Allen & Heath AH-DX168 – 16x8 Portable DX I/O Expander for dLive

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath AH-DX168 is a portable I/O expander that adds 16 mic/line inputs and 8 XLR line outputs to dLive S Class or C Class mixing systems via a single Cat 5 cable. It is the preferred solution for live sound engineers, house of worship AV teams, and commercial AV integrators who need to extend the I/O footprint of a dLive system without adding a full stagebox. Up to six DX168 units can operate simultaneously on one dLive system, providing up to 96 inputs and 48 outputs for dLive portable I/O expansion in large-format live sound. The unit connects using Allen & Heath's proprietary DX protocol, positioning inputs and outputs up to 330 feet from the mixing surface.

Product Description

The DX168 is built for practical stage and install use, with a reinforced chassis featuring rubber bumpers on all corners to withstand placement directly on stage floors or in equipment racks. The 16 XLR mic/line inputs each include independent phantom power with individual LED indicators, giving engineers clear at-a-glance confirmation of phantom status per channel — a practical detail when connecting condenser microphones in dim stage environments.

A single Cat 5 cable carries all audio, control, and power negotiation data between the DX168 and the dLive MixRack, placing the expander up to 330 feet from the surface. This makes the DX168 well-suited for dLive stage-to-FOH signal extension in venues where running a traditional analog multicore is impractical. The Cascade mode allows two DX168 units to be daisy-chained, further extending the I/O count without requiring an additional Cat 5 run back to the MixRack.

The DX168 can be rack-mounted in a standard 19-inch rack using the optional remote audio rack kit (sold separately), making it equally practical for permanent AV installations in houses of worship, corporate AV rooms, and performance venues. The carry handle supports portable deployment without additional case hardware. For teams expanding an existing dLive system, the DX168 provides a cost-effective path to additional I/O without requiring a new MixRack or stagebox investment.

Key Features

• 16 Mic/Line XLR Inputs — Each input includes a remotely-controlled preamp with independent phantom power and LED indicator per channel.
• 8 XLR Line Outputs — Balanced XLR outputs suitable for monitor amplifiers, send feeds, or zone distribution.
• Single Cat 5 Connection — Connects to the dLive MixRack via standard Cat 5 cable, with placement up to 330 feet from the mixer.
• Up to 6 Units Per System — Multiple DX168 expanders can run simultaneously on one dLive system for up to 96 inputs and 48 outputs.
• Cascade Mode — Two DX168 units can be daisy-chained to increase I/O count without an additional Cat 5 run.
• Rack or Floor Mountable — Rubber bumpers allow direct stage floor placement; optional rack kit enables 19-inch installation.
• Carry Handle — Integrated handle for portable deployment between venues and stages.
• Compatible with dLive S Class and C Class — Works with the full dLive MixRack lineup including the DM32, DM48, and DM64.

Typical Applications

• House of worship AV systems requiring distributed stage I/O
• Live sound touring with dLive systems needing supplemental inputs
• Commercial AV installations with distributed mic and line input requirements

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Which dLive models is the DX168 compatible with?

The DX168 works with all dLive S Class and C Class systems, including MixRack models DM32, DM48, and DM64, as well as C Class surfaces such as the C1500, C2500, and C3500.

How many DX168 units can I connect to a single dLive system?

Up to six DX168 units can be connected simultaneously, providing a maximum of 96 additional inputs and 48 additional outputs.

What cable do I need to connect the DX168?

Standard Cat 5 (or better) Ethernet cable is used. The cable is sold separately. Maximum run length is 330 feet (100 meters).

Can the DX168 be rack-mounted?

Yes, with the optional remote audio rack kit (sold separately). Without the kit, it sits directly on a stage floor or flat surface using its rubber bumpers.

Does the DX168 require phantom power to be enabled at the mixer?

Phantom power (48V) is controlled individually per channel from the dLive surface. Each channel on the DX168 has an LED indicator showing phantom power status locally.

Is the DX168 compatible with Avantis mixers?

The DX168 uses the DX protocol and is designed for dLive systems. For Avantis, Allen & Heath offers compatible DX expanders via the Avantis DX connection architecture.

What warranty is included?

Allen & Heath products include a standard manufacturer warranty. Contact Creation Networks for current warranty terms and registration details.