Allen & Heath AH-ME-1 Personal Monitor Mixer

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath AH-ME-1 is a standalone digital personal monitor mixer that gives individual performers direct, independent control over their own monitor mix from the stage. It receives up to 40 audio sources over a single Cat5 cable from a compatible Allen & Heath console — including GLD, iLive, and via the ME-U hub, a wide range of third-party digital mixers — and mixes these to stereo and mono outputs for headphones, in-ear monitors, or stage loudspeakers. The ME-1's 16 assignable keys and grouping system allow each musician to organize the 40 channels into a layout that matches their monitoring needs, and 16 user presets store complete mix configurations for instant recall between songs or sets.

Product Description

In live performance environments, monitor mixing is one of the most operationally complex and interpersonally sensitive aspects of production. The Allen & Heath ME Personal Monitoring System addresses this by decentralizing monitor control: instead of the front-of-house or monitor engineer managing every performer's mix, each musician operates their own ME-1 unit at their station, adjusting their mix in real time without requiring communication with the mix position.

The ME-1 receives its 40-channel audio feed over a single Cat5 cable using Allen & Heath's proprietary protocol, with Power over Ethernet (PoE) also carried on the same cable — eliminating the need for a separate power supply at the performer's position. Multiple ME-1 units daisy-chain on the Cat5 run, so a full band of performers can each have an independent monitor mixer connected on a single cable backbone from the console.

Each ME-1 provides individual level, mute, pan, and solo control per input source, alongside a master 3-band EQ and limiter on the output. Sources can be grouped — for example, all drum channels as one group, all guitars as another — so that a musician with limited mixing experience can manage their monitor sound using a small number of group faders rather than 40 individual channels. Custom naming for channels, groups, keys, and presets allows each ME-1 to be configured for its specific user before the show.

Compatibility extends beyond Allen & Heath GLD and iLive systems through the ME-U hub (sold separately), which bridges Dante, EtherSound, MADI, and Aviom Pro16 protocol sources into the ME system. This means the ME-1 can be used with a broad range of professional digital consoles, making it a viable monitor system investment regardless of which FOH console is in use on a given production. An onboard ambient microphone allows performers to hear their acoustic environment without removing in-ear monitors.

Key Features

• 40-Channel Personal Mixing — Receives up to 40 discrete audio sources over a single Cat5 cable from compatible Allen & Heath consoles.
• 16 Assignable Keys — Map any of the 40 input channels or groups to the 16 physical keys for a simplified, performer-friendly control layout.
• Grouping System — Assign multiple channels to a group and control them with a single level and mute, reducing mix complexity for non-engineer performers.
• 16 User Presets — Store complete mix configurations — levels, mutes, pans, key assignments, group sources — for instant recall per song or set.
• Stereo and Mono Outputs — 1/4" and 3.5mm stereo headphone outputs (300mW per channel into 100Ω) plus balanced mono TRS line output.
• Master 3-Band EQ and Limiter — Output-stage EQ and limiter protect hearing and allow tonal adjustment of the final monitor mix.
• PoE Powered via Cat5 — Receives power directly from the Cat5 ME cable or from an included 12V DC external PSU, eliminating a separate power connection at the stage position.
• Daisy-Chain Topology — Multiple ME-1 units link via Cat5 Link In/Out with locking etherCON connectors for reliable, tour-grade connectivity.
• Aviom Compatibility Mode — Operates in Aviom Pro16 compatibility mode for use with existing Aviom A-Net infrastructure.
• Onboard Ambient Microphone — Built-in mic lets performers hear stage sound without removing in-ear monitors.

Typical Applications

• Live Touring and Concert Production — Deploy ME-1 units across a touring stage, giving each performer an independent monitor mix without requiring a dedicated monitor engineer per artist.
• House of Worship — Provide in-ear monitor control to platform musicians, vocalists, and speakers during weekly services, special events, and rehearsals.
• Broadcast and Studio — Use in studio recording sessions and broadcast performance environments where talent requires a clean, independent headphone mix.
• Theater and Musical Productions — Give pit musicians and stage performers independent monitor control during theatrical runs where mix needs vary by production number.
• Corporate Events and Conferences — Provide speakers, panel members, and presenters with individual confidence monitoring via in-ear or headphone connections at their positions.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Allen & Heath consoles work directly with the ME-1 without additional hardware?

The ME-1 connects directly to Allen & Heath GLD and iLive series consoles. For dLive, SQ, Qu, and third-party consoles, the ME-U Hub (sold separately) is required to bridge the signal into the ME system.

How many ME-1 units can be connected on a single Cat5 run?

Multiple ME-1 units can be daisy-chained using the Cat5 Link In/Out connections. The practical limit depends on the ME-U Hub or console's port capacity and the total number of ME system devices configured. Consult the ME system guide for maximum unit counts.

Can the ME-1 be used with Aviom Pro16 systems?

Yes. The ME-1 includes an Aviom compatibility mode for use with existing Aviom A-Net (Pro16) distribution infrastructure, allowing it to serve as a drop-in replacement or addition to an Aviom-based monitor system.

Does the ME-1 require a separate power supply at each stage position?

Not necessarily. The ME-1 can receive power via Power over Ethernet (PoE) carried on the Cat5 ME cable from an ME-U Hub that provides PoE. If PoE is not available, the included 12V DC external power supply is used instead.

How does the grouping function help non-engineer performers?

Grouping allows multiple input channels — such as all drum mics — to be combined under a single group key. The performer adjusts one level instead of managing many individual channels, making the mixer practical for musicians without audio engineering experience.

Can preset configurations be transferred between ME-1 units?

Yes. The USB data port supports individual preset transfer and full configuration backup/restore, allowing technicians to pre-configure multiple ME-1 units from a single source and clone settings across units.

What is the output impedance of the stereo headphone output?

The stereo headphone outputs deliver 300mW + 300mW into a 100Ω load, with a maximum output level of +21 dBu. This is sufficient to drive both standard consumer headphones and most professional in-ear monitor systems.