Allen & Heath AH-DX88-P 8x8 96 kHz Remote Control Expander Rack

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath DX88-P is an 8-input, 8-output passive remote expander rack designed to extend the I/O capacity of AHM, SQ, Avantis, and dLive audio systems over a single Cat 5e cable run of up to 220 feet. It is the passive (non-preamp-powered) variant in the DX expander family, making it a cost-effective solution for commercial AV system expansion, distributed audio infrastructure, and dLive stage rack builds where analog I/O needs to reach remote locations without running individual balanced lines across the venue. Up to eight DX88-P units can be added to a single system via the Allen & Heath DX Hub, enabling large-format installations with a clean, scalable cable architecture.

Product Description

The DX88-P connects to an upstream mixer or DX Hub via a single Cat 5e cable, handling 96 kHz audio transport with no additional IP configuration required — plug-and-play operation reduces on-site setup time significantly. Each of the eight inputs accepts mic or line-level signals via 3-pin block connectors, with switchable 48V phantom power and a -20 dB pad available on every input channel. The gain range spans +5 to +60 dB in 1 dB steps, providing sufficient headroom for a wide variety of sources including dynamic microphones, condenser microphones, and line-level devices.

A secondary RJ45 port enables daisy-chaining of additional DX units in cascade mode over a single cable run, reducing the number of individual network drops required in multi-rack configurations. The DX88-P ships with a 12V DC power supply and contact plug, and can be optionally rack-mounted using an available rackmount kit. Its metal construction and compact footprint (8.5 x 7.7 x 1.7") suit both permanent rack installations and road deployments on touring productions with dLive systems.

Key Features

• 96 kHz Audio Transport — Full 96 kHz processing over Cat 5e at distances up to 220 feet from the host mixer
• 8 Mic/Line Block Inputs, 8 Line Outputs — Balanced 3-pin block connectors for reliable termination in rack environments
• Phantom Power & -20 dB Pad Per Channel — Individual phantom power and pad on every input for flexible source compatibility
• Plug-and-Play Cat 5e Connection — No IP addressing required; single cable carries audio, control, and power negotiation
• Cascade Mode — Daisy-chain multiple DX units over one cable using the secondary RJ45 port
• Up to 8 Units via DX Hub — Scale I/O significantly by adding up to eight DX88-P units through the Allen & Heath DX Hub
• Compatible with AHM, SQ, Avantis, dLive — Works across Allen & Heath’s professional and installed-sound product families
• Includes 12V DC PSU — Power supply and contact plug included in the box

Typical Applications

• Commercial AV system I/O expansion for installed audio systems
• dLive stage rack remote I/O over Cat 5e
• SQ and Avantis system I/O extension for distributed venues
• AHM matrix processor remote input/output expansion
• Multi-room and multi-zone audio distribution infrastructure
• Touring production stage boxes with dLive mixing systems

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the DX88-P and the standard DX88?

The DX88-P uses passive (block connector) I/O rather than XLR connectors with active electronics for remote preamp control. It is designed for installations where the full DX88 feature set is not required and cost efficiency is a priority.

How far can the DX88-P be placed from the host mixer?

Up to 220 feet (approximately 67 meters) using a standard Cat 5e cable. No special cable is required beyond meeting Cat 5e specifications.

Does the DX88-P require IP address configuration?

No. The DX88-P operates as plug-and-play via DX Link. No IP addressing or network management is required on the unit itself.

How many DX88-P units can be connected to a single system?

Up to eight DX88-P units can be connected using the Allen & Heath DX Hub, providing up to 64 additional remote inputs and 64 remote outputs.

Can the DX88-P be rack-mounted?

Yes, with an optional rackmount kit. The unit can be rackmounted as a 1U device in a standard 19-inch equipment rack.

Is phantom power available on the DX88-P inputs?

Yes. Each input has individually switchable 48V phantom power to accommodate condenser microphones and active DI boxes.