The Allen & Heath DX168 (AH-DX168) is a rugged 16-in / 8-out 96kHz expander for adding remote I/O to a dLive, Avantis, SQ, or 96kHz Qu system, or to an AHM audio matrix processor. It offers 16 mic preamps and 8 line outputs in a portable stagebox, with an optional 4U rack-mount kit.
Each of the 16 XLR inputs has a fully recallable preamp with +60dB of gain, a -20dB pad for line-level sources, and a phantom power indicator. The 8 XLR outputs are balanced and relay protected. The unit connects over a single Cat5e cable to the mixer or to an upstream DX expander, using a locking EtherCon port, and can be placed up to 100m away.
A second locking EtherCon port supports a redundant connection to compatible hardware, or daisy-chaining to a downstream DX expander. A mechanical switch selects redundant or cascade mode. Firmware updates are handled automatically by the mixer, so there is no configuration step at the expander itself. Official weight in the technical datasheet is 4.6 kg (10.1 lbs). The product page text lists 4.8 kg. This listing uses the datasheet figure.
Allen & Heath DX168 Features
- 16 mic preamps and 8 line outputs. The DX168 provides 16 balanced XLR mic/line inputs with fully recallable preamps, +48V phantom power indication on each socket, and a -20dB pad, plus 8 balanced, relay-protected XLR line outputs at a nominal +4dBu.
- 96kHz expander for multiple Allen & Heath systems. The official product page lists compatibility with dLive, Avantis, SQ, or Qu (96kHz Qu models only), and with AHM audio matrix processors. The technical datasheet overview lists dLive, Avantis, SQ, and AHM-64.
- Redundant or cascade Ethernet connection. DX A is the locking EtherCon connection to the mixing system. DX B can run in redundant mode for a second path to compatible hardware, or in cascade mode to daisy-chain a second DX expander on one cable. A mechanical switch selects the mode.
- Built for the stage, or for the rack. Rubber bumpers let you set the expander on the stage floor, and a sturdy carry handle helps when you move it. It can sit horizontally or vertically. An optional 4U 19-inch rack kit (AB1608-RK19) is available, and a padded carry case is offered as part number AP9932.
- Plug-and-play, with automatic firmware updates. Allen & Heath states that no configuration is required at the expander: connect it to the mixer and it is ready. Unit firmware is updated automatically when the expander is connected to the mixing system, and preamp gain, pad, and phantom power are recalled with mixer scenes.
- Up to 100m on a single Cat5e cable. Allen & Heath states the DX168 can be placed up to 100m away and connects on a single Cat5e cable to a locking EtherCon port. That lets you put 16 preamps and 8 outputs next to the performers rather than at the mixer.
- Mains powered, with documented analogue limits. The DX168 has a built-in PSU, 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz, 35W maximum, with an IEC inlet. Official input sensitivity is -60 to +15dBu, with analogue gain +5 to +60dB in 1dB steps, a -20dB active pad, and a maximum input level of +30dBu with the pad in.
- Datasheet weight of 4.6 kg (10.1 lbs). The official technical datasheet lists 410 x 190 x 185 mm (16.1 x 7.5 x 7.3 in) and 4.6 kg (10.1 lbs). The product page text lists 4.8 kg. This listing uses the datasheet figure.
Where the DX168 Fits
Stage I/O for dLive, Avantis, SQ, and AHM systems: Put 16 preamps and 8 outputs next to the performers, up to 100m from the mixer on a single Cat5e cable.
Portable and rental racks: At 4.6 kg (10.1 lbs) with a carry handle and optional padded bag, the DX168 is sized for techs who move I/O between rooms or venues.
Growing a compact mixer: On an SQ or 96kHz Qu system, a DX168 adds patchable 96kHz mic preamps so you can use more of the mixer's input channels from analogue sources.
Why not buy this Allen & Heath DX168 Stage Box today?
Allen & Heath DX168 Specifications
- Model: DX168
- Manufacturer part number: AH-DX168
- Type: 16-in / 8-out 96kHz portable I/O expander (stagebox)
- Sample rate: 96kHz
- Inputs: 16 balanced XLR mic/line, +48V phantom power, phantom LED per socket, fully recallable preamps
- Input sensitivity / gain: -60 to +15dBu; analogue gain +5 to +60dB in 1dB steps; -20dB active pad; maximum input level +30dBu with pad in
- Outputs: 8 balanced XLR line outputs, relay protected; nominal +4dBu; maximum output +22dBu; output impedance <75 ohms
- Mic EIN: -127dB with a 150 ohm source
- Network ports: DX A and DX B locking EtherCon; redundant or cascade mode selected by a mechanical switch
- Cable distance: Up to 100m from the mixer on Cat5e
- Compatibility: dLive, Avantis, SQ, 96kHz Qu models, and AHM audio matrix processors (datasheet overview also lists AHM-64)
- Power: Built-in PSU, 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz, 35W maximum, IEC inlet
- Operating temperature: 0 to 35°C (32 to 95°F)
- Construction: Steel chassis, rubber bumpers, carry handle; optional 4U 19-inch rack kit AB1608-RK19; optional padded case AP9932
- Dimensions: 410 x 190 x 185 mm (16.1 x 7.5 x 7.3 in)
- Weight (technical datasheet): 4.6 kg (10.1 lbs). The product page text lists 4.8 kg. This listing uses the datasheet figure.
