Allen & Heath AH-M-DL-DOUT-A – DX32 AES3 8-Channel Digital Output Module

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath AH-M-DL-DOUT-A is an 8-channel AES3 digital output module for the DX32 Expansion Chassis, providing four stereo AES3 outputs on XLR connectors. The module operates at 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, or 96 kHz, switchable to match the receiving equipment's clock rate. It is designed for dLive commercial AV and broadcast installations where digital audio outputs from the mixing system need to feed AES3-compatible amplifiers, digital recorders, broadcast processors, or signal distribution equipment. For integrators building out DX32 chassis I/O configurations, the M-DL-DOUT-A provides a direct AES3 output path that avoids digital-to-analog conversion when the destination equipment accepts AES3 natively.

Product Description

AES3 outputs are used in professional audio installations wherever two-channel digital audio needs to be delivered to downstream equipment over balanced XLR connections. Common receiving devices include digital amplifiers with AES3 inputs, digital show control systems, broadcast codecs, and multi-channel recording systems. The M-DL-DOUT-A provides four XLR outputs, each carrying one stereo AES3 pair, for eight total output channels per module.

The module supports four sample rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, and 96 kHz. The selected sample rate must match the dLive system's operating clock and the expectations of the receiving device. In broadcast environments operating at 48 kHz and in high-resolution contexts at 96 kHz, the module covers both standard configurations without requiring external sample rate conversion at the receiving end.

The module connects to the DX32 chassis via an internal multipin connector, requiring no additional wiring inside the chassis. It is recognized automatically by the dLive MixRack when installed, and output routing is configured from the dLive mixing surface or Director software. Multiple M-DL-DOUT-A modules can be installed in a single DX32 chassis alongside input modules, allowing a complete stage box I/O configuration to include both analog and digital outputs in the same physical unit.

In installations where both AES3 digital outputs and analog outputs are needed — such as a theater that drives digital amplifiers in the main PA via AES3 while also providing analog feeds to stage monitors — the DX32 chassis can host a combination of M-DL-DOUT-A and M-DL-AOUT-A modules in the same chassis, simplifying the overall rack layout.

Key Features

• 8 Channels of AES3 Output — Four XLR connectors carrying four stereo AES3 pairs provide eight total output channels per module.
• Switchable Sample Rate — 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, or 96 kHz to match receiving equipment requirements.
• Balanced XLR Connectors — Industry-standard AES3/EBU connectors compatible with professional broadcast and installed audio equipment.
• DX32 Module Format — Seats directly into DX32 chassis slots via internal multipin connector; no additional chassis wiring required.
• Automatic Detection — Recognized and configured from the dLive MixRack or Director software when installed.
• Compatible with All dLive Systems — Works with dLive C Class, S Class, and System Rack configurations using DX32.
• Combinable with Other DX32 Modules — Can be installed alongside analog output, analog input, and digital input modules in the same DX32 chassis.

Typical Applications

• dLive Commercial AV Deployment — Providing AES3 outputs from a DX32 stage box to digital amplifiers, signal processors, or distribution systems in theaters, houses of worship, and corporate AV installations.
• Broadcast Integration — Feeding AES3 signals from a dLive console to broadcast codecs, playout systems, or on-air processors.
• Digital Amplifier Feeds — Driving AES3-input amplifiers in installed sound systems, avoiding unnecessary digital-to-analog conversion in the signal chain.
• High-Resolution Recording — Outputting 96 kHz AES3 from the dLive system to a recording system or monitoring chain.

Technical Specifications

FAQ

Which chassis does the M-DL-DOUT-A fit?

This module is designed for the Allen & Heath DX32 Expansion Chassis only. It is not compatible with the DX168 or other stage box formats.

Does the module include sample rate conversion for the output?

No. The output sample rate is set to match the dLive system's internal clock (44.1, 48, 88.2, or 96 kHz). The receiving device must be configured to accept the same sample rate, or a sample rate converter must be inserted between the module and the receiving device.

Can I install multiple M-DL-DOUT-A modules in one DX32 chassis?

Yes. Multiple modules can be installed in the DX32 chassis alongside input and other output modules to build a custom I/O configuration.

How is output routing configured on this module?

Output routing is managed from the dLive mixing surface or the dLive Director software. The module is detected automatically when installed in the DX32 chassis.

Is this module suitable for feeding digital amplifiers in an installed sound system?

Yes. The M-DL-DOUT-A provides AES3 outputs compatible with digital amplifiers that accept AES3/EBU input, allowing a fully digital signal path from the dLive console to the amplifier without requiring D/A conversion at the stage box.

What is AES3 and why use it instead of analog outputs?

AES3 (AES/EBU) is the professional standard for two-channel digital audio over balanced XLR connections. Using AES3 outputs maintains the audio in the digital domain through the entire signal chain, avoiding the noise and level matching considerations associated with analog connections, and is standard in broadcast and high-end installed sound systems.

What warranty applies?

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