Allen & Heath AH-AR2-84-BLK 8x4 Expansion Rack for GLD & Qu Mixers (Black)

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath AH-AR2-84-BLK is a black-finish 8-input/4-output remote expander rack for GLD and Qu series digital mixing systems, providing remotely controlled mic/line preamps and line outputs at the stage position. It connects directly to the GLD or Qu mixing console, or to an AR2412 AudioRack for further I/O expansion, via standard Cat5 cabling. Eight remote-controlled microphone preamps with full gain control from the console surface give the engineer complete channel strip management from the FOH position without requiring a separate stage operator. The AR2-84 is an efficient solution for installations and touring systems where expanding system I/O at the stage is required without proportionally increasing the complexity or cost of the overall system.

Product Description

The AR2-84 expander integrates directly into the GLD and Qu digital mixing ecosystems, functioning as a remote stage rack that the console treats identically to its own built-in I/O. Gain, phantom power, and other preamp parameters are controlled from the console surface in real time, allowing the engineer to manage stage sources without leaving the FOH position. All eight mic/line inputs accept both XLR microphone signals and line-level sources, while four XLR line outputs serve monitor amplifiers, broadcast feeds, or recording destinations at the stage.

The Cat5 connection to the console or AudioRack carries both audio and control data over a single cable, simplifying the infrastructure required between stage and FOH positions. In a GLD or Qu system already using an AR2412 AudioRack, the AR2-84 connects directly to the AudioRack's expander port to add eight additional inputs and four additional outputs to the system without requiring an additional Cat5 run from FOH. This daisy-chain architecture makes the AR2-84 a cost-effective expansion path for growing systems.

The black finish of the AH-AR2-84-BLK is the standard production finish for stage rack use, providing a professional appearance consistent with most touring and installed AV equipment. For systems requiring additional I/O beyond what a single AR2-84 provides, multiple units can be combined within the GLD and Qu I/O expansion architecture. This makes the AR2-84 a scalable building block for GLD and Qu installations in houses of worship, theaters, corporate venues, and touring productions.

Key Features

• 8 Remote-Controlled Mic/Line Preamps — Full gain and phantom power control from the GLD or Qu console surface
• 4 XLR Line Outputs — Stage-position outputs for monitors, broadcast, or local recording feeds
• Cat5 Connection — Single cable carries both audio and control data to the mixing console or AR2412 AudioRack
• Direct Console or AudioRack Connection — Connects to GLD/Qu consoles directly or daisy-chains via AR2412 for expanded I/O
• Compatible with GLD and Qu Series — Fully integrated into the GLD and Qu digital mixing ecosystems
• Black Finish — Professional appearance suitable for both touring and permanent installed environments

Typical Applications

• Houses of Worship — Expand stage I/O on GLD or Qu installations without running additional audio multicore
• Live Sound Production — Add remote preamps at stage position for touring systems using GLD or Qu consoles
• Theater and Performing Arts — Stage rack expansion for productions requiring more mic inputs than the main console provides
• Corporate AV Installations — Stage and podium connectivity expansion for GLD or Qu-based boardroom and event systems
• GLD and Qu Commercial Installs — Scalable I/O expansion for installed systems in venues of any size
• Touring and Rental — Compact, durable expansion rack for systems requiring additional stage sources

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Allen & Heath consoles is the AR2-84 compatible with?

The AR2-84 is designed for the Allen & Heath GLD series (GLD-80, GLD-112) and Qu series (Qu-16, Qu-24, Qu-32, Qu-Pac, Qu-SB) digital mixing systems. It is not compatible with dLive, Avantis, or SQ series consoles, which use different I/O expansion formats.

Can the AR2-84 connect directly to the console without an AR2412 AudioRack?

Yes. The AR2-84 can connect directly to the GLD or Qu console's remote I/O port via Cat5, or it can be connected to an AR2412 AudioRack's expander port to add I/O to an existing stage rack configuration.

How many AR2-84 units can be connected to a single GLD or Qu system?

The number of expansion racks supported depends on the specific GLD or Qu console model and its I/O capacity. Consult the Allen & Heath documentation for your console model to determine maximum expansion capacity.

Is preamp control managed from the console surface?

Yes. Gain, phantom power, and other preamp parameters are controlled remotely from the console surface just as they would be for the console's built-in I/O channels. No separate stage-side adjustment is required during operation.

What cable length is supported between the AR2-84 and the console?

Allen & Heath specifies up to 100 meters (328 feet) of Cat5 cable between the console and remote stage rack, which is sufficient for most venue configurations. Use quality Cat5e or Cat6 cable for reliable performance.

Does the AR2-84 require external power?

Yes. The AR2-84 requires a mains power connection at the rack location. It does not receive power over the Cat5 connection to the console.