Allen & Heath AH-M-DL-GOPT-A FiberACE Audio Networking card, 96kHz, 128x128, dual redundancy, OpticalCon connectors

Allen & Heath AH-M-DL-GOPT-A FiberACE — 128x128 96kHz Fiber Audio Networking Card

The Allen & Heath AH-M-DL-GOPT-A FiberACE audio networking card provides a 128-channel, bidirectional, 96kHz point-to-point audio link between two dLive or Avantis systems over multimode fiber optic or CAT5e/6 copper cable. Designed for large-scale live events, touring productions, and permanent AV installations requiring digital audio distribution over extended cable runs, the FiberACE card fits directly into any Allen & Heath dLive or Avantis I/O Port expansion slot. It enables dual digital splits without signal degradation and supports cable redundancy with zero audio dropout, making it a reliable foundation for mission-critical audio networks in houses of worship, broadcast facilities, and touring systems.

Product Description

The FiberACE card (M-DL-GOPT) operates in three distinct modes: Copper mode uses standard CAT5e or higher Ethernet cabling for runs up to the standard network distance; Fibre mode connects two dLive or Avantis systems via Neutrik OpticalCon Duo multimode fiber connectors with cable runs up to 500 meters; and Convert mode replaces the conventional dLive MixRack-to-Surface copper link with a fiber optic connection, extending the physical separation between the rack and surface in permanent installations.

Transport latency across the FiberACE link is just 5 samples — approximately 52 microseconds at 96kHz — which is transparent in any practical mixing or monitoring scenario. The dual-redundancy architecture monitors both primary and backup cable paths simultaneously, switching automatically to the redundant path in the event of a cable failure without any audible interruption. The card also supports tunneling of the dLive or Avantis TCP/IP control network over the same fiber connection, allowing a single laptop running Allen & Heath's control software to manage two systems across a venue without a separate network infrastructure.

Setup requires no computer or configuration software — FiberACE is a plug-and-play protocol. Connect the fiber or copper cable between two compatible systems, configure the patch and clock settings on the mixer's own interface, and the link is established. This approach eliminates the need for IT department involvement in typical live event deployments and simplifies commissioning in permanent AV installation projects.

Key Features

• 128-Channel Bidirectional Audio — 128 inputs and 128 outputs at 96kHz across a single fiber or copper link, supporting full digital splits and independent mixing by two separate systems.
• 96kHz Sample Rate — High-resolution audio transport matches the native operating rate of dLive and Avantis systems running at 96kHz XCVI processing, preserving audio quality end to end.
• Three Operating Modes — Copper (CAT5e+), Fibre (Neutrik OpticalCon Duo multimode up to 500 m), and Convert (MixRack-to-Surface fiber replacement) modes serve different installation scenarios.
• Ultra-Low Transport Latency — 5 samples (52 microseconds) of transport latency is imperceptible in any live mixing or monitor engineering context.
• Dual Redundancy — Automatic failover between primary and redundant cable paths with no audio dropout protects against single-point cable failures in live event environments.
• Switchable Control Network Bridge — Tunnels the dLive/Avantis TCP/IP control network over the FiberACE connection, enabling single-laptop control of two separated systems.
• Plug-and-Play Operation — No configuration software or computer required for setup; patch and clock settings are configured directly from the mixer surface.
• Neutrik OpticalCon Duo Connectors — Industry-standard ruggedized fiber connectors rated for repeated touring use and compatible with widely available OpticalCon cabling infrastructure.

Typical Applications

• dLive System Integration — Connect two dLive MixRack-and-Surface systems for FoH/Monitor split configurations at large concerts, festivals, and theatrical productions, with each system receiving independent 128-channel feeds.
• Avantis System Integration — Extend an Avantis system to a second Avantis surface or MixRack across a venue using the fiber link for long cable runs without signal degradation or ground loop issues.
• Permanent AV Installation — Use Convert mode to replace the dLive copper MixRack-to-Surface link with fiber in fixed installations where the control surface and rack are separated by walls, floors, or conduit runs exceeding standard copper cable limits.
• Broadcast Studio Audio Distribution — Route 128 channels between two processing systems in a broadcast facility over a single fiber pair, simplifying studio infrastructure and reducing cable congestion.
• House of Worship Multi-System Audio — Deploy dual mixing systems in a house of worship — one for main program and one for broadcast or recording — sharing the same input feeds via the FiberACE digital split.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Allen & Heath systems accept the FiberACE card?

The AH-M-DL-GOPT-A installs into the I/O Port expansion slot found on dLive MixRacks (DM0, DM32, DM48, DM64) and Avantis (via the I/O Port). Both systems at each end of the link must have a FiberACE card installed.

Can the FiberACE card connect a dLive system to an Avantis system?

Yes. The FiberACE protocol is shared across dLive and Avantis platforms, and a point-to-point link between one dLive and one Avantis system is supported, enabling cross-platform digital splits.

What fiber cable is required for the fiber mode?

The card uses Neutrik OpticalCon Duo multimode connectors. Standard OM3 or OM4 multimode duplex fiber assemblies with OpticalCon Duo terminations are required. These are available from specialist AV cable suppliers and are compatible with standard LC fiber infrastructure when appropriate adapters are used.

Is the dual redundancy automatic, or does it require manual switching?

Failover is fully automatic. The FiberACE system monitors both cable paths continuously and switches to the redundant path without operator intervention and without any audible audio dropout.

Does the FiberACE card affect the latency of the dLive or Avantis system?

The FiberACE transport adds 5 samples (approximately 52 µs at 96kHz) to the overall system path. This is in addition to the host system's own processing latency and is negligible in practice for both monitoring and front-of-house applications.

What warranty applies to the AH-M-DL-GOPT-A?

Allen & Heath option cards are covered under the standard Allen & Heath limited warranty when purchased through authorized dealers. Contact Creation Networks for warranty registration and support details specific to your region.