Allen & Heath AH-DX164-W – 16-In/4-Out 96 kHz Remote I/O Expander

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath AH-DX164-W is a wall- or floor-mountable 16-input, 4-output audio expander operating at 96 kHz, designed to extend the I/O capacity of dLive, Avantis, SQ, and AHM Audio Matrix Processor systems over a single Cat 5e cable. As a plug-and-play remote I/O expander for Allen & Heath digital mixers and audio matrix processors, it provides 16 fully recallable XLR mic preamps with individually configurable phantom power, a -20 dB active pad, and relay-protected balanced line outputs. The DX164-W requires zero manual configuration and receives automatic firmware updates from the connected host system, making it a practical choice for permanent commercial installations where ongoing maintenance needs to be minimized. Integrators deploying dLive, Avantis, SQ, or AHM systems in houses of worship, conference facilities, and distributed AV environments will find the DX164-W a reliable and efficient remote stage pockets and ceiling/wall-mounted I/O solution.

Product Description

The AH-DX164-W provides 16 XLR balanced mic/line inputs with fully recallable preamps. Input sensitivity ranges from -60 to +15 dBu with analog gain adjustable from +5 to +60 dB in 1 dB steps. A -20 dB active pad extends headroom for high-output sources, and maximum input level with pad engaged is +30 dBu. Input impedance is greater than 4 kilohms (pad out) or 10 kilohms (pad in), and the mic EIN measures -127 dB with a 150-ohm source—consistent with Allen & Heath's preamp quality standard across product families.

Four balanced XLR line outputs are relay-protected, ensuring that outputs are muted in a safe state during power cycling—important in installations where amplifiers are connected directly. Output impedance is below 75 ohms, nominal output level is +4 dBu (0 dB meter reading), and maximum output is +22 dBu. Residual output noise is -92 dBu (muted, 20 Hz to 20 kHz).

Connection to the host system is via a single Cat 5e cable, with redundant and cascade operating modes available for network flexibility. The DX164-W accepts IEC mains power (100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 35 W max) with a 12 VDC backup input for power-resilient installations. Its wall- or floor-mount form factor suits installation in stage pockets, under-stage equipment closets, ceiling arrays, or any fixed location where a compact I/O node is required.

Key Features

• 16 Fully Recallable XLR Mic Preamps — +5 to +60 dB gain in 1 dB steps, -60 to +15 dBu input sensitivity, -127 dB EIN with 150-ohm source
• Individually Configurable Phantom Power — Per-input 48V phantom power for condenser microphones
• -20 dB Active Pad — Extends maximum input level to +30 dBu for high-output sources
• 4 Relay-Protected XLR Line Outputs — Output muting relay prevents speaker damage during power cycling
• Single Cat 5e Connection — All audio, control, and power communication via a single cable run to the host
• 96 kHz Operation — High-resolution audio processing for demanding installation requirements
• Plug-and-Play Design — No configuration required; automatic firmware updates from connected host system
• Redundant and Cascade Modes — Network operating modes for resilient or daisy-chained I/O deployments
• IEC Mains Power + 12 VDC Backup — Dual power inputs for power-resilient commercial installations
• Wall or Floor Mountable — Flexible mounting options for stage pockets, equipment closets, and ceiling locations
• Compatible with dLive, Avantis, SQ, and AHM — Single expander type works across Allen & Heath's full commercial and live production portfolio

Typical Applications

• dLive, Avantis, and SQ commercial installation requiring remote I/O at distributed locations
• AHM Audio Matrix Processor deployments needing additional mic and line I/O nodes
• Houses of worship with stage pockets and distributed microphone connections
• Conference and boardroom facilities requiring fixed wall-mounted mic input panels
• Enterprise AV systems with distributed audio input points across multiple rooms

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Allen & Heath systems is the DX164-W compatible with?

The DX164-W works with dLive, Avantis, SQ Series mixers, and AHM Audio Matrix Processors, connecting via a single Cat 5e cable.

Does the DX164-W require manual configuration during installation?

No. It is a plug-and-play device. Simply connect it to the host system with Cat 5e and it is recognized automatically. Firmware updates are also pushed automatically from the host.

Why are the outputs relay-protected?

Relay protection mutes the outputs during power cycling, preventing audio pops or transients from reaching connected amplifiers and speakers—an important feature in permanently installed systems.

What is the 12 VDC backup input used for?

The 12 VDC input provides a secondary power source in the event of mains power loss, enabling uninterrupted operation in critical installations such as emergency paging systems or broadcast-adjacent environments.

How far can the Cat 5e cable run between the DX164-W and the host?

Allen & Heath specifies standard Cat 5e connectivity. Maximum cable length depends on the host system's proprietary transport specifications. Consult Allen & Heath's system documentation for the specific mixer or processor in use.

Can multiple DX164-W units be cascaded?

Yes. The DX164-W supports cascade mode, allowing multiple units to be chained and managed by a single host system.