Allen & Heath AH-AH10886 CAT6 Cable Drum with Locking Neutrik etherCON Connectors (262')

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath AH-AH10886 is an 80-meter (262-foot) CAT6 cable drum fitted with Neutrik EtherCON locking RJ45 connectors at each end, designed specifically for use with dLive, Avantis, SQ, QU, and ME Allen & Heath systems. It provides a purpose-built, infrastructure-grade cabling solution for connecting stage boxes, DX expanders, and ME personal monitoring systems over long distances in live touring, commercial AV, and enterprise AV installation environments. The Neutrik EtherCON connectors deliver a secure, locking connection that prevents accidental disconnection during live events — a critical requirement when the cable is carrying 96 kHz digital audio and control data between mixing system components.

Product Description

At 262 feet (80 meters), this cable drum provides substantially more reach than standard patch cable options, making it well-suited to situations where a stage box or DX expander needs to be positioned far from the mixing position — such as on a large stage, in an adjacent room, or distributed across multiple floors in a permanent installation. The CAT6 specification ensures the cable meets the bandwidth requirements for reliable audio-over-Ethernet transport across the full 80-meter length without signal degradation.

The drum’s built-in stand and integrated handle simplify transport and deployment at portable events, allowing the cable to be rolled out cleanly from the drum without tangling. The sturdy base keeps the drum stable when positioned upright on a stage deck or in a tour case, and the locking EtherCON connectors mean the cable can be safely connected and disconnected under performance conditions without risking system dropout. For commercial AV infrastructure projects requiring reliable CAT6 runs between Allen & Heath system components, this factory-terminated, tested cable eliminates field-termination risk and provides a manufacturer-supported solution.

Key Features

• 262-Foot (80m) CAT6 Cable — Full CAT6 specification supports long-distance audio-over-Ethernet transport for dLive, Avantis, SQ, QU, and ME systems
• Neutrik EtherCON Locking Connectors — Secure, locking RJ45 connectors prevent accidental disconnection during live events and installations
• Compatible with All Major Allen & Heath Network Systems — Verified for use with dLive, Avantis, SQ, QU, and ME product families
• Built-In Drum Stand — Stable base holds the cable drum upright during deployment and storage
• Integrated Handle — Simplifies transport between venues and across large stage environments
• Factory-Terminated and Tested — Eliminates field-termination risk and ensures reliable performance from the first connection

Typical Applications

• Commercial AV infrastructure cabling for Allen & Heath installed audio systems
• Enterprise and corporate AV network cabling between racks and stage boxes
• dLive and Avantis stage box deployment on large-format live events
• SQ system DX expander connections in multi-room venues
• ME personal monitoring system network runs at festivals and touring shows
• Permanent building installations requiring long CAT6 runs with locking connectors

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What Allen & Heath systems is this cable drum compatible with?

The AH-AH10886 is designed for use with dLive, Avantis, SQ, QU, and ME Allen & Heath product families. It is suitable for any application that uses Allen & Heath’s DX Link or similar Ethernet-based audio transport.

Why are locking EtherCON connectors important?

Standard RJ45 connectors can disconnect if the cable is pulled or stepped on during a live event. Neutrik EtherCON connectors add a locking mechanism that prevents accidental disconnection, which is critical when the cable carries live audio and control data between system components.

Is 80 meters long enough for most installations?

For most single-room and single-stage applications, 80 meters (262 feet) provides ample reach. For larger installations, the Allen & Heath DX Hub can be used to extend the system further using additional cable runs.

Can this cable be used with non-Allen & Heath equipment?

The CAT6 specification is a general networking standard, but the cable is tested and recommended specifically for Allen & Heath digital audio systems. It can physically connect to any standard RJ45 port, but performance in other audio-over-Ethernet applications should be verified against the relevant system’s requirements.

Does the cable need to be fully unrolled during use?

For audio-over-Ethernet applications, it is best practice to fully unroll the cable during use to avoid inductance effects that may affect signal integrity over long runs, particularly at the maximum 80-meter length.

Is the cable drum suitable for permanent installation?

The drum is primarily a portable deployment solution. For permanent installation, it is generally more appropriate to route the cable through conduit or cable management systems and terminate at wall plates. The cable itself can be used for in-wall runs if the CAT6 specification meets the installation standard required.