Allen & Heath AH-M-MADI2-A 64x64 Module for iLive and GLD Mixers

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath AH-M-MADI2-A is a dual-port MADI I/O module for iLive and GLD mixing systems, providing two independent bidirectional streams of 64-channel 24-bit/48kHz audio over coaxial BNC connections. Designed for broadcast engineers and recording studio operators who need to bridge Allen & Heath digital consoles to external broadcast or recording infrastructure, the MADI2 module allows the iLive or GLD system to exchange high channel-count audio with OB vans, DAW-based recording rigs, and third-party console systems using the industry-standard MADI protocol. With word clock I/O for system synchronization, auto-detection of 56 or 64 channel frame formats, and an auxiliary BNC configurable for output mirroring, input pass-through, or word clock, the MADI2 module provides the interconnectivity required in professional broadcast and production environments without the need for external MADI converters or additional rack hardware.

Product Description

MADI (Multi-channel Audio Digital Interface, AES10) is the established protocol for high channel-count digital audio transport in broadcast and recording environments, and the Allen & Heath MADI2 module brings full MADI connectivity directly into the iLive and GLD platform. The module installs into the iLive or GLD system's option card slot, presenting two MADI link ports plus a configurable auxiliary BNC on the rear panel.

Each MADI link carries up to 64 channels bidirectionally at 24-bit/48kHz, providing up to 128 channels of total I/O capacity across both ports. The module automatically detects whether the incoming MADI stream is formatted at 56 or 64 channels, requiring no manual configuration when connecting to third-party equipment. AC-coupled inputs feature ultrahigh-sensitivity equalizing receivers for reliable operation across long coaxial cable runs.

The auxiliary BNC port provides three operating modes selectable via front-panel control. In Out 1 Mirror mode, it duplicates the MADI Link 1 output stream, enabling the console's audio to be fed simultaneously to multiple downstream devices without an external MADI splitter. In In 1 Thru mode, it passes the Link 1 input stream through to additional devices, with full reclocking and buffering to maintain signal integrity, and automatic failover to Link 2 if Link 1 fails in redundant operation. The third mode configures the auxiliary BNC as word clock input or output for system synchronization.

Synchronization sources include MADI Input Link 1, Link 2, or auxiliary word clock, giving broadcast engineers full flexibility to align the console's clock with the facility master or OB van reference. Cable runs of up to 150 meters between two Allen & Heath systems are supported on 75-ohm coaxial cable.

Key Features

• Dual 64-Channel MADI Ports — Two independent bidirectional MADI links each carrying 64 channels at 24-bit/48kHz
• Auto-Detection of 56 or 64 Channel Frames — Automatically adapts to incoming MADI stream format without manual configuration
• Configurable Auxiliary BNC Port — Operates as output mirror, input thru, word clock in, or word clock out depending on application
• Output Mirroring — Duplicate Link 1 output to feed multiple downstream devices simultaneously
• Input Thru with Reclocking — Fully buffered and reclocked thru mode with automatic failover to Link 2 in redundant MADI configurations
• Word Clock I/O — Sync the iLive or GLD system to an external facility or broadcast reference clock
• Up to 150m Coaxial Cable Run — Between two Allen & Heath systems using 75-ohm BNC coaxial cable
• Status Indicators — Per-link LED indicators for activity and stream error monitoring

Typical Applications

• Broadcast studios connecting iLive or GLD consoles to MADI-capable DAW recording systems
• Outside broadcast (OB) van integration for high channel-count audio exchange with venue console systems
• Recording studios requiring MADI I/O on iLive or GLD for multitrack capture or playback
• Commercial audio production facilities bridging Allen & Heath systems to third-party console or routing infrastructure
• Live event production requiring MADI-based multitrack recording from an iLive or GLD front-of-house system
• Redundant MADI configurations with automatic link failover for broadcast and broadcast-critical live events

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Allen & Heath console systems is the MADI2 module compatible with?

The AH-M-MADI2-A is designed for Allen & Heath iLive and GLD systems. It is not compatible with dLive, Avantis, or SQ. For MADI connectivity on newer Allen & Heath platforms, check the current option card catalogue for those systems.

How many channels does the MADI2 module carry in total?

Each MADI link carries 64 channels bidirectionally. With both links active, the module provides 128 channels of total I/O capacity between the console and connected MADI devices.

What is the difference between Out 1 Mirror and In 1 Thru on the auxiliary BNC?

Out 1 Mirror duplicates the output stream from MADI Link 1, useful for feeding multiple devices from a single console output bus. In 1 Thru passes the input stream from Link 1 to another device, useful for daisy-chaining MADI receivers. In Thru mode, the signal is fully reclocked and buffered, and will automatically switch to Link 2 if Link 1 fails.

Can the MADI2 module be used for redundant MADI connections?

Yes. With In 1 Thru mode active on the auxiliary BNC, the module provides automatic failover from Link 1 to Link 2 if the primary MADI connection fails, supporting redundant broadcast and live event configurations.

What cable length is supported between the MADI2 module and a third-party device?

Third-party MADI receivers can be connected over 50 to 100 meters of 75-ohm coaxial cable. Allen & Heath to Allen & Heath connections support up to 150 meters.

Does the MADI2 support word clock synchronization?

Yes. The auxiliary BNC port can be configured as a word clock input or output, allowing the iLive or GLD system to sync to an external facility master clock or to distribute clock to downstream devices.