ALLEN HEATH DX168 Portable DX Expander User Guide
- June 6, 2024
- ALLEN HEATH
Table of Contents
ALLEN HEATH DX168 Portable DX Expander
Getting Started Guide
The DX168 is a portable, rugged I/O Expander for Allen & Heath 96kHz 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, DX012 or 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 fligthcase using the optional AB1608-RK19 kit. A hard-wearing padded polyester carry case is also available, part number AP9932.
WARNING: Update the mixing system to the latest available version of firmware before connecting the DX Expander. The unit might operate incorrectly when running earlier firmware.
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 mixing system.
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, DX012 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 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 Expander:
- AH9997 2m CAT5e cable with Neutrik EtherCon locking connectors
- AH10887 100m drum of CAT6 cable with Neutrik EtherCon locking connectors
- AH10886 80m drum of CAT6 cable with Neutrik EtherCon locking connectors
- AH10885 50m drum of CAT6 cable with Neutrik EtherCon locking connectors
- AH10884 20m drum of CAT6 cable with Neutrik EtherCon locking connectors
Contact your local A&H dealer for more information
Connection
Cascade mode – add second DX168, DX012 or DX164
NOTE:
Update the mixing system to the latest available version of firmware before connecting the DX Expander. The unit might operate incorrectly when running earlier firmware.
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
+22dBu -
Residual Output Noise
-92dBu (muted, 20-20kHz) -
Operating Temperature Range 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
-
Power
-
Mains Voltage Operating Range
100-240V AC, 50/60Hz -
Mains Power Consumption
20W max -
Dimensions and Weight
Width x Depth x Height x Weight -
DX168
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.
Copyright © 2021 Allen & Heath. All rights reserved