Allen & Heath AH-DLIVE-CDM64 dLive C Class MixRack 64x32 I/O, 128 x 64 FPGA, 1 option I/O, ME-1 port, DX Expander Link

Allen & Heath dLive CDM64 – 64-Input C Class MixRack for Large-Scale Digital Mixing

The Allen & Heath AH-DLIVE-CDM64 is the largest C Class MixRack in the dLive system, providing 64 mic/line inputs and 32 XLR line outputs in a 10U rack chassis. It houses the XCVI FPGA processing core that handles 128 full-processing input channels and a configurable 64-bus architecture at 96kHz with 0.7ms latency. The CDM64 is the right choice for large auditoriums, touring productions, broadcast facilities, and house of worship installations that require the maximum local I/O in a single rack unit before adding DX expanders.

Product Description

The XCVI Core at the heart of the CDM64 operates 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 translates to 128 full-processing inputs, 16 stereo FX returns, a 96-bit accumulator for virtually unlimited internal headroom, and the 0.7ms end-to-end latency that dLive is known for. The configurable 64-bus architecture covers groups, FX sends, aux buses, matrix outputs, and mains in LR, LCR, or 5.1 configurations, giving system designers full flexibility to match the signal routing to any venue or production requirement.

DEEP processing embeds class-leading compressor and EQ emulations directly into channel strips without using FX slots or adding latency. The RackExtra FX portfolio provides 16 dedicated FX slots, each with a stereo return, covering reverb, delay, modulation, and specialty processors. The CDM64 connects to any dLive control surface — C1500, S Class surfaces, or IP remote controllers — via the GigaACE gigabit link, and two DX links allow expansion up to 22 additional I/O expanders via DX Hub modules. A single I/O Port expansion slot accepts Dante, MADI, Waves SoundGrid, or gigaACE cards at 128 channels and 96kHz. A dedicated ME-1 port (48kHz) supports Allen & Heath personal monitoring systems, and two RJ45 network ports handle control and remote operation. The CDM64 is rackmounted at 10U with reversible rack ears and a flush front panel with ultra-quiet fan cooling.

Key Features

• 64 XLR Mic/Line Inputs, 32 XLR Line Outputs — Maximum local analogue I/O in the C Class MixRack range, with 48V phantom power on all 64 input channels.
• XCVI FPGA Core — 160x64 Processing at 96kHz — 36 parallel processing cores calculate over 10,000 crosspoints per sample with 0.7ms latency and a 96-bit accumulator.
• 128 Full-Processing Input Channels — All inputs carry complete channel processing including gate, EQ, dynamics, and delay without performance trade-offs.
• Configurable 64-Bus Architecture — Groups, FX, aux, matrix, and mains buses configurable in LR, LCR, and 5.1 mains modes.
• 16 RackExtra FX Slots — Each with a dedicated stereo return; covers reverb, delay, modulation, and specialty processing without external outboard.
• DEEP Processing — Compressor and EQ emulations embedded in channel and mix paths at zero additional latency, no FX slot consumption.
• 1 x I/O Port Expansion — 128-channel, 96kHz slot compatible with Dante, MADI, Waves SoundGrid, and gigaACE cards.
• ME-1 Personal Monitoring Port — Dedicated 48kHz Ethernet port for direct connection to ME-1 personal mixer systems.
• Dual DX Links for I/O Expansion — Connects up to 22 DX expander units via DX Hub modules, expanding total channel count beyond the onboard I/O.
• 24 DCAs, Built-in RTA and Signal Generator — Complete system control tools integrated into the MixRack processing core.

Typical Applications

• Large auditorium and performing arts center live sound
• House of worship with high channel count requirements
• Broadcast studio and outside broadcast vehicle audio
• Touring production requiring a distributed MixRack system
• Multi-purpose room with complex signal routing needs
• Government facility and commercial meeting space with advanced audio infrastructure
• All-hands venue with distributed I/O requirements

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the CDM64 require a separate control surface?

The CDM64 can operate without a physical surface using a laptop running dLive Editor or Allen & Heath IP remote controllers over the network. A dLive surface (such as the C1500 or S Class consoles) connects via the GigaACE gigabit port and provides physical fader control.

What is the difference between the CDM32, CDM48, and CDM64?

All three share the same XCVI processing core and 128-channel processing capacity. They differ only in local analogue I/O: CDM32 has 32 inputs/16 outputs, CDM48 has 48 inputs/24 outputs, and CDM64 has 64 inputs/32 outputs. Additional channels can be added to all three via DX expanders.

What network audio protocols are supported?

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

Is the CDM64 compatible with Waves plugins?

Yes. The Waves SoundGrid option card allows the CDM64 to integrate with the Waves SoundGrid platform for plugin processing.

Can the CDM64 be used with multiple control surfaces simultaneously?

Yes. The dLive system allows simultaneous control from a physical surface, dLive Editor software, and Allen & Heath IP remote controllers over the network.

What is the ME-1 port used for?

The dedicated ME-1 port (48kHz Ethernet) connects directly to Allen & Heath ME-1 and ME-500 personal mixer systems, allowing performers to control their own monitor mixes without consuming the main network ports.

What warranty applies to the CDM64?

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 deployment.