Allen & Heath AH-M-DL-GACE-A – 128x128 96kHz gigaACE Networking Card for dLive & Avantis

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath AH-M-DL-GACE-A is a 128-channel bidirectional gigaACE audio networking card for dLive and Avantis I/O ports, operating at 96kHz sample rate with ultra-low transport latency of 5 samples (52 microseconds). It provides a point-to-point high-channel audio link between two dLive or Avantis systems, or connects a dLive system to the DX Hub or GX4816 expander. For AV integrators and live sound engineers deploying Allen & Heath systems in multi-surface configurations, the gigaACE card is the Allen & Heath dLive gigaACE digital split card for FOH/monitor splits without any analog signal path. Its plug-and-play operation — no computer required for setup — makes it a practical tool for dLive Avantis 128-channel networking card for commercial AV deployments.

Product Description

gigaACE is Allen & Heath's proprietary audio-and-control-over-Ethernet protocol, designed for transporting up to 128 bidirectional channels at 96kHz over standard CAT cable between dLive or Avantis systems. Unlike Dante or AES67, gigaACE is a point-to-point protocol optimized for direct system-to-system connections — no Dante Controller, no network switch configuration, no licensing requirements.

The most common application is a digital split between a FOH console and a monitor console. In this configuration, all stage inputs enter one dLive or Avantis system and are simultaneously sent to the second system via the gigaACE link. Each system then applies independent gain trim, processing, and mixing without the two consoles affecting each other — replacing the copper multicore and analog splitter typically used in traditional split configurations. With 128 channels available in each direction at 96kHz, the gigaACE card handles even the largest concert or theater productions without capacity constraints.

Dual redundancy is built in: if the primary connection fails, gigaACE switches to the secondary path with no audio dropout. The card also includes a switchable Control Network Bridge that allows the TCP/IP control network of one system to tunnel over the gigaACE link — enabling a single laptop to control both systems without a separate control cable run. Setup is entirely on-mixer: patch and clock settings are configured directly on the surface, and the two systems recognize each other automatically when connected. This combination of high channel count, 96kHz performance, and zero-configuration setup makes the M-DL-GACE-A a practical card for dLive dual-system digital audio split for live events.

Key Features

• 128x128 Channels at 96kHz — Full 128 bidirectional channels at 96kHz sample rate for high-resolution audio transport between systems.
• Ultra-Low Latency — 5-sample transport latency (52 microseconds) ensures imperceptible delay between interconnected systems.
• Plug-and-Play Setup — No computer or software required; patch and clock settings configured directly on the mixer surface.
• Dual Redundancy — Automatic failover to secondary cable path with no audio dropout on connection loss.
• Switchable Control Network Bridge — Tunnels the dLive/Avantis TCP/IP control network over the gigaACE link for single-laptop control of both systems.
• Point-to-Point Protocol — Direct system-to-system connection over standard CAT cable; no network switch or additional software licensing needed.
• DX Hub & GX4816 Compatible — Connects a dLive system to the DX Hub or GX4816 I/O expander for additional distributed audio routing.
• Replaces Analog Splitters — Eliminates the need for copper multicore analog splits in FOH/monitor configurations.

Typical Applications

• dLive or Avantis FOH/monitor digital split for commercial live sound deployments
• Multi-surface dLive or Avantis system integration in large commercial AV installations
• Connection to DX Hub or GX4816 expander in distributed audio architectures

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Allen & Heath systems accept the gigaACE card?

The M-DL-GACE-A installs in any I/O port on a dLive MixRack (DM32, DM48, DM64) or Avantis MixRack. Both systems must have a gigaACE card installed for system-to-system audio transport.

Does gigaACE require a Dante network or separate network infrastructure?

No. gigaACE is a point-to-point protocol that uses a direct CAT cable connection between two systems. No network switch, Dante Controller, or additional licensing is required.

What happens if the primary cable fails?

Dual redundancy is built in. gigaACE automatically switches to the secondary cable path with no audio dropout.

Can I use this card to connect dLive to an Avantis system?

Yes. gigaACE supports cross-system connections between dLive and Avantis, allowing mixed deployments in FOH/monitor configurations.

What is the Control Network Bridge feature?

The switchable Control Network Bridge tunnels the Allen & Heath TCP/IP control network over the gigaACE connection, enabling a single laptop to control both connected systems without a separate network cable.

Is the channel count affected at 96kHz?

No. The gigaACE card maintains 128 bidirectional channels at 96kHz — there is no channel count reduction at the higher sample rate.

What warranty applies to this card?

Standard Allen & Heath manufacturer warranty applies. Contact Creation Networks for warranty and support information.