Allen & Heath AH-AHM-32 – 32x32 Audio Matrix Processor with 12x12 Local I/O

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath AH-AHM-32 is a professional 32x32 audio matrix processor with 12x12 local I/O, designed for commercial AV audio distribution, multi-zone paging, conferencing, and speaker processing in permanent installation environments. Built on a 96 kHz FPGA core for ultra-low latency processing, the AHM-32 supports expansion to 128x128 channels via its I/O port, accepting Allen & Heath's family of proprietary Layer-2 or Dante audio expanders. A configurable output architecture of 32 mono or 16 stereo outputs, integrated GPIO, TCP/IP control, and compatibility with Allen & Heath IP remote controllers and third-party control systems makes the AHM-32 a scalable enterprise AV processing backbone. For system integrators specifying distributed audio, multi-zone BGM, AV conferencing, or paging infrastructure, the AHM-32 consolidates matrix routing, speaker DSP, and zone management into a single 1U rackmount processor.

Product Description

The AHM-32's local I/O consists of 12 Phoenix connector block mic/line inputs and 12 Phoenix connector block line outputs, providing balanced professional-level audio connectivity without requiring discrete breakout hardware. The I/O port accepts additional audio expanders—portable, rackmountable, or wall-mountable—using either Allen & Heath's proprietary point-to-point Layer-2 transport or Dante, expanding the system to a maximum of 128x128 channels for large facility deployments.

Processing at 96 kHz with an FPGA core ensures ultra-low latency signal paths appropriate for applications where lip sync, AEC (acoustic echo cancellation) timing, and conferencing latency are critical. Output configuration is flexible: the 32 matrix outputs can be assigned as 32 independent mono outputs or consolidated into 16 stereo pairs, supporting both mono distributed audio zones and stereo music reproduction zones within the same system.

The AHM-32 integrates with Allen & Heath's portfolio of IP remote controllers for volume control, source selection, and preset recall at local user panels. GPI/O connections, TCP/IP networking, and compatibility with third-party control systems (Crestron, QSC, AMX, and similar) enable full building management system integration. The AHM software provides system design, processing configuration, signal flow visualization, and remote commissioning tools for integrators.

Key Features

• 32x32 Matrix with 12x12 Local I/O — Phoenix connector block mic/line inputs and line outputs for professional balanced connection
• Expandable to 128x128 — Single I/O port accepts audio expanders via proprietary Layer-2 or Dante transport
• 96 kHz FPGA Core — Ultra-low latency processing for conferencing, AEC, and synchronized distributed audio
• Configurable Output Architecture — 32 mono or 16 stereo outputs assignable per zone requirements
• Audio Distribution and Paging — Multi-source, multi-zone BGM distribution, priority paging, and source selection
• Speaker Processing — Integrated DSP for loudspeaker management including EQ, crossover, delay, and dynamics
• GPIO Integration — Physical GPIO connections for trigger-based control, contact closures, and logic control
• TCP/IP and Third-Party Control — Open control protocol integration with Crestron, AMX, QSC, and other control systems
• Allen & Heath IP Remote Controllers — Compatible with AH volume control panels for end-user zone management
• 1U Rack Form Factor — 19 x 10.6 x 1.7" for efficient rackmount installation
• Phoenix Connectors Included — Ships with Phoenix-style terminal block connectors for all I/O

Typical Applications

• Commercial AV audio distribution across multiple zones in offices, retail, and hospitality venues
• Multi-zone paging systems in airports, convention centers, and transit facilities
• Conference room and boardroom audio matrix with AEC and conferencing integration
• Houses of worship with distributed audio zones and multiple source inputs
• Education facilities requiring scheduled audio routing, zone control, and paging
• Broadcast and production facilities using AHM as a central audio router and processor

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AHM-32 primarily designed for?

The AHM-32 is a commercial AV audio matrix processor designed for permanent installation applications including multi-zone audio distribution, paging, conferencing, and speaker DSP management. It is not a live mixing console.

How does the AHM-32 expand beyond its local 12x12 I/O?

A single I/O port on the AHM-32 accepts additional audio expanders from Allen & Heath's AHM ecosystem. These expanders connect via proprietary point-to-point Layer-2 protocol or Dante network, extending the system to a maximum of 128x128 channels.

What types of expanders are compatible with the AHM-32?

Allen & Heath offers portable, rackmountable, and wall-mountable expanders in the AHM family, including units like the DX164-W. These cover various combinations of mic inputs and line outputs for distributed deployment across a facility.

Can the AHM-32 integrate with third-party control systems like Crestron or AMX?

Yes. The AHM-32 supports TCP/IP control and GPIO, making it compatible with Crestron, AMX, QSC, and similar third-party control platforms. Allen & Heath provides programming resources and API documentation for integration.

What does “configurable outputs 32 mono/16 stereo” mean?

The 32 matrix outputs can be individually assigned as independent mono zone outputs, or paired as 16 stereo outputs, or any combination of mono and stereo assignments depending on the zone requirements of the installation.

Does the AHM-32 include speaker processing tools?

Yes. The AHM-32 includes integrated speaker processing DSP, including parametric EQ, crossover filters, signal delay, and dynamics processing for loudspeaker management without external processors on each output zone.

What is the latency of the AHM-32?

The AHM-32 uses a 96 kHz FPGA processing core specifically chosen for ultra-low latency. Exact latency figures depend on the processing chain and I/O path. Consult Allen & Heath's AHM technical documentation for precise measurements in specific signal routing configurations.