Allen & Heath AH-AH10887 CAT6 Cable Drum with Locking Neutrik etherCON Connectors (328')

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath AH-AH10887 is a 328-foot (100-meter) CAT6 cable drum fitted with locking Neutrik etherCON connectors on both ends, designed specifically for professional audio networking with Allen & Heath systems. The cable supports all Allen & Heath dLive, Avantis, SQ, Qu, and ME products that use the proprietary network audio protocol, providing reliable high-speed data transport between mixing consoles, stage boxes, DX expanders, and ME personal mixing systems. The drum format with integrated stand and carrying handle makes it practical for touring rigs, rental inventory, and permanent installations where long cable runs are required. Using a genuine Allen & Heath cable drum ensures compatibility and performance across the full Allen & Heath ecosystem.

Product Description

Allen & Heath's proprietary audio network protocol — used across dLive, Avantis, SQ, Qu, and ME systems — carries multichannel digital audio, control data, and power over standard CAT6 cabling with demanding timing and bandwidth requirements. While generic CAT6 cable can work in some configurations, the AH-AH10887 cable drum is manufactured to the specific parameters required by Allen & Heath's network audio architecture, reducing the risk of intermittent connections, timing errors, or data integrity issues that can affect audio quality in demanding installations.

The Neutrik etherCON locking connectors on both ends of the cable provide the mechanical security that standard RJ45 plugs cannot offer in production environments. The locking mechanism prevents accidental disconnection from vibration, cable tension, or physical contact — a practical consideration for touring and installed systems where technicians are regularly routing and re-routing cables. etherCON connectors also protect the internal RJ45 contact pins from damage during regular connect and disconnect cycles, extending cable service life considerably.

The 328-foot length is suitable for the maximum stage-to-FOH distance in most mid-size venues and covers the majority of permanent installation cable runs between equipment rooms and stage areas. The integrated stand keeps the drum stable when paying out or retrieving cable, while the carrying handle facilitates transport between locations. For installations requiring shorter runs, Allen & Heath also offers smaller pre-made etherCON cables. This 100-meter drum is the right specification for touring productions, large venue installations, and commercial integrators maintaining long-run inventory.

Key Features

• CAT6 Cable Construction — High-quality CAT6 cabling meeting Allen & Heath network audio performance requirements
• 328-Foot (100-Meter) Length — Covers full stage-to-FOH distances in most mid-size venues and installation cable runs
• Locking Neutrik etherCON Connectors — Mechanical locking prevents accidental disconnection and protects RJ45 contacts
• Compatible with dLive, Avantis, SQ, Qu, and ME Systems — Works across the full Allen & Heath digital mixing ecosystem
• Suitable for Stage Boxes and DX Expanders — Connect audio racks and expanders to consoles over long distances
• ME Personal Mixing System Compatible — Supports distribution of personal monitoring feeds via the ME network
• Integrated Stand — Drum stands upright on its own base during cable deployment
• Built-In Carrying Handle — Easy to transport between locations in touring and rental environments

Typical Applications

• Commercial AV Infrastructure — Long-run network cabling for permanent installations between equipment rooms and stage areas
• Live Sound Production — Stage-to-FOH network link for dLive, Avantis, and SQ touring systems
• Rental and Touring Inventory — Durable cable with locking connectors for repeated deployments in varying venues
• Houses of Worship — Reliable long-run cabling for permanent Allen & Heath network audio installations
• Stage Box Connections — Connect AR, AB, and DX stage racks to front-of-house consoles over venue-length distances
• ME Personal Mixing Installations — Network distribution cable for ME-1 and ME-U personal monitor systems

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Can generic CAT6 cable be used instead of the AH-AH10887?

Allen & Heath recommends using specified cable for their network audio systems. Generic CAT6 cable may function in shorter runs but can introduce timing errors, intermittent connections, or data integrity issues over longer distances. Using Allen & Heath specified cable ensures full performance and system compatibility.

Does the cable work with all Allen & Heath digital mixing systems?

Yes. The AH-AH10887 is specified for use with dLive, Avantis, SQ, Qu, and ME products. It is not required for use with products that connect via standard Dante or AES67 networking, which use standard Cat5e/Cat6.

What is the advantage of etherCON connectors over standard RJ45?

Neutrik etherCON connectors provide a locking mechanism that secures the cable to the socket, preventing accidental disconnection from vibration or cable movement. They also enclose and protect the RJ45 contacts, significantly extending connector life in touring environments.

Is 328 feet sufficient for most venue installations?

For most mid-size venues and typical stage-to-FOH configurations, 100 meters is sufficient. For installations with longer runs, multiple drums can be combined, or Allen & Heath can advise on network repeater or fiber optic solutions for runs exceeding 100 meters.

Can this cable be used on a drum while in use, or must it be fully unrolled?

For best signal performance, the cable should be fully unrolled during use. A partially wound cable drum can introduce inductance and impedance variations that may degrade high-frequency signal integrity in data applications.

Is the etherCON connector compatible with standard network switches if I need to pass through a patch panel?

etherCON connectors are electrically identical to RJ45 and will connect to standard network switches and patch panels. The locking mechanism is engaged only when mated with a compatible etherCON socket.