Allen & Heath AH-DLIVE-CDM32 dLive C Class MixRack 32x16 I/O, 128 x 64 FPGA, 1 option I/O, ME-1 port, DX Expander Link

Allen & Heath dLive CDM32 – 32-Input C Class MixRack for Scalable Digital Audio Systems

The Allen & Heath AH-DLIVE-CDM32 is the entry-level C Class MixRack in the dLive system, providing 32 mic/line inputs and 16 XLR line outputs in a compact 5U rack chassis. It houses the same XCVI processing core as the larger CDM48 and CDM64, delivering 128 full-processing input channels, a 64-bus architecture, and 0.7ms latency at 96kHz. The CDM32 is well suited for mid-scale live sound, installed AV, house of worship, and conference applications where the local analogue I/O count is sufficient or where DX expanders will handle additional channel requirements.

Product Description

The XCVI Core drives 36 parallel virtual processing cores, calculating over 10,000 mix crosspoints per sample with an FPGA router supporting 3,000 x 3,000 audio paths. This delivers 128 full-processing inputs, 16 stereo FX returns, a 96-bit accumulator, and 0.7ms end-to-end latency. The CDM32's 32 analogue inputs use a new preamp design for enhanced transparency, and the unique Active PAD circuit maintains consistent performance with any source impedance. DEEP processing embeds compressor emulations, graphic EQs, and the 64-channel AMM directly into the channel strip without FX slots or additional latency.

The AMM supports D-Classic and NOM modes across up to 4 zones and up to 64 channels, making the CDM32 directly applicable to conference rooms, government council chambers, panel discussion formats, and discussion forums where automatic level control of multiple microphones is required. The 64-bus architecture covers groups, FX, aux, matrix, and mains in LR, LCR, or 5.1 configurations. The RackExtra FX portfolio provides 16 FX slots, each with a dedicated stereo return. The connection hub includes gigaACE link to any dLive surface, two DX links for adding up to 22 DX I/O expanders, one 128-channel I/O Port slot (Dante, MADI, gigaACE), a dedicated ME-1 port, dual network ports, and BNC Word Clock I/O. The CDM32 ships in a 5U rack enclosure with flush front panel, ultra-quiet fan, and reversible rack ears.

Key Features

• 32 XLR Mic/Line Inputs, 16 XLR Line Outputs — Compact local I/O with 48V phantom power on all 32 inputs, new preamp design for improved transparency, and Active PAD circuit for consistent level performance.
• XCVI FPGA Core — 160x64 Processing at 96kHz — Same processing engine as CDM48 and CDM64; 36 parallel cores, 0.7ms latency, 96-bit accumulator.
• 128 Full-Processing Input Channels — All inputs carry complete channel processing at 96kHz regardless of analogue I/O count.
• 64-Bus Architecture — Groups, FX, aux, matrix, and mains configurable in LR, LCR, and 5.1 mains modes with multiple PFL options.
• AMM Up to 64 Channels, 4 Zones — D-Classic and NOM automatic mic mixing for conference, government, and spoken-word applications.
• DEEP Processing — Compressor models, graphic EQs, and preamp emulations embedded per-channel without FX slot consumption or added latency.
• 16 RackExtra FX Slots — Each with dedicated stereo return for reverb, delay, modulation, and specialty processing.
• 1 x I/O Port Expansion — 128-channel, 96kHz slot for Dante, MADI, and gigaACE cards.
• Expandable to 22 DX Expanders — Dual DX links and DX Hub modules allow addition of up to 22 DX I/O expanders, scaling well beyond the base 32 analogue inputs.
• Compact 5U Rack Chassis — Lightweight (22 lbs), flush front panel, ultra-quiet fan, and reversible rack ears for flexible installation.

Typical Applications

• House of worship with distributed MixRack deployment
• Auditorium and mid-scale live sound reinforcement
• Conference room and boardroom with AMM for panel discussions
• Government council chamber with automatic mic mixing
• Commercial meeting space and huddle room audio infrastructure
• Multi-purpose room with scalable I/O via DX expanders
• Broadcast studio requiring a compact networked MixRack
• Training room and educational facility audio systems

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the CDM32 use the same processing core as the CDM48 and CDM64?

Yes. All three C Class MixRacks use the same XCVI FPGA processing core with 128-channel processing capacity, 64-bus architecture, and 0.7ms latency. They differ only in the number of onboard analogue inputs and outputs.

Can the CDM32 be expanded beyond 32 channels?

Yes. Up to 22 DX I/O expanders can be connected via the two DX links and DX Hub modules. Digital channels can also be added through the I/O Port expansion slot (Dante, MADI, or gigaACE cards), reaching the full 128-channel processing capacity.

What control surfaces are compatible with the CDM32?

All dLive control surfaces connect via the GigaACE gigabit link, including the C1500 rack surface and S Class consoles. The CDM32 can also be operated via dLive Editor software or Allen & Heath IP remote controllers without a physical surface.

Is AMM included without a licence fee?

Yes. The 64-channel Automatic Mic Mixer with D-Classic and NOM modes is built into the dLive processing core at no additional cost.

What is the Active PAD circuit?

The Active PAD is a unique preamp circuit on dLive C Class MixRacks that maintains consistent gain structure and performance characteristics regardless of the source impedance or level, avoiding the tonal changes that passive pad circuits can introduce.

What warranty applies to the CDM32?

Allen & Heath products carry a standard manufacturer warranty when purchased through an authorised dealer. Contact Creation Networks for warranty and support details specific to your installation.