Allen & Heath AH-IP-8 – 8 Motorized Fader Controller, PoE+ Powered

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath AH-IP-8 is a compact 8-fader motorized remote controller for AHM matrix processors and dLive and Avantis mixing systems, powered via PoE+ or an included 12 VDC power supply. It provides 8 motorized faders, 8 LCD channel displays, 23 backlit softkeys, and 6 layers of control for a total of 48 assignable channels per unit. For commercial AV integrators designing boardroom audio control, multi-zone audio systems, or distributed mixing environments, the IP-8 is an established choice as an Allen & Heath IP-8 motorized fader controller for AHM commercial AV. PoE+ powering simplifies installation by eliminating local power runs — a single Cat 5e cable carries both network control data and power from a PoE+ switch to the IP-8 unit. It is the purpose-built hardware controller for Allen & Heath AHM-64 multi-zone audio control surface deployments.

Product Description

The IP-8 connects to the host AHM matrix processor, dLive MixRack, or Avantis system over a standard Ethernet network at 100 Mb/s. Once configured, the 8 motorized faders track assigned channel levels in real time, moving to reflect any changes made from the primary console or other connected control surfaces. This allows the IP-8 to serve as a satellite control point in a separate room, at a stage position, or in an AV control booth without requiring an additional console surface. Six layers of control are accessible via softkeys, giving access to 48 individual channels from a single IP-8 unit without hardware expansion.

The 8 LCD displays show channel names, levels, and status information for the currently selected layer, providing clear identification of what each fader controls regardless of the active layer. The 23 backlit softkeys handle layer selection, channel selection, mute, and custom function assignments. A dimmable control for all displays supports use in dark control environments such as theaters, broadcast booths, or dimmed boardrooms. Each fader strip can be configured individually or as part of a vertical strip for intuitive control of related channels in a zone or system.

The IP-8 is powered by PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at, 25.5 W at source) from a compatible PoE+ switch, or by the included 12 VDC, 2.5 A power supply where PoE+ infrastructure is not available. Maximum power consumption is 25 W. The compact footprint — 11.4 x 8 x 2.4 inches — allows placement on a desk, countertop, or in a shallow built-in surface without significant space requirements. This combination of networked control, motorized faders, and PoE+ powering makes the IP-8 particularly well-suited for AHM multi-zone audio control with PoE+ motorized fader surface installations in corporate offices, hospitality venues, and educational facilities.

Key Features

• 8 Motorized Faders — Faders track assigned channel levels in real time from the host system, reflecting changes from other control points automatically.
• 6 Control Layers — Access 48 individual channels from one IP-8 unit via six independently assignable fader layers.
• 8 LCD Channel Displays — Per-fader LCD screens show channel name, level, and status for the active layer.
• 23 Backlit Softkeys — Configurable softkeys for layer selection, channel control, mute, and custom functions.
• PoE+ Powered — IEEE 802.3at PoE+ powering (25.5 W at source) over the network cable eliminates local power supply requirements.
• Included PSU — 12 VDC, 2.5 A power supply included for installations without PoE+ infrastructure.
• 100 Mb/s Ethernet — Fast Ethernet network connection to the host AHM, dLive, or Avantis system.
• Compatible with AHM-64, dLive, and Avantis — Works across Allen & Heath's current commercial AV and live production system range.
• Dimmable Displays — Adjustable display brightness for use in low-light control environments.
• Compact Footprint — 11.4 x 8 x 2.4 in form factor suits desk or countertop installation without dedicated rack space.

Typical Applications

• Commercial AV multi-zone audio control in corporate, hospitality, and educational facilities
• Boardroom AV systems requiring a dedicated hardware fader surface for presenter or operator control
• AHM-64 matrix processor control surfaces in distributed audio installations

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Allen & Heath systems is the IP-8 compatible with?

The IP-8 is compatible with the Allen & Heath AHM-64 matrix processor, dLive S Class and C Class systems, and Avantis mixing systems. It is not compatible with Qu or GLD series mixers.

Does the IP-8 require PoE+ to operate?

No. PoE+ is one power option. The included 12 VDC, 2.5 A power supply can be used where a PoE+ switch is not available.

How many channels can be controlled from one IP-8?

With 6 control layers, each IP-8 can control up to 48 individual channels. Multiple IP-8 units can be used simultaneously on the same system for additional control positions.

Do the faders move automatically when levels change from another control surface?

Yes. The motorized faders track the host system's channel levels in real time, so changes made from the main console or other connected controllers are reflected on the IP-8 faders automatically.

What switch is required to power the IP-8 via PoE+?

Any IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) compatible network switch with at least 25.5 W available per port is suitable. Standard PoE (802.3af) is insufficient and not supported.

Can multiple IP-8 units be used in the same installation?

Yes. Multiple IP-8 controllers can be connected to the same AHM or mixing system simultaneously, each assigned to different channel groups or rooms as required by the installation design.

What warranty applies?

Standard Allen & Heath manufacturer warranty applies. Contact Creation Networks for warranty registration and technical support details.