- UPC: 6938122246966
What's in the Box
- 1 x Allen & Heath DX168 16-in / 8-out stage box
Allen & Heath has not published a full packing list for the DX168 on the official product page or technical datasheet cited for this listing. Call 833-WOLFPACK (833-965-3722) if you need the complete accessory list.
Why not buy this Allen & Heath DX168 Stage Box today?
The DX168 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 DX168 Stage Box today?
Allen & Heath DX168 Stage Box Q&A
Does the DX168 work with dLive, Avantis, SQ, 96kHz Qu, and AHM systems?
Does the DX168 work with dLive, Avantis, SQ, 96kHz Qu, and AHM systems?
Yes. The official DX168 product page lists dLive, Avantis, SQ, or Qu (96kHz Qu models only), and AHM audio matrix processors. The technical datasheet overview lists dLive, Avantis, SQ, and AHM-64.
Can I place the DX168 up to 100m from the mixer on Cat5e?
Can I place the DX168 up to 100m from the mixer on Cat5e?
Yes. Allen & Heath states the DX168 can be placed up to 100m away and connects on a single Cat5e cable to a secure EtherCon port.
Can I daisy-chain a second expander from the DX168?
Can I daisy-chain a second expander from the DX168?
Yes. In cascade mode, a second DX168, DX012, or DX164-W can be connected on DX B. Redundant mode instead provides a redundant connection to compatible hardware. A mechanical switch on the DX168 selects the mode.
Does the DX168 need its own firmware update process?
Does the DX168 need its own firmware update process?
No. Official documentation says firmware updates for the DX168 are handled automatically by the mixer, and that no configuration is required at the expander itself.
Are the DX168 preamps scene recallable?
Are the DX168 preamps scene recallable?
Yes. Gain, pad, and +48V on the DX168 are controlled from the mixing system, and the official datasheet states that all mic preamps are scene recallable.
Does the DX168 provide 16 mic preamps and 8 line outputs at 96kHz?
Does the DX168 provide 16 mic preamps and 8 line outputs at 96kHz?
Yes. The DX168 is a 16-in / 8-out 96kHz expander, with 16 balanced XLR mic/line inputs and 8 balanced, relay-protected XLR line outputs.
Can I rack-mount the DX168?
Can I rack-mount the DX168?
Yes. An optional 4U 19-inch rack kit is available for the DX168, part number AB1608-RK19. A padded polyester carry case is also offered as AP9932.
Is the official datasheet weight of the DX168 4.6 kg (10.1 lbs)?
Is the official datasheet weight of the DX168 4.6 kg (10.1 lbs)?
Yes. The official technical datasheet lists 410 x 190 x 185 mm (16.1 x 7.5 x 7.3 in) and 4.6 kg (10.1 lbs) for the DX168. The product page text lists 4.8 kg. This listing uses the datasheet weight.
Did Allen & Heath publish a warranty term for the DX168?
Did Allen & Heath publish a warranty term for the DX168?
No. Allen & Heath did not publish a warranty term on the DX168 product page or technical datasheet cited for this listing. Call 833-WOLFPACK (833-965-3722) and we will confirm the current manufacturer warranty.
Has Allen & Heath published a full packing list for the DX168?
Has Allen & Heath published a full packing list for the DX168?
No. A full packing list for the DX168 is not published on the official product page or technical datasheet cited for this listing. Call 833-WOLFPACK (833-965-3722) if you need the complete accessory list.
Why not buy this Allen & Heath DX168 Stage Box today?
HDTV Supply supplies Allen & Heath I/O expanders for dLive, Avantis, SQ, Qu, and AHM systems.
Official compatibility is dLive, Avantis, SQ, 96kHz Qu models, and AHM audio matrix processors (the datasheet overview also lists AHM-64). Connect on Cat5e up to 100m. Cascade or redundant mode is selected on the expander.
Why not buy this Allen & Heath DX168 Stage Box today?
Allen & Heath did not list a warranty term on the official DX168 product page or technical datasheet cited for this listing. Questions? Call 833-WOLFPACK (833-965-3722) and we will confirm the current manufacturer coverage.
