ALLEN HEATH DX168 16 XLR Input/8 XLR Output 96kHz Portable DX Expander User Guide
- June 5, 2024
- ALLEN HEATH
Table of Contents
ALLEN HEATH DX168 16 XLR Input/8 XLR Output 96kHz Portable DX Expander
The DX168 is a portable, rugged I/O Expander for the Allen & Heath dLive and
SQ digital mixing systems. It provides 16 remote-controlled mic/line preamps
and 8 XLR line outputs. It connects to the mixer over a single Cat5e cable.
A second DX168 or a DX164-W can be connected when running in Cascade mode.
Alternatively, a redundant connection can be made to compatible hardware.
The DX168 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.
Front panel
-
Input sockets
Balanced XLR mic/line inputs with +48V Phantom Power indicator. The preamps are built into the DX168 and their Gain, Pad and +48V are controlled from the mixer via the DX link.
The +48V indicator detects voltage at the socket whether supplied by the DX168 or received from an external source. -
Output sockets
Balanced XLR outputs operating at nominal +4dBu level.
Side panel
-
DX A
EtherCon port for connection to the mixing system. The cable carries the audio signals as well as preamp control and system status data. -
DX B
EtherCon port for daisy chaining of a second unit or cable redundancy. Switch to Redundant for 2 cable connection to compatible hardware e.g. dLive S Class or DX Link card. Switch to Cascade for connection to a second DX168 or DX164-W unit. -
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.
Cables
Cat5e or higher STP cable is required for DX Link connections with a maximum cable length of 100m per connection. Allen & Heath can provide a number of Cat5e and Cat6 cables suitable for use with the DX Hub:
CAT6
AH10887-A 100m drum of CAT6 cable with Neutrik EtherCon locking connectors
AH10886-A 80m drum of CAT6 cable with Neutrik EtherCon locking connectors
AH10885-A 50m drum of CAT6 cable with Neutrik EtherCon locking connectors
AH10884-A 20m drum of CAT6 cable with Neutrik EtherCon locking connectors
Contact your local A&H dealer for more information.
Connection
Specification
Mic/Line XLR Inputs: Balanced XLR, +48V phantom power
- Mic/Line Preamp: Fully recallable
- Input Sensitivity: 60 to +15dBu
- Analogue Gain: :+5 to +60dB, 1dB steps
- Pad: -20dB Active PAD
- Maximum Input Level :+30dBu (PAD in)
- Input Impedance: 4kΩ (Pad out), >10kΩ (Pad in)
- Mic EIN:- 127dB with 150Ω source
Analogue XLR Outputs: Balanced, Relay protected
- Output Impedance: <75Ω
- Nominal Output: +4dBu = 0dB meter reading
- Maximum Output Level Residual Output Noise: +22dBu
- Operating Temperature Range :-92dBu (muted, 20-20kHz
Power
- Mains Voltage Operating Range: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz
- Mains Power Consumption: 20W max
- Dimensions and Weight DX168: Width x Depth x Height x Weight 410 x 190 x 185 mm x 4.6kg (16.1” x 7.5” x 7.3” x 10.1lbs)
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.