Allen & Heath AH-DT164-W 16x4 Wallmount Dante/AES67 Audio I/O Expander

Allen & Heath DT164-W – 16x4 Wallmount Dante/AES67 Audio I/O Expander

The Allen & Heath DT164-W is a 16-input / 4-output Dante/AES67 audio I/O expander in a wallmount form factor, designed for permanent installation in houses of worship, concert venues, theaters, and other fixed AV environments using dLive or SQ Series mixing systems. Featuring 16 low-noise, fully recallable mic preamps on balanced XLR inputs and four balanced XLR line outputs, the DT164-W operates at 96 kHz with primary and secondary etherCON ports for network redundancy. Individually selectable 48V phantom power with per-input LED indication gives system operators clear status visibility across all 16 channels without physical access to the unit.

Product Description

The DT164-W is built for environments where mic inputs need to be located at the stage or platform rather than at the mix position, and where running a copper analog snake is impractical or undesirable. By transporting the 16 mic signals over a standard Ethernet network using Dante or AES67 protocol, the DT164-W can be installed in a wallbox or dip trap at stage level and connected via a single Cat5e or Cat6 cable run to the mixing system. This reduces cabling infrastructure significantly compared to a traditional 16-channel analog snake.

The 96 kHz internal converters maintain the audio resolution and dynamic range that modern production demands. Gain, pad, and phantom power settings for all 16 preamps are controllable directly from the connected dLive or SQ console surface, eliminating the need for local access to the unit during a performance or event. Preamp settings are fully recallable as part of the mixer's scene memory system, allowing consistent input configuration across recurring events without re-adjustment at the wall unit.

The primary and secondary etherCON ports provide network redundancy for installations where audio continuity is essential. Both ports feature locking mechanisms to prevent accidental disconnection — a practical consideration in environments where cables may be handled by non-technical staff. Power is supplied via an included external power supply with a 12 VDC input, and the DT164-W also accepts primary AC power, giving installers two independent power paths for additional reliability.

Key Features

• 16 Low-Noise Recallable Mic Preamps — Fully recallable gain, pad, and phantom power settings controllable from the connected dLive or SQ console surface
• Dante and AES67 Network Audio — Supports both Dante and AES67 protocols for integration with existing IP audio networks and third-party Dante-compatible devices
• 96 kHz Internal Converters — High-resolution A/D and D/A conversion matched to dLive and SQ system architecture
• Primary and Secondary etherCON Ports — Locking dual-network connection provides redundancy and prevents accidental disconnection in installed environments
• Per-Input Phantom Power LEDs — 16 individual LEDs indicate 48V phantom power status for all inputs, visible without accessing the unit
• Wallmount and Dip Trap Installation — Compact square form factor designed for wallbox or stage floor dip trap installation in permanent AV systems
• Primary and Backup Power — AC power input and 12 VDC external supply provide two independent power paths for installation reliability
• 4 Balanced XLR Line Outputs — Local line outputs for monitor amplifiers, hearing assistance systems, or local zone distribution at the installation point

Typical Applications

• House of worship stage and platform mic input expander with Dante network distribution
• Concert venue and theater permanent stage pocket installation replacing analog snakes
• Auditorium multi-location mic input distribution over IP audio network
• Conference room and boardroom distributed microphone input system
• Multi-purpose room and all-hands room installed audio infrastructure

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Allen & Heath mixers are compatible with the DT164-W?

The DT164-W is designed for use with Allen & Heath dLive Series and SQ Series mixing systems. Preamp control is available directly from the connected dLive or SQ console surface via the Dante/AES67 network.

Does the DT164-W support AES67 as well as Dante?

Yes. The DT164-W supports both Dante and AES67 protocols. AES67 compatibility allows integration with third-party IP audio systems and devices from manufacturers other than Allen & Heath, provided they support the AES67 interoperability standard.

Can preamp gain and phantom power be controlled remotely?

Yes. All preamp parameters — gain, pad, and phantom power — are fully controllable from the connected dLive or SQ console surface over the Dante/AES67 network. Local access to the unit is not required during operation.

How is the DT164-W installed?

The DT164-W is designed for wallmount or dip trap installation. The square form factor fits standard wallbox cutouts used in commercial AV installations. Mounting hardware and installation dimensions are specified in the DT164-W installation guide.

Does the DT164-W provide network redundancy?

Yes. The DT164-W has primary and secondary etherCON network ports. Both ports support locking connections to prevent accidental disconnection. Network redundancy configuration is managed through Dante Controller software.

What are the local line outputs used for?

The four balanced XLR line outputs on the DT164-W can feed local monitor amplifiers, hearing assistance distribution amplifiers, confidence monitors, or other zone-level destinations at the installation point without requiring an additional signal path from the main mix.

What power options are available for the DT164-W?

The DT164-W accepts both primary AC power (100–240 VAC) and a 12 VDC external power supply, which is included in the box. Using both provides a backup power path if one supply fails, which is useful in permanent installations where service access is limited.