Allen & Heath DX168: inputs, outputs and DX connection guide
The DX168 is a portable stagebox with 16 remote controlled mic/line preamps on XLR and 8 XLR line outputs. It connects to an Allen & Heath dLive, Avantis, SQ or AHM-64 system over a DX link. On this stagebox the power and DX ports 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
- DX A and DX B EtherCON
- 96 kHz
- 35 W max
- 4.6 kg
DX168 specifications
| Model | DX168 |
| 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 active pad |
| Input sensitivity | -60 to +15 dBu |
| Mic EIN | -127 dB with 150 ohm source |
| Link | DX A and DX B, locking EtherCON |
| Link modes | Cascade or Redundant, set by a switch on the end panel |
| Sample rate | 96 kHz |
| Works with | Allen & Heath dLive, Avantis, SQ and AHM-64 |
| Power | 100 to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 35 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 35 °C (32 to 95 °F) |
| Mounting | Floor or shelf, horizontal or vertical; optional 19 in. rack kit |
Every connector on the DX168, 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 scenes.
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, relay protected XLR line outputs for wedges, amps, PA processors or a recorder. Patch any mixer output to them from the console.
DX A and DX B2 on the panel
Both are locking EtherCON ports that carry audio and control. DX A is the main link to the mixer, MixRack or a DX hub.
What DX B does depends on the Mode switch beside it: in Cascade it links on to a second DX168, in Redundant it is a backup link to a dLive S Class surface or MixRack.
Mains power1 on the panel
A standard earthed IEC inlet feeds the built-in 100 to 240 V supply. The unit draws up to 35 W. A fuse holder and a cable clip sit next to the inlet.
Two stageboxes, one cable. Set the Mode switch to Cascade and you can run a single cable from the mixer to the first DX168, then chain the second one off DX B.
Placing and mounting the DX168
The DX168 has a steel chassis, rubber bumpers and a carry handle, so it can sit on the stage floor flat or stand on its end. An optional rack kit lets you mount it in a 19 in. rack or flight case.
Leave the end panel clear. Power and both DX ports 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 DX A to a DX port on your mixer, MixRack, SQ or AHM-64 (or a DX hub).
- Set the Mode switch: Cascade to chain a second DX168 from DX B, or Redundant to run a backup cable from DX B to a dLive system.
- Set gain and phantom power for each input from the mixer. Firmware updates load automatically when the unit connects.
Frequently asked questions
Which mixers work with the DX168?+
Allen & Heath dLive, Avantis, SQ and AHM-64 can all use it and control its preamps.
What is the difference between the DX168 and the DT168?+
They share the same box and connector layout. The DX168 uses Allen & Heath's DX link, and the DT168 connects over Dante.
What does the Mode switch do?+
In Cascade, DX B chains to a second DX168 so two units share one cable to the mixer. In Redundant, DX B is a backup link to a dLive S Class surface or MixRack.
Can I rack mount the DX168?+
Yes, with the optional 19 in. rack kit. Without it, it sits on the floor or a shelf, flat or on its end.
How much power does the DX168 use?+
Up to 35 W from a 100 to 240 V AC supply through an earthed IEC inlet.
How big is the DX168?+
410 mm wide, 190 mm deep and 185 mm high, and it weighs 4.6 kg.
Plan this stagebox in your rack
The DX168 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 DX168 Technical Datasheet, Issue 2. This page is a quick reference; check the full manual for safety warnings and model-specific limits.