Allen & Heath AB168 AudioRack: inputs, outputs and dSNAKE guide
The AB168 is a rugged stagebox for Allen & Heath Qu and GLD mixers. It has 16 remote controlled mic/line preamps on XLR and 8 XLR line outputs, and connects to the mixer over one Cat5 cable using dSNAKE. On this stagebox the power and network connectors are on the end panel next to the carry handle, not on the back. The second drawing shows that end panel. Click any connector to see what it does.
- 16 x XLR mic/line in
- 8 x XLR line out
- dSNAKE over Cat5
- Expander port
- Up to 120 m cable
- Qu and GLD
AB168 specifications
| Model | AB168 AudioRack |
| Inputs | 16 x balanced XLR mic/line, +48 V phantom indicator per input |
| Outputs | 8 x balanced XLR line, +4 dBu nominal |
| Preamp control | Gain, pad and 48 V set from the Qu or GLD mixer |
| Mixer link | dSNAKE port, Cat5 up to 120 m (100 m recommended) |
| Expansion | EXPANDER port for a second AB168 or the ME personal mixing system |
| Network connectors | Locking EtherCON |
| Power | 100 to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, IEC inlet with fuse and cable clip |
| Mounting | Floor, shelf, or 19 in. rack with the optional AB168-RK10 kit |
| Compatibility | Allen & Heath Qu and GLD; not iLive or ACE |
Every connector on the AB168, explained
Click a card to light up those connectors on the panels above.
16 mic/line inputs16 on the panel
Inputs 1 to 16 are balanced XLR mic/line inputs. Gain, pad and 48 V phantom are controlled from the mixer over dSNAKE.
The PP LED next to each socket lights when it sees phantom voltage, whether it comes from the AB168 or from another source.
8 line outputs8 on the panel
Outputs 1 to 8 are balanced XLR line outputs. Patch any mixer output to them from the Qu Setup / Output Patch / dSNAKE screen or the GLD I/O screen.
dSNAKE and EXPANDER2 on the panel
The dSNAKE port connects to the mixer (or an AR2412) with one Cat5 cable. It carries the inputs, outputs, monitor sends and preamp control.
The EXPANDER port connects a second AB168 for more inputs and outputs, or an Allen & Heath ME personal mixer.
Mains power1 on the panel
A standard IEC inlet with a fuse feeds the built-in universal supply. Secure the cord with the plastic P-clip next to the inlet.
It needs a mixer. The AB168 is only an audio interface. All processing happens in the Qu or GLD it is connected to.
Placing and mounting the AB168
Use it flat with the connectors facing up or sideways, or stand it on end to save stage space. The optional AB168-RK10 kit mounts it in a 19 in. rack or case. Keep the vents at the sides and back clear.
Connecting it to a Qu or GLD
- Plug in the IEC power cord and fit the P-clip.
- Run a shielded Cat5e cable with locking EtherCON plugs from the mixer dSNAKE port to the AB168 dSNAKE port. Keep it under 120 m (100 m recommended).
- For a second box, connect the first AB168 EXPANDER port to the dSNAKE port of the second.
- On the mixer, choose the dSNAKE source for each channel and patch outputs to the rack sockets.
Qu defaults. On Qu-16, 24 and 32 the AB168 inputs map one to one to channels. On Qu-Pac and Qu-SB they default to channels 17 to 32.
Frequently asked questions
Which mixers work with the AB168?+
Allen & Heath Qu and GLD mixers. It does not work with iLive or ACE.
How long can the dSNAKE cable be?+
Up to 120 m depending on cable type, with 100 m recommended. Use shielded Cat5e or better.
Can I connect two AB168 units?+
Yes. Connect the EXPANDER port of the first to the dSNAKE port of the second.
Does the AB168 have a mixer built in?+
No. It is a remote audio interface. The mixing and processing happen in the Qu or GLD.
Can the AB168 go in a rack?+
Yes, with the optional AB168-RK10 rack kit. Otherwise it sits on the floor or a shelf, flat or on end.
What does the PP light mean?+
It shows phantom voltage at that input socket, whether from the AB168 or an external source.
Plan this stagebox in your rack
The AB168 is in the Allen & Heath library for DaMatrix, with every port mapped so you can drag it into a rack, patch it and print the documentation.
Related Allen & Heath devices
Summarized from the Allen & Heath AB168 AudioRack user guide (AP9588) and Qu Mixer Getting Started Guide. This page is a quick reference; check the full manual for safety warnings and model-specific limits.