Allen & Heath AH-M-DL-DXLINK-A – DX Link Network Interface Card for dLive & Avantis

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath AH-M-DL-DXLINK-A is an option card that installs directly into the networking port of any dLive or Avantis MixRack, immediately expanding available I/O without complex configuration. Four DX Link ports with locking etherCON connectors each carry 32x32 channels of audio at 96 kHz, connecting to the full range of DX Expander units including the DX32, DX168, DX012, and DX164-W. Each port can be operated in Parallel mode for maximum I/O count or Redundant mode for mission-critical installations where signal continuity cannot be compromised. No drivers or software setup are required — install the card, connect the expanders, and patch your audio.

Product Description

Commercial AV integrators working with Allen & Heath dLive or Avantis systems frequently reach the limits of on-board I/O when designing for large venues, multi-room installations, and broadcast facilities. The AH-M-DL-DXLINK-A resolves this directly by adding four independent DX Link ports, each capable of transporting 32 inputs and 32 outputs at 96 kHz over a single Cat5e or Cat6 cable with a rugged, locking etherCON connector.

The card installs in the dedicated I/O networking slot found on dLive and Avantis MixRacks. Once seated, it is immediately recognized by the system firmware — there is no separate configuration utility, device manager, or network discovery process to navigate. This plug-and-play behavior is a significant advantage in time-sensitive installation environments such as touring, corporate event production, and permanent installations in performing arts centers.

Each of the four DX Link ports can independently address a separate DX Expander unit, allowing integrators to distribute I/O to multiple physical locations across a stage, broadcast truck, or building floor plate. In Parallel mode all four ports are available for independent expander connections. In Redundant mode, pairs of ports carry identical data streams, so a cable or expander failure does not interrupt audio — an important consideration for houses of worship, broadcast facilities, and emergency notification systems where uninterrupted audio is required.

Compatible DX Expanders include the DX32 (32-in/32-out analog), DX168 (16-in/8-out analog), DX012 (12-out analog), and DX164-W (16-in/4-out wall-mount). This gives system designers flexibility to match the I/O profile precisely to each room or zone within a larger installation, rather than deploying oversized expanders to meet a standard configuration.

The AH-M-DL-DXLINK-A is sold as a single card and ships without expander units. It is fully compatible with dLive firmware v1.0 and above and Avantis firmware from initial release. Consult your current system firmware release notes to confirm compatibility with the specific DX Expander models intended for your installation.

Key Features

• Four DX Link Ports — Connects up to four DX Expander units simultaneously from a single option card slot
• 32x32 Channels per Port at 96 kHz — High-density audio transport suitable for large-format live sound and broadcast applications
• Parallel and Redundant Mode — Redundant mode provides automatic failover for mission-critical installations
• Locking etherCON Connectors — Rugged, field-proven connection standard prevents accidental disconnection in live environments
• No Configuration Required — Card is recognized automatically upon installation in any compatible dLive or Avantis MixRack
• Compatible with DX32, DX168, DX012, DX164-W — Works with the full current range of Allen & Heath DX Expanders
• Single Slot Installation — Occupies the dedicated networking port on the MixRack, preserving other expansion slots for additional option cards

Typical Applications

• Large-format live sound venues requiring distributed stage boxes
• Broadcast facilities integrating dLive or Avantis into multi-room audio infrastructure
• Touring productions with multiple remote DX Expander locations
• Permanent commercial AV installations in performing arts centers, convention centers, and houses of worship
• System integration projects requiring redundant audio network paths for uninterrupted operation
• Multi-room conference facilities using Avantis as a central audio processor with distributed I/O

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Allen & Heath consoles and MixRacks are compatible with the AH-M-DL-DXLINK-A?

The card is compatible with dLive MixRacks (DM0, DM32, DM48, DM64) and Avantis MixRacks. It installs in the dedicated networking option card slot on these units.

What is the difference between Parallel mode and Redundant mode on this card?

In Parallel mode, all four DX Link ports operate independently, each connecting to a separate DX Expander. In Redundant mode, ports are paired so that two ports carry the same audio stream, providing automatic failover if one cable or expander fails.

Does this card require any software configuration or firmware update to operate?

No software configuration is required. The card is recognized automatically by dLive and Avantis firmware upon installation. Check Allen & Heath's firmware release notes to ensure your system is running a compatible firmware version.

Can the AH-M-DL-DXLINK-A be used with third-party audio networking equipment?

No. The DX Link protocol is proprietary to Allen & Heath and is only compatible with Allen & Heath DX Expander units (DX32, DX168, DX012, DX164-W).

How many DX Expanders can be connected using a single AH-M-DL-DXLINK-A card?

In Parallel mode, up to four DX Expanders can be connected, one per port. In Redundant mode, up to two Expanders can be connected with full redundancy per pair.

What cable type is required to connect DX Expanders to this card?

Cat5e or Cat6 cable terminated with etherCON connectors is recommended. Allen & Heath specifies standard Ethernet cabling for all DX Link connections.

Is this card included with the purchase of a dLive or Avantis system?

No. The AH-M-DL-DXLINK-A is sold separately and must be ordered in addition to the MixRack and any DX Expander units.