ALLEN & HEATH DX168 User manual

DX168 Getting Started Guide
AP11129 Issue 2


DX168
The DX168 is a portable, rugged I/O Expander for the Allen & Heath dLive and
SQ digital mixing systems. It provides 16 remote controlled mic/line preamps
and 8 XLR line outputs. It connects to the mixer over a single Cat5e cable.
A second DX168 or a DX164-W can be connected when running in Cascade
mode. Alternatively, a redundant connection can be made to compatible
hardware.
The DX168 can be operated horizontally with the connectors facing upward or
sideward, or vertically to save space on stage. It can also be mounted in a 19”
rack or fligthcase using the optional AB1608-RK19 kit. A hard-wearing padded
polyester carry case is also available, A&H part number AP9932.
Front panel
Input sockets Balanced XLR mic/line inputs with +48V Phantom Power
indicator. The preamps are built into the DX168 and their Gain, Pad and +48V
are controlled from the mixer via the DX link.
The +48V indicator detects voltage at the socket whether supplied by the
DX168 or received from an external source.
Output sockets Balanced XLR outputs operating at nominal +4dBu
level.


DX168 Getting Started Guide
AP11129 Issue 2




Side panel

DX A EtherCon port for connection to the mixing system. The cable
carries the audio signals as well as preamp control and system status data.
DX B EtherCon port for daisy chaining of a second unit or cable
redundancy. Switch to Redundant for 2 cable connection to compatible
hardware e.g. dLive S Class or DX Link card. Switch to Cascade for connection
to a second DX168 or DX164-W unit.
Mains power input IEC connector and fuse for the built-in universal
voltage PSU. This accepts voltages from 100 to 240V AC 50/60Hz. Secure the
cable to the plastic P-clip using a T20 screwdriver.
Vents Ensure good ventilation at the sides and back of the unit. Avoid
obstruction of vents while operating. Avoid dirt or liquid ingress.
Cables
Cat5e or higher STP cable is required for DX Link connections with a maximum
cable length of 100m per connection.
Allen & Heath can provide a number of Cat5e and Cat6 cables suitable for use
with the DX Hub:

DX168 Getting Started Guide
AP11129 Issue 2
CAT5e
AH9650-A 100m drum of Etherflex cable with Neutrik EtherCon locking connectors
AH7000-A 80m drum of Etherflex cable with Neutrik EtherCon locking connectors
AH9981-A 50m drum of Etherflex cable with Neutrik EtherCon locking connectors
AH9651-A 20m Etherflex cable with Neutrik EtherCon locking connectors
AH9997-A 2m cable with Neutrik EtherCon locking connectors
CAT6
AH10887-A 100m drum of CAT6 cable with Neutrik EtherCon locking connectors
AH10886-A 80m drum of CAT6 cable with Neutrik EtherCon locking connectors
AH10885-A 50m drum of CAT6 cable with Neutrik EtherCon locking connectors
AH10884-A 20m drum of CAT6 cable with Neutrik EtherCon locking connectors
Contact your local A&H dealer for more information.
Connection
Redundant mode –to compatible hardware only
Requires dLive firmware V1.5 or higher.
Cascade mode –add second DX168 or DX164-W
Requires dLive firmware V1.6 or higher.
dLive S Class
Surface / MixRack,
DX Hub (x2), or DX
Link card
DX A
DX B
dLive Surface /
MixRack, DX Hub,
DX Link card, or
SQ
DX A
DX A
DX B

DX168 Getting Started Guide
AP11129 Issue 2
Specification
Mic/Line XLR Inputs
Balanced XLR, +48V phantom power
Mic/Line Preamp
Fully recallable
Input Sensitivity
-60 to +15dBu
Analogue Gain
+5 to +60dB, 1dB steps
Pad
-20dB Active PAD
Maximum Input Level
+30dBu (PAD in)
Input Impedance
>4kΩ (Pad out), >10kΩ (Pad in)
Mic EIN
-127dB with 150Ωsource
Analogue XLR Outputs
Balanced, Relay protected
Output Impedance
<75Ω
Nominal Output
+4dBu = 0dB meter reading
Maximum Output Level
+22dBu
Residual Output Noise
-92dBu (muted, 20-20kHz)
Operating Temperature Range
0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
Power
Mains Voltage Operating Range
100-240V AC, 50/60Hz
Mains Power Consumption
20W max
Dimensions and Weight
Width x Depth x Height x Weight
DX168
410 x 190 x 185 mm x 4.6kg
(16.1” x 7.5” x 7.3” x 10.1lbs)
Read the Safety Instructions Sheet included with the product and the information printed on the panel before operating.
A limited one year manufacturer’s warranty applies to this product, the conditions of which can be found at:
www.allen-heath.com/legal
By using this Allen & Heath product and the software within it you agree to be bound by the terms of the relevant End
User Licence Agreement (EULA), a copy of which can be found at: www.allen-heath.com/legal
Register your product with Allen & Heath online at: http://www.allen-heath.com/support/register-product/
Check the Allen & Heath website for the latest documentation and software updates
ALLEN&HEATH
Copyright © 2018 Allen & Heath. All rights reserved