ALLEN HEATH DX164-W Wall Mountable Expander User Guide
- June 6, 2024
- ALLEN HEATH
Table of Contents
ALLEN HEATH DX164-W Wall Mountable Expander
The DX164-W is a fixed installation I/O Expander for Allen & Heath 96kHz
digital mixing systems. It provides 16 remote controlled mic/line preamps and
4 XLR line outputs. It connects to the mixer over a single Cat5 cable.
A second DX164-W, DX012 or DX168 can be connected when running in Cascade
mode. Alternatively, a redundant connection can be made to compatible
hardware.
The DX164-W can be operated freestanding, mounted in a floor pocket, mounted
on a wall, or flush mounted in a wall. Different power options are provided to
suit the application.
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
Connection
Top panel and power options
- 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.
- EtherCon port for daisy chaining of a second unit or cable redundancy.
- DX B mode switch 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 DX164-W, DX012 or DX168 unit.
- DC 12V Input Can be used instead of AC mains to power the unit where adequate DC distribution is provided in a building. Can also be used as a backup power supply in case of mains failure.
- Mains power input The built-in universal PSU accepts voltages from 100 to 240V AC 50/60Hz. A module with IEC inlet is fitted by default. An
optional module is provided for permanent installation, with knockout holes to accept a cable gland.
WARNING:
Replacement of the IEC AC inlet module and mains wiring for permanent installation must be performed by a qualified electrician. See instructions later in this guide.
Front panel
-
Input sockets Balanced XLR mic/line inputs with +48V Phantom Power indicator. The preamps are built into the DX164-W and their Gain, Pad and +48V are controlled from the mixing system.
The +48V indicator detects voltage at the socket whether supplied by the DX164-W or received from an external source. -
Output sockets Balanced XLR outputs operating at nominal +4dBu level.
-
Vents Ensure good ventilation at the front of the unit. Avoid obstruction of vents while operating. Avoid dirt or liquid ingress.
WARNING
To prevent injury, this apparatus must be securely attached to the floor/wall
in accordance with the installation instructions.
Mounting on a wall
Use the mounting frame AA11504 in the orientation shown below. Fix the frame
to the wall using appropriate fixings or screws for the type of wall, then
align the threaded inserts on the sides of the DX164-W with the frame, and
secure the unit in place with the 6x M4 6mmT20 screws provided.
Flush mounting in a wall
Use the mounting frame AA11504 in the orientation shown below. Align the
threaded inserts on the sides of the DX164-W with the frame, and secure the
unit in place with the 6x M4 6mm T20 screws provided. Connect the power and
Cat5 cable/s, then fix the assembly to the wall using appropriate fixings or
screws for the type of wall. Floor mounting The DX164-W can be mounted in a
floor box / stage pocket / dip trap. It must be installed in accordance with
local installation and wiring regulations. We recommend using the ACE
Backstage 174SLBK stage pocket system for use with the DX164-W.
Other options The DX164-W dimensions will fit in a 11×11” NEMA Type 1 / IP10 box or equivalent. A custom mounting frame is required.
Permanent installation with the gland module
WARNING:
Replacement of the IEC AC inlet module and mains wiring for permanent installation must be performed by a qualified electrician and carried out in accordance with local wiring regulations.
To replace the IEC module:
- Remove the 4 screws using a Torx T8 driver.
- Pull out the module and unplug the harness at the bottom of the assembly.
- Fit a suitable cable gland or grommet appropriate to the cable wire size to the gland module plate.
- Run the mains cable through the gland. Minimum cable size 0.75mm2 or 20 AWG.
- Wire the mains cable to the terminal connector on the gland module, paying attention to polarity and earth grounding as indicated on the module.
- Securely tighten the cable gland around the cable.
- Re-plug the internal harness into the bottom of the gland module. Secure the module to the unit with the 4x T8 screws.
POWER
DISCONNECTION
The mains supply disconnect device is the installation all pole circuit breaker or the switched fused outlet which must be labelled and must be accessible so as to be readily operable when the appliance is in use.
Dimensions
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)
Contents
Check that you have received the following with your DX164-W unit:
- Optional gland module (part number 004-1097) for permanent AC mains wiring installation.
- Mounting frame (AA11504) for in-wall or wall surface mounting.
- 6x M4 6mm T20 screws (AB2921) for mounting the DX164-W to the mounting frame.
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
Read the Safety Instructions Sheet included with the product and the
information printed on the panel before operating.
California Proposition 65 warning: This product may contain a chemical known
to the State of California to cause cancer, or other birth defects or other
reproductive harm. For more information see www.allen-
heath.com/legal
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