Allen & Heath AH-ME-U – 10-Port PoE Monitor Hub for ME-1 Personal Mixers

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath AH-ME-U is a touring-grade, 10-port Power over Ethernet (PoE) hub engineered to power and distribute audio to up to 10 Allen & Heath ME-1 personal mixers from a single rackmount unit. The ME-U ships with the ME-D input card, providing native compatibility with dSNAKE (GLD and Qu series), iLive ACE, and Aviom A-Net 16 protocols out of the box. Optional MADI, Dante, or EtherSound input cards enable the ME-U to receive up to 40 channels from third-party consoles, broadcast routers, and audio network systems—making the ME-U a flexible monitor distribution hub for house of worship, broadcast, and touring production environments. For facilities deploying ME-1 personal mixers at musician positions, the AH-ME-U is the central infrastructure component that simplifies wiring, eliminates individual power supplies, and centralizes system configuration.

Product Description

The ME-U accepts up to 40 channels of digital audio via its interchangeable input card slot. The included ME-D card connects to Allen & Heath dSNAKE (for GLD and Qu mixers), iLive ACE, or Aviom A-Net 16 protocols. For installations or productions using third-party consoles, the optional M-Dante, M-MADI, or M-ES EtherSound input cards substitute into the same slot, pulling audio directly from those networks without additional conversion hardware.

Ten output ports, each using locking EtherCon connectors, distribute audio and PoE power (15 W per port) to connected ME-1 units over standard Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable. PoE power eliminates separate power supplies at each musician's position, reducing cable runs to a single Ethernet line per ME-1. Multiple ME-U units can be linked together when more than 10 ME-1 positions are required, making the system fully scalable.

System configuration is managed via a standard PC or Mac web browser over the Ethernet TCP/IP management port, without requiring proprietary software. Channel names and odd/even stereo link assignments can be received automatically from a connected iLive system or entered manually. The ME-U's quiet cooling fan maintains thermal stability in rackmount environments where fan noise is a consideration. Power consumption is up to 250 W at 100–240 VAC, 47–63 Hz.

Key Features

• 10 PoE Output Ports — Locking EtherCon connectors provide 15 W PoE power and audio to each connected ME-1, eliminating separate power supplies
• 40-Channel Input via Card Slot — Swappable input card supports dSNAKE (GLD/Qu), iLive ACE, Aviom A-Net 16, MADI, Dante, or EtherSound protocols
• ME-D Card Included — Ships with the ME-D card for dSNAKE, ACE, and Aviom A-Net 16 connectivity
• Optional MADI, Dante, EtherSound Cards — Third-party console and network integration without additional conversion hardware
• Hub Linking for Scalability — Multiple ME-U units can be chained for productions requiring more than 10 ME-1 positions
• Web Browser Configuration — Ethernet TCP/IP management port; configurable from any PC or Mac browser without proprietary software
• Automatic Channel Name and Link Receive — Receives iLive channel names and stereo link assignments automatically when connected to an iLive system
• 1U Rackmount — 19 x 10 x 3.6" form factor for standard equipment rack installation
• Quiet Cooling Fan — Thermally managed cooling for noise-sensitive environments
• Universal AC Power — 100–240 VAC, 47–63 Hz; 250 W maximum

Typical Applications

• Houses of worship deploying ME-1 personal mixers for musicians and vocalists on stage
• Broadcast and television production facilities using ME-1 for in-ear monitor distribution
• Touring productions requiring a scalable personal monitor hub at FOH or stage rack
• Theater productions where musicians require individual monitor control without engineer intervention
• Installations integrating ME-1 systems with third-party consoles via MADI or Dante input cards

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

How many ME-1 personal mixers can connect to a single ME-U?

A single ME-U supports 10 ME-1 units simultaneously. For larger productions, multiple ME-U units can be linked to support any number of ME-1 positions.

Does the ME-U supply power to the ME-1 units?

Yes. All 10 output ports provide 15 W of Power over Ethernet (PoE), eliminating the need for separate power supplies or AC adapters at each ME-1 position. A single Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable carries both power and audio to each ME-1.

Which console protocols does the ME-U support natively?

The included ME-D card supports Allen & Heath dSNAKE (for GLD and Qu mixers), iLive ACE, and Aviom A-Net 16. Optional input cards add Dante, MADI, or EtherSound compatibility.

Can the ME-U be used with non-Allen & Heath consoles?

Yes. By replacing the ME-D card with an optional M-Dante, M-MADI, or M-ES EtherSound card, the ME-U accepts audio from consoles and systems from other manufacturers, making it a universal personal monitor hub.

How is the ME-U configured?

Configuration is done via a standard web browser on any connected PC or Mac. No proprietary software is required. Channel names, stereo link assignments, and IP settings are all accessible via the browser interface.

What cable type is used between the ME-U and ME-1 units?

Standard Cat 5e or Cat 6 Ethernet cable with locking EtherCon connectors is used between the ME-U output ports and each ME-1 personal mixer.

Is the ME-U quiet enough for orchestra pit or studio use?

The ME-U is designed with a quiet cooling fan. Fan noise levels may be perceptible in very quiet environments. Placement in an adjacent equipment room or rack enclosure away from performers is recommended for noise-sensitive applications.