Allen & Heath M-DL-ADAPT – Legacy iLive/GLD Card Adapter for dLive & Avantis

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath M-DL-ADAPT Multichannel Conversion Interface allows iLive and GLD audio networking cards to operate inside dLive and Avantis systems, protecting the investment in existing 48 kHz networking infrastructure when upgrading to a current-generation Allen & Heath platform. The adapter installs in any standard I/O port on a dLive or Avantis MixRack and provides compatibility with the M-Dante, M-Waves, M-ES-V2, M-ACE, and M-MADI networking cards from the iLive and GLD product families. This makes it an essential tool for system integrators managing phased migrations from legacy platforms without decommissioning existing networking equipment.

Product Description

Many commercial AV installations and touring companies built their audio networks around Allen & Heath iLive or GLD systems, investing in networking option cards such as M-Dante, M-Waves, M-ES-V2, M-ACE, and M-MADI to integrate with Dante networks, digital consoles, and audio workstations. When the time comes to upgrade to dLive or Avantis, the M-DL-ADAPT provides a direct migration path by making those existing cards compatible with the current-generation MixRack platform.

The adapter module fits in any I/O port on a dLive or Avantis MixRack, providing the mechanical and electrical interface between the newer system's internal bus and the older card's 48 kHz signal path. This allows up to 64 channels of legacy network connectivity to be brought into a dLive or Avantis system without purchasing new networking option cards.

Supported legacy networking cards include the M-Dante (Audinate Dante), M-Waves (Waves SoundGrid), M-ES-V2 (EtherSound), M-ACE (Allen & Heath ACE protocol), and M-MADI (MADI multi-channel digital audio). The adapter handles the sample rate and interface conversion required to bridge these cards with the dLive and Avantis architecture.

The M-DL-ADAPT is particularly valuable in staged migration scenarios — for example, a venue that is upgrading its FOH console from iLive to dLive but retaining its existing Dante network infrastructure and M-Dante cards for stage box connectivity. Rather than purchasing new Dante option cards for the dLive system, the existing M-Dante cards can continue in service via the M-DL-ADAPT, significantly reducing the total cost of the console upgrade.

The adapter is a passive conversion interface with no audio processing of its own. Signal quality is determined by the legacy card installed in it. It ships as a standalone unit and does not include any networking cards.

Key Features

• iLive and GLD Card Compatibility — Accepts M-Dante, M-Waves, M-ES-V2, M-ACE, and M-MADI networking cards from iLive and GLD systems
• Fits Any dLive or Avantis I/O Port — Installs without modification into any standard option slot on a dLive or Avantis MixRack
• Supports 64-Channel Legacy Network Cards — Enables full channel count from compatible legacy cards within the new system architecture
• Protects Existing Infrastructure Investment — Eliminates the need to purchase new networking option cards when upgrading from iLive or GLD
• No Audio Processing — Passive conversion interface; signal quality is determined by the installed legacy card
• Staged Migration Support — Enables phased console upgrades without decommissioning existing network infrastructure

Typical Applications

• Commercial AV installations upgrading from iLive or GLD to dLive or Avantis while retaining existing network infrastructure
• Touring companies migrating console platforms without replacing stage box networking cards
• Houses of worship upgrading their audio system in phases over multiple budget cycles
• System integrators managing fleet standardization across multiple Allen & Heath console generations
• Broadcast facilities retaining M-MADI or M-Dante connectivity during console transitions

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Which iLive and GLD networking cards are compatible with the M-DL-ADAPT?

The adapter supports M-Dante, M-Waves, M-ES-V2, M-ACE, and M-MADI networking cards from the iLive and GLD product families. Other iLive or GLD option cards may not be compatible.

Does the M-DL-ADAPT include any networking cards?

No. The adapter is sold separately and does not include any iLive or GLD networking cards. You must supply your own compatible cards.

Can the M-DL-ADAPT be used in any I/O port on a dLive or Avantis MixRack?

Yes. The adapter is designed to fit any standard I/O option port on dLive and Avantis MixRacks.

Will the M-DL-ADAPT work with dLive or Avantis option cards designed for those systems natively?

No. The M-DL-ADAPT is specifically designed to bridge iLive and GLD cards into dLive and Avantis. Current dLive/Avantis option cards (such as the M-DL-DXLINK-A or Dante cards designed for dLive) install directly without an adapter.

Does using the M-DL-ADAPT reduce audio quality compared to using a native dLive option card?

The adapter itself does not degrade audio quality. Signal quality and channel count are determined by the legacy card installed in the adapter. The 48 kHz sample rate of legacy cards is a consideration for systems operating at 96 kHz.

Is the M-DL-ADAPT compatible with the Avantis system as well as dLive?

Yes. The adapter is compatible with both dLive MixRacks and Avantis MixRacks.