Allen & Heath AH-DLIVE-DM48 dLive S Class MixRack 48x24 I/O, 128 x 64 FPGA, 3 option I/O, ME-1 port, Dual DX Expander Link, Hot Swap PSU

Allen & Heath dLive DM48 – 48-Input Digital MixRack for dLive Systems

The Allen & Heath dLive DM48 (AH-DLIVE-DM48) is the mid-size MixRack in the dLive S Class range, providing 48 mic/line inputs and 24 line outputs in a rack-mount chassis. Like all dLive MixRacks, it houses the XCVI processing core and can be connected to any dLive surface via CAT5e, or controlled independently via laptop, iPad, or TCP/IP remote without a physical surface attached. The DM48 is well-suited to medium-to-large touring systems, broadcast production, and fixed installations that require a significant analog I/O count without the full 64-channel footprint of the DM64.

Product Description

The DM48 is powered by the XCVI Core — 36 parallel virtual processing cores executing 25 billion operations per second — providing 128 full-processing input channels and 64 mix outputs at 96 kHz. The 96-bit accumulator delivers virtually infinite mix headroom, and latency from XLR input to XLR output measures under 0.6 ms. All three dLive MixRack models share this same processing engine; the only differences between DM32, DM48, and DM64 are the number of built-in analog I/O connectors.

DEEP processing embeds class-leading compressor emulations and graphic EQ algorithms directly within input and mix channels without consuming FX slots or adding plug-in latency. RackExtra FX provides 16 dedicated effect processors with stereo returns, drawing on Allen & Heath's library of reverb, delay, and modulation algorithms. The DM48 also includes a built-in signal generator and RTA for system alignment without external test equipment, plus the new Active PAD circuit for consistent preamp performance across any source level.

Three rear-panel I/O option slots accept 128-channel networking cards at 96 kHz for Dante, MADI, or gigaACE audio networking. Two redundant DX expander links allow connection to DX32 and DX168 expanders for additional I/O. A dedicated ME-1 port provides an independent 48 kHz personal monitoring feed. The dual hot-swappable PSU uses the same module across the entire dLive range.

Key Features

• 48 Mic/Line Inputs, 24 Line Outputs — Mid-size analog I/O count in a 19-inch rack-mount chassis.
• XCVI FPGA Core — 160x64 at 96 kHz — Same processing engine as DM32 and DM64; 25 billion operations per second.
• 128 Full-Processing Input Channels — All inputs carry complete EQ, dynamics, and routing processing.
• Configurable 64-Bus Architecture — Groups, FX, aux, matrix, and mains in LR, LCR, or 5.1 configuration.
• DEEP Onboard Processing — Compressor emulations and graphic EQs on every channel without FX slot consumption.
• 16 RackExtra FX Slots — Dedicated stereo returns for reverb, delay, and modulation algorithms.
• Three 128-Channel I/O Option Slots — Supports Dante, MADI, gigaACE, and other networking cards at 96 kHz.
• Dual Redundant DX Expander Links — Two independent DX links for DX32/DX168 I/O expansion.
• Dedicated ME-1 Port — Independent 48 kHz personal monitoring feed.
• Active PAD Circuit — Consistent preamp performance regardless of source level.
• Built-In Signal Generator and RTA — System alignment without external test equipment.
• Hot-Swappable Dual PSU — Redundant power with same module shared across the dLive range.

Typical Applications

• Broadcast studio
• Auditorium
• House of worship
• Multi-purpose room
• Government space

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the DM32, DM48, and DM64?

All three MixRacks use the identical XCVI processing core and support the same 128 input / 64 output channel count. The only difference is the number of built-in analog I/O: DM32 has 32 inputs / 16 outputs, DM48 has 48 inputs / 24 outputs, and DM64 has 64 inputs / 32 outputs.

Can the DM48 channel count be expanded beyond 48?

Yes. Additional analog channels are available via DX32 or DX168 expanders on the two redundant DX links, and digital sources can be patched from the three I/O option slots, bringing the system up to 128 full-processing inputs.

Does the DM48 require a physical mixing surface?

No. The DM48 can be controlled via Allen & Heath Director software on a laptop, via iPad Mix apps, or by TCP/IP remote — a physical surface is optional.

What audio networking options does the DM48 support?

The three I/O option slots accept Dante, MADI, gigaACE, and other Allen & Heath option cards, each providing up to 128 channels at 96 kHz.

Is the DM48 rack-mountable?

Yes. The DM48 is a 19-inch rack-mount unit with reversible rack ears and a flush front panel with an ultra-quiet fan. It occupies approximately 8U.

What warranty applies to the dLive DM48?

Allen & Heath products are covered by a manufacturer warranty. Contact Creation Networks for current warranty terms and professional support.