Allen & Heath AH-M-DL-DIN-A – DX32 AES3 8-Channel Digital Input Module

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath AH-M-DL-DIN-A is an 8-channel AES3 digital input module for the DX32 Expansion Chassis, used in dLive system installations. It provides four stereo AES3 inputs via XLR connectors, each with built-in Sample Rate Conversion supporting source signals from 32 kHz to 192 kHz. For dLive commercial AV deployments where digital source equipment — such as digital playback systems, broadcast processors, or digital effects racks — needs to feed the mixing system, this module provides a clean, format-agnostic digital input path. Sample Rate Conversion can be bypassed for 96 kHz native operation within the dLive network.

Product Description

The DX32 is Allen & Heath's 32-slot I/O expansion chassis for dLive systems, accepting a range of input, output, and specialty modules that can be configured to match the signal types present in a given installation. The M-DL-DIN-A occupies one module slot and adds eight channels of AES3 digital input capacity.

AES3 (also known as AES/EBU) is the professional standard for two-channel digital audio transmission over balanced XLR connections. The module accepts four XLR inputs, each carrying one stereo AES3 pair, for a total of eight input channels. Built-in Sample Rate Conversion allows the module to accept AES3 sources running at any sample rate from 32 kHz to 192 kHz, regardless of the dLive system's internal clock rate. This removes the need to synchronize external digital devices to the dLive word clock, simplifying system design in installations with mixed-rate digital equipment.

When all connected sources operate at 96 kHz and synchronization is maintained, SRC can be bypassed to preserve the shortest possible signal path and lowest possible latency. This is relevant in broadcast and high-resolution recording contexts where sample-accurate alignment matters.

The module connects to the DX32 chassis via a multipin internal connector. No external cabling between the module and the chassis mainboard is required — the module seats directly into the chassis slot and is recognized automatically by the dLive system. Configuration is managed from the dLive MixRack or Surface software.

Multiple M-DL-DIN-A modules can be installed in a single DX32 chassis alongside other module types, allowing a customized I/O configuration that matches the exact signal complement of a given installation. Combined with analog input, analog output, and AES3 output modules, a fully populated DX32 can serve as a flexible digital stage box for complex commercial AV or broadcast installations.

Key Features

• 8 Channels of AES3 Input — Four stereo XLR inputs provide eight channels of professional AES/EBU digital audio.
• Sample Rate Conversion (32 kHz – 192 kHz) — Accepts AES3 sources at any sample rate in the 32–192 kHz range without requiring word clock synchronization.
• SRC Bypass for 96 kHz Operation — Disables SRC for direct 96 kHz input when source and system clocks are matched, reducing latency.
• XLR Connectors — Industry-standard balanced XLR connections compatible with professional digital audio equipment.
• DX32 Module Format — Installs directly into the DX32 expansion chassis slot; no additional wiring inside the chassis.
• Configurable via dLive Software — Recognized and managed automatically from the dLive MixRack interface.
• Compatible with All dLive Configurations — Works in any DX32 chassis connected to a dLive C Class, S Class, or System Rack MixRack.

Typical Applications

• dLive Commercial AV Deployment — Adding AES3 digital inputs to a DX32 stage box in a theater, house of worship, convention center, or corporate AV installation.
• Broadcast Integration — Receiving AES3 feeds from broadcast processors, codecs, or playout systems into a dLive mixing system.
• Digital Playback System Integration — Accepting AES3 output from digital show control systems, effects racks, or digital audio workstations.
• High-Resolution Recording Environments — Operating at 96 kHz with SRC bypassed for latency-sensitive recording and monitoring chains.

Technical Specifications

FAQ

Which Allen & Heath chassis does this module fit?

The M-DL-DIN-A is designed exclusively for the DX32 Expansion Chassis. It is not compatible with the DX168 or other Allen & Heath stage boxes.

Does this module require word clock synchronization with external AES3 sources?

No. The built-in Sample Rate Conversion allows the module to accept AES3 sources running at any rate between 32 kHz and 192 kHz without external sync. SRC can be bypassed if you are running all sources at 96 kHz and wish to eliminate the SRC processing stage.

Can multiple M-DL-DIN-A modules be installed in one DX32 chassis?

Yes. The DX32 has multiple module slots, and more than one M-DL-DIN-A can be installed to increase total AES3 input channel count. Slots can also be filled with a mix of input, output, and other module types.

Is this module compatible with all dLive system configurations?

The module is compatible with DX32 chassis used with dLive C Class, S Class, and System Rack MixRacks. Verify current firmware compatibility with Allen & Heath's release notes before purchasing.

What is AES3 and how does it differ from S/PDIF?

AES3 (AES/EBU) is the professional standard for digital audio transmission over balanced XLR connections, typically used in broadcast and professional audio environments. S/PDIF is a consumer format using RCA or optical connectors. This module accepts AES3 only; S/PDIF sources require a format converter.

Does the module support 32-channel or higher channel counts over AES3?

Standard AES3 carries two channels per cable. This module provides four XLR inputs for eight total channels. For higher channel counts, additional modules or a different format (such as MADI or Dante) would be required.

What warranty applies to this module?

Allen & Heath option cards carry the manufacturer's standard limited warranty. Contact Creation Networks for warranty registration and post-purchase support.