Allen & Heath AH-M-DL-AES10O-A AES3 Module with 10 outputs w/ SRC 32kHz to 192kHz

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath AH-M-DL-AES10O-A is a 10-output AES3 digital audio interface card for dLive and Avantis mixing systems, designed specifically for installations where a high volume of AES3 digital feeds must leave the system simultaneously. With all 10 outputs and no dedicated return inputs on this card, the AES10O is optimized for output-dominant signal chains — providing the maximum number of AES3 feeds from a single option card slot. Output sample rate is switchable between 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96kHz, making it compatible with virtually any digital loudspeaker processor, amplifier, or recording device that accepts AES3 input.

Product Description

In large-scale dLive or Avantis installations, the need to drive multiple AES3-equipped devices — such as networked amplifiers, digital loudspeaker controllers, or broadcast distribution amplifiers — often outweighs the need for return channels at that particular system point. The AH-M-DL-AES10O-A addresses this directly by dedicating the entire card capacity to 10 discrete AES3 output pairs, providing the densest available output configuration in the dLive AES3 card lineup.

The card installs into any output port in a dLive or Avantis system, and all output routing is handled within the console's I/O patching interface — no external hardware or software configuration is required beyond the console itself. The switchable output sample rate (44.1, 48, 88.2, or 96kHz) ensures compatibility with downstream devices regardless of their native operating frequency, and the card can sync from its first AES3 input in hybrid configurations where input-capable cards are also present in the system.

This card is particularly valuable in fixed installation projects where the system architect has selected AES3 as the interface standard for amplifier racks, allowing digital signal transport from the dLive MixRack to amplifier processing with no analog conversion in the signal path. In broadcast facilities, the AES10O feeds distribution amplifiers, tie-line panels, and on-air processors with a full complement of AES3 outputs from a single card.

Key Features

• 10 AES3 Digital Outputs — Provides the maximum output density of any dLive AES3 option card, with no inputs consuming card capacity.
• Switchable Output Sample Rate — 44.1, 48, 88.2, or 96kHz output sample rate, switchable from the console for downstream device compatibility.
• dLive and Avantis Compatible — Installs into any output port on a dLive MixRack or Avantis system.
• Console-Integrated Routing — All output patching configured within the dLive or Avantis I/O patch bay; no external tools required.
• No Signal Conversion in Path — Maintains a fully digital signal chain from console DSP to downstream AES3 amplifiers and processors.
• Compact Option Card Form Factor — Fits directly into the dLive MixRack expansion slot without requiring an external breakout frame.

Typical Applications

• Amplifier Rack Integration — Feed up to 10 AES3-equipped amplifiers or DSP processors directly from the dLive MixRack, eliminating DA conversion in the system output stage.
• Broadcast Facilities — Drive AES3 distribution amplifiers, on-air processors, and tie-line panels from a dLive or Avantis console with a full 10-output complement.
• Digital Loudspeaker System Integration — Patch directly to digital loudspeaker controllers (Lake, Lab.gruppen, Crown, etc.) that accept AES3 input.
• Fixed AV Installation — Simplify rack wiring in commercial AV projects by replacing analog multicore with AES3 digital connections between the console system and amplifier racks.
• Console Combining and System Splits — Route monitor or sub-mix outputs digitally to secondary consoles, distribution points, or recording systems via AES3.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the AES10O card receive AES3 inputs as well as send outputs?

No. The AH-M-DL-AES10O-A is an output-only card. If you require AES3 inputs on the same system, install a separate AES3 input-capable card (such as the AES2I8O, AES4I6O, or AES6I4O variants) in another card slot.

Which dLive and Avantis models support this card?

The card installs into any output port on a dLive MixRack (DM0, DM32, DM48, DM64) or Avantis system. Check the Allen & Heath option card compatibility guide for slot-specific details.

Does the output sample rate need to match the console's operating sample rate?

The card's output sample rate is independently switchable, so it can convert to a different sample rate than the console's internal clock. This allows feeding 48kHz downstream devices from a console operating at 96kHz, for example.

Is AES3 the same as AES/EBU?

Yes. AES3 and AES/EBU refer to the same professional digital audio standard. The card uses standard XLR-terminated AES3/EBU connections.

How many AES10O cards can be installed in a single dLive system?

The number of cards depends on the available option card slots in the dLive MixRack model. Consult the dLive options guide for the maximum number of simultaneous option cards per MixRack.

Can this card replace an analog multicore in a system?

Yes. For systems where downstream amplifiers and processors accept AES3 input, the AES10O card enables a fully digital connection from the MixRack to the amplifier rack, removing the analog multicore entirely from that signal path.