Allen & Heath AH-M-DL-AES4I6O-A AES3 Module with 4 inputs x 6 outputs w/ SRC 32kHz to 192kHz

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath AH-M-DL-AES4I6O-A is a 4-input / 6-output AES3 digital audio interface card for dLive and Avantis mixing systems. Its balanced I/O split makes it well-suited for applications where a meaningful number of AES3 return channels are needed alongside a strong complement of output feeds — such as multi-stem recording workflows, console combining, or monitor systems that require significant digital feedback. The 6 outputs support switchable sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, or 96kHz, and the 4 inputs benefit from asynchronous sample rate conversion (SRC) covering 32kHz to 192kHz, enabling external sources to connect without clock matching requirements.

Product Description

The 4-in/6-out configuration of the AH-M-DL-AES4I6O-A represents the most bidirectionally balanced option in the dLive AES3 card family. Engineers working in multi-console touring setups, broadcast-connected live events, or recording sessions where multiple stems must return digitally to the main console will find this card's input capacity more useful than the output-heavy alternatives. Four AES3 inputs provide enough capacity for stereo broadcast returns, a stereo confidence monitor feed, or two stereo stems from a DAW or effects processor, all with SRC ensuring clean integration regardless of source clock.

The 6 AES3 outputs deliver simultaneous feeds to multiple destinations — driving loudspeaker management systems, in-ear monitor transmitters, broadcast distribution, and recording systems in parallel without consuming additional card slots. Output sample rate switching allows the card to serve downstream devices operating at broadcast-standard 48kHz or recording-standard 44.1kHz from the same system. Syncing from the first AES3 input is supported for configurations where the card's input is used as the console's digital clock reference.

All I/O routing is managed within the dLive or Avantis console's patching environment, keeping configuration centralized and reducing the risk of miswiring in complex multi-card installations. This card is a strong choice for system designers who need to balance input and output AES3 channel counts across a dLive MixRack, particularly in permanently installed facilities or touring productions with defined digital I/O architectures.

Key Features

• 4 AES3 Inputs with SRC — Sample rate conversion from 32kHz to 192kHz on all four inputs allows external sources to integrate without clock synchronization requirements.
• 6 AES3 Digital Outputs — Simultaneous output to six AES3 destinations, including amplifiers, loudspeaker processors, monitor transmitters, and broadcast feeds.
• Switchable Output Sample Rate — 44.1, 48, 88.2, or 96kHz output, selectable to match downstream device requirements.
• Sync from AES3 Input — Clock the dLive system from the first AES3 input, useful in configurations where the digital console operates as a secondary device to a broadcast or recording system.
• dLive and Avantis Compatible — Installs directly into option card slots on dLive MixRack and Avantis systems.
• Console-Integrated Configuration — All patching and routing managed within the console software with no external tools.

Typical Applications

• Multi-Stem Recording Returns — Receive up to 4 AES3 channels of DAW or multitrack playback (two stereo stems) while sending 6 channels of output to recording systems and monitors simultaneously.
• Broadcast-Connected Live Events — Accept 4 AES3 channels from a broadcast truck (IFB, confidence return, program feed) while delivering 6 output channels for on-air distribution and monitor feeds.
• Console Combining in Multi-System Rigs — Share audio bidirectionally between front-of-house dLive and a monitor or broadcast console, with 4 inputs for returns and 6 outputs for sends.
• Permanent Installation with Digital Feedback — In commercial AV installations, use the 4 inputs for room system feedback or paging sources while driving 6 AES3 amplifier zones from the outputs.
• Digital Effects Integration — Send 6 channels to outboard digital effects processors and receive 4 channels of processed returns, keeping the signal chain entirely in the digital domain.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 4-in/6-out configuration differ from the other AES3 cards?

The AES4I6O provides the most balanced input-to-output ratio in the dLive AES3 card family. The AES2I8O favors outputs (2 in/8 out), the AES6I4O favors inputs (6 in/4 out), and the AES10O is output-only. The 4-in/6-out card suits applications requiring significant AES3 return capability alongside a strong output count.

Can the 4 AES3 inputs accept signals from devices at different sample rates?

Yes. The SRC on each input handles sources from 32kHz to 192kHz asynchronously, so connected devices do not need to match the dLive system's internal clock.

Is this card compatible with both dLive and Avantis?

Yes. The card installs into option card slots on dLive MixRack models and Avantis systems.

Can the card be used to connect an external effects processor in the digital domain?

Yes. Route 6 channels of send to a digital effects processor via AES3 outputs, and return up to 4 processed channels via the AES3 inputs. The SRC ensures clean integration even if the processor's clock differs from the console's.

What happens if the AES3 input signal is lost during a live performance?

Behavior on input signal loss depends on the dLive or Avantis system settings. The console firmware provides configurable options for handling digital input failures; consult the dLive system guide for details.

Does the output sample rate affect the input SRC?

No. The output sample rate selection and the input SRC operate independently. Outputs can be set to any supported rate while the inputs convert asynchronously from any source within the 32–192kHz range.