Allen & Heath AH-DLIVE-CDM48 dLive C Class MixRack 48x23 I/O, 128 x 64 FPGA, 1 option I/O, ME-1 port, DX Expander Link

Allen & Heath dLive CDM48 – 48-Input C Class MixRack for Professional Digital Mixing

The Allen & Heath AH-DLIVE-CDM48 is a dLive C Class MixRack providing 48 mic/line inputs and 24 XLR line outputs in a rack-mounted chassis. Like all dLive MixRacks, it houses the XCVI processing core delivering 128 full-processing input channels, a configurable 64-bus architecture, and 0.7ms latency at 96kHz. The CDM48 targets mid-to-large scale live sound, house of worship, and installed AV systems that need more local I/O than the CDM32 provides but do not require the full 64-channel analogue density of the CDM64.

Product Description

The XCVI Core inside the CDM48 operates 36 parallel virtual processing cores, calculating over 10,000 mix crosspoints per sample at a 96kHz sample rate. The 96-bit accumulator provides virtually unlimited internal headroom, and the 0.7ms end-to-end latency makes the dLive system one of the lowest-latency professional digital mixing platforms available. All 128 input channels carry full processing including preamp, HPF, gate, parametric EQ, compressor, and delay. The 64-bus architecture is freely configurable across groups, FX sends, aux buses, matrix outputs, and LR, LCR, or 5.1 mains modes.

DEEP processing architecture embeds compressor and preamp emulations directly into channel strips without FX slot consumption or additional latency. This includes graphic EQs, compressor models ranging from slow-opto to fast peak limiters, and a 64-channel AMM (Automatic Mic Mixer) with D-Classic and NOM modes across up to 4 zones — a critical feature for conference, government, and multi-room installations. The RackExtra FX portfolio provides 16 dedicated FX slots with stereo returns. A new preamp design on the CDM48 delivers extra transparency, and the unique Active PAD circuit maintains consistent performance regardless of source impedance. The connection hub includes gigaACE gigabit link to any dLive surface, two DX links for I/O expansion, one 128-channel I/O Port at 96kHz, a dedicated ME-1 port, two network ports, and BNC Word Clock I/O. The CDM48 is rack-mounted with a flush front panel, ultra-quiet fan, and reversible rack ears.

Key Features

• 48 XLR Mic/Line Inputs, 24 XLR Line Outputs — Mid-range local analogue I/O with 48V phantom power on all 48 input channels and an Active PAD circuit for consistent preamp performance.
• XCVI FPGA Core — 160x64 Processing at 96kHz — 36 parallel cores with over 10,000 crosspoints per sample, 96-bit accumulator, and 0.7ms latency.
• 128 Full-Processing Input Channels — All channels carry complete gate, EQ, dynamics, and delay processing at 96kHz.
• Configurable 64-Bus Architecture — Groups, FX, aux, matrix, and mains configurable in LR, LCR, and 5.1 mains modes with multiple PFL options.
• DEEP Processing — Compressor, graphic EQ, and preamp emulations embedded per-channel at zero latency without FX slot consumption.
• AMM Up to 64 Channels, 4 Zones — Automatic Mic Mixing with D-Classic and NOM modes for conference, panel discussion, and government meeting room audio.
• 16 RackExtra FX Slots — Each with dedicated stereo return; covers reverb, delay, modulation, and specialty processing.
• 1 x I/O Port Expansion — 128-channel, 96kHz slot compatible with Dante, MADI, and gigaACE cards for networked AV integration.
• Dual DX Links and ME-1 Port — Connects up to 22 DX I/O expanders and supports Allen & Heath ME personal monitoring systems on a dedicated port.
• New Preamp Design with Active PAD — Enhanced transparency and consistent performance with any source level via the unique Active PAD circuit.

Typical Applications

• House of worship with mid-to-large channel count requirements
• Auditorium and performing arts center live sound
• Broadcast studio and outside broadcast audio
• Corporate conference room and boardroom with distributed I/O
• Government council chamber with AMM for panel discussions
• Multi-purpose room and commercial meeting space with networked audio
• All-hands venue with distributed MixRack deployment
• Training room and educational facility audio

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the CDM48 and the CDM64?

Both share the same XCVI processing core and 128-channel processing capacity. The CDM48 has 48 XLR inputs and 24 XLR outputs; the CDM64 has 64 XLR inputs and 32 XLR outputs. Additional I/O can be added to either via DX expanders.

Does the CDM48 include a control surface?

No. The CDM48 is a MixRack only. It requires a compatible dLive control surface (such as the C1500 or S Class surfaces) connected via GigaACE, or it can be operated via dLive Editor software or Allen & Heath IP remote controllers.

What network audio protocols are supported?

The I/O Port expansion slot accepts Dante, MADI, and gigaACE option cards at 128 channels and 96kHz.

Is AMM included without a separate licence?

Yes. The 64-channel Automatic Mic Mixer with D-Classic and NOM modes is built into the dLive processing core and is available without additional licensing.

Can the CDM48 be expanded beyond 48 inputs?

Yes. Up to 22 DX I/O expanders can be connected via the two DX links and DX Hub modules, and additional digital channels can be added through the I/O Port expansion slot, up to the full 128-channel processing capacity.

What warranty applies to the CDM48?

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