Allen & Heath DT168: inputs, outputs and Dante connection guide
The DT168 is a portable Dante stagebox with 16 remote controlled mic/line preamps on XLR and 8 XLR line outputs. It talks to an Allen & Heath dLive, Avantis, SQ or AHM-64 system over Dante. 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
- Dante 48 or 96 kHz
- 2 x EtherCON
- 40 W max
- 4.6 kg
DT168 specifications
| Model | DT168 |
| Inputs | 16 x balanced XLR mic/line, +48 V phantom power, phantom LED per input |
| Outputs | 8 x balanced XLR line, relay protected, +4 dBu nominal, +22 dBu max |
| Preamp gain | +5 to +60 dB in 1 dB steps, -20 dB pad |
| Network | Dante, 48 kHz or 96 kHz, 24 bit |
| Network ports | Primary and Secondary locking EtherCON |
| Preamp control | From an Allen & Heath dLive, Avantis, SQ or AHM-64 system |
| Power | 100 to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 40 W max, IEC inlet |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 410 x 190 x 185 mm (16.1 x 7.5 x 7.3 in.) |
| Weight | 4.6 kg (10.1 lb) |
| Operating temperature | 0 to 40 °C (32 to 104 °F) |
| Mounting | Floor or shelf, horizontal or vertical; optional 19 in. rack kit |
Every connector on the DT168, 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 power are set from the mixer, not on the box, and the settings recall with your show.
Each input has its own LED that lights when phantom power is on.
8 line outputs8 on the panel
Outputs 1 to 8 are balanced XLR line outputs for wedges, amps, PA processors or a recorder. Patch any mixer output to them from the console.
Dante Primary and Secondary2 on the panel
Both ports are locking EtherCON. Connect Primary to your Dante network or console.
Secondary works two ways: in redundant mode it is a backup link to a second network, in switched mode it daisy chains to the next Dante device. The mode is set in software.
Mains power1 on the panel
A standard IEC inlet feeds the built-in 100 to 240 V supply. The unit draws up to 40 W. A fuse holder and a cable clip sit next to the inlet.
Network reset. A recessed Reset Network Settings button sits on the end panel. Use it if the DT168 stops showing up on the Dante network after a settings change.
Placing and mounting the DT168
The DT168 has a steel chassis, rubber bumpers and a carry handle, so it can sit on the stage floor flat or stand on its end to save space. An optional rack kit lets you mount it in a 19 in. rack or flight case.
Leave the end panel clear. Power and Dante plug into the handle end, so give that end room for the cables and keep the vents clear.
Connecting it to your system
- Plug the IEC power cord into the end panel.
- Run a shielded Cat5e (or better) cable with EtherCON plugs from the Primary port to your Dante switch or the Dante card in your console.
- For redundancy, run a second cable from Secondary to your secondary Dante network. To daisy chain instead, connect Secondary to the next device and set the unit to switched mode.
- Patch the 16 inputs and 8 outputs to the mixer in Dante Controller or the console, then set gain and phantom from the mixer.
Frequently asked questions
Which mixers work with the DT168?+
Allen & Heath dLive, Avantis, SQ (with a Dante card) and AHM-64 can control its preamps over Dante.
Can the DT168 run at 96 kHz?+
Yes. It runs at 48 kHz or 96 kHz, 24 bit, on a Dante network.
What does the Secondary port do?+
It is either a redundant backup link or a daisy chain port to the next device, depending on the mode set in software.
Can I rack mount the DT168?+
Yes, with the optional 19 in. rack mount kit. Without it, it sits on the floor or a shelf, flat or on its end.
How much power does the DT168 use?+
Up to 40 W from a 100 to 240 V AC supply through an IEC inlet.
How big is the DT168?+
410 mm wide, 190 mm deep and 185 mm high, and it weighs 4.6 kg.
Plan this stagebox in your rack
The DT168 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 DT168 Technical Datasheet, Issue 2. This page is a quick reference; check the full manual for safety warnings and model-specific limits.