFPACK (833-965-3722) if you want help choosing the right Allen & Heath model or accessories.
Why not buy this Allen & Heath AB168 Portable AudioRack today?
HDTV Supply supplies Allen & Heath digital mixers, I/O expanders, and accessories for live sound, houses of worship, schools, and installed AV.
Allen & Heath lists it as compatible with Avantis, SQ / SQ+, AHM, and Qu Classic systems.
Why not buy this Allen & Heath AB168 Portable AudioRack today?
This Allen & Heath AB168 is covered by Allen & Heath's limited manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for one (1) year from the original purchase by the end user, as listed on the official Allen & Heath warranty policy. Questions? Call 833-WOLFPACK (833-965-3722).
