ALLEN AND HEATH DT168 Stage Box Dlive 96kHz Dante Mic Preamps Expander User Guide
- June 12, 2024
- Allen and Heath
Table of Contents
ALLEN AND HEATH DT168 Stage Box Dlive 96kHz Dante Mic Preamps Expander
Product Information: DT168
The DT168 is a portable and rugged Dante I/O unit designed to complement Allen
& Heath digital mixing systems on a Dante network. It features 16 remote-
controlled mic/line preamps and 8 XLR line outputs. The unit can be connected
to the Dante network using a single Cat5e cable or two cables for redundancy.
It can be operated horizontally or vertically, and can also be mounted in a
19-inch rack or flight case using the optional AB1608-RK19 kit. A padded
polyester carry case (A&H part number AP9932) is available for added
protection.
The DT168 requires specific software and firmware for control and compatibility with different mixers. Preamp control by an SQ mixer requires SQ firmware V1.4 or higher and SQ Dante card firmware V1.0.5+. Preamp control by a dLive mixer requires drive firmware V1.8 or higher and a dLive M-DL-Dante 64×64 or 128×128 card. The use of the iLive/GLD M-Dante card is not supported. For the latest firmware updates and instructions, visit Allen & Heath website.
Front Panel Features
- Input Sockets: Balanced XLR mic/line inputs with +48V Phantom Power indicator. The preamps are built into the DT168, and their Gain, Pad, and +48V can be controlled from the network.
- Output Sockets: Balanced XLR outputs operating at nominal +4dBu level.
Side Panel Features
- Dante Primary: EtherCon port for connection to the Dante network. The cable carries audio signals as well as preamp control data.
- Dante Secondary: Can be set to Redundant mode or Switched mode for connection to multiple devices, such as two mixing consoles. The port mode can be set in Dante Controller.
- Reset Network Settings: Hold down the recessed switch for 10 seconds to reset the network settings for the DT168. This will delete any static IP address and revert to factory default (DHCP / zero-conf).
- Mains Power Input: IEC connector and fuse for the built-in universal voltage PSU. It accepts voltages from 100 to 240V AC 50/60Hz. Secure the cable to the plastic P-clip using a T20 screwdriver.
- Vents: Ensure good ventilation at the sides and back of the unit. Avoid obstruction of vents while operating and prevent dirt or liquid ingress.
Connection
The DT168 can be connected to the Dante network using the primary and
secondary ports. The primary port is used for connection to the Dante network,
carrying audio signals and preamp control data. The secondary port can be set
to Redundant mode or
Switched mode for connection to multiple devices, such as mixing consoles or
monitor mixers. The port mode can be set in Dante Controller.
Setting Clock and Patching Signals
Use Dante Controller’s Routing tab to patch signals between Dante devices. When a valid DT168 socket is routed to a drive/SQ Dante card and patched to an input channel, the dLive/SQ mixer will present preamp gain, +48V, and Pad controls for that socket. Use Dante Controller’s Clock Status tab to select the Dante network leader. The DT168 should always be a clock follower on the Dante network, with the mixer typically set to Preferred Leader and Enable Sync To External.
Getting Started Guide
The DT168 is a portable, rugged Dante I/O unit. It can be used to complement Allen & Heath’s digital mixing systems on a Dante network. It provides 16 remote-controlled mic/line preamps and 8 XLR line outputs. It connects to the Dante network over a single Cat5e cable, or two cables for redundancy. The DT168 can be operated horizontally with the connectors facing upward or sideward, or vertically to save space on stage. It can also be mounted in a 19” rack or flight case using the optional AB1608-RK19 kit. A hard-wearing padded polyester carry case is also available, A&H part number AP9932.
Software and firmware
Visit the Audinate website to learn more about Dante, and download Dante Controller to route audio and configure devices on a Dante network: https://www.audinate.com/
- Preamp control of the DT168 by an SQ mixer requires SQ firmware V1.4 or higher and SQ Dante card firmware V1.0.5+.
- Preamp control of the DT168 by a dLive mixer requires dLive firmware V1.8 or higher and a dLive M-DL-Dante 64×64 or 128×128 card. Use of the iLive/GLD M-Dante card is not supported.
- Check www.allen-heath.com for the latest DT168 firmware and instructions on how to update it.
Front panel
- Input sockets Balanced XLR mic/line inputs with +48V Phantom Power indicator. The preamps are built into the DT168 and their Gain, Pad, and +48V are controlled from the network.
- The +48V indicator detects the voltage at the socket whether supplied by the DT168 or received from an external source.
- Output sockets Balanced XLR outputs operating at nominal +4dBu level.
Side panel
- Dante Primary EtherCon port for connection to the Dante network. The cable carries the audio signals as well as preamp control data.
- Dante Secondary Can be set to Redundant mode or to Switched mode for connection to multiple devices, for example, two mixing consoles. Set the port mode in Dante Controller.
- Reset Network settings Hold down the recessed switch for 10 seconds to reset the network settings for the DT168.
- This will delete any static IP address and revert to factory default (DHCP / zero-conf).
- Mains power input IEC connector and fuse for the built-in universal voltage PSU. This accepts voltages from 100 to 240V AC 50/60Hz. Secure the cable to the plastic P-clip using a T20 screwdriver.
- Vents Ensure good ventilation at the sides and back of the unit. Avoid obstruction of vents while operating. Avoid dirt or liquid ingress.
Connection
Setting the clock and patching signals
Use Dante Controller’s Routing tab to patch signals between Dante devices.
When a valid DT168 socket is routed to a dLive / SQ Dante card, and patched to
an Input channel, the dLive / SQ will present preamp gain, +48V, and Pad
controls for the socket.
Use Dante Controller’s Clock Status tab to select the Dante network leader.
The DT168 should always be a clock follower on the Dante network, with the
mixer typically set to “Preferred Leader” and “Enable Sync To External”.
Specification
Read the Safety Instructions Sheet included with the product and the
information printed on the panel before operating. A limited one-year
manufacturer’s warranty applies to this product, the conditions of which can
be found at: www.allen-heath.com/legal
By using this Allen & Heath product and the software within it you agree to be
bound by the terms of the relevant End User Licence Agreement (EULA), a copy
of which can be found at: www.allen-heath.com/legal Register your product with
Allen & Heath online at: http://www.allen-heath.com/support/register-
product/ Check the Allen & Heath website for the latest documentation and
software updates.
References
- Allen & Heath - Heard Everywhere
- Allen & Heath - Heard Everywhere
- Legal - Allen & Heath
- Product Support - Allen & Heath
- Audinate - Pioneering the future of AV