Allen & Heath AH-DX168 16x8 Portable DX I/O Expander

Portable Digital Stagebox for Expanding Allen and Heath Mixing Systems

The Allen & Heath DX168 is a rugged portable digital I/O expander designed to add remote inputs and outputs to dLive, Avantis, SQ, and compatible Qu digital mixing systems, as well as AHM audio matrix processors. It provides sixteen mic and line inputs and eight balanced XLR outputs, allowing audio engineers to place high-quality I/O exactly where it is needed on stage or within an installation. This flexibility reduces analog cable runs while maintaining pristine digital audio performance.

Sixteen Remote Mic Line Inputs with High Resolution Audio

The DX168 features sixteen XLR mic and line inputs with remote preamp control, delivering clean, detailed audio at 96 kHz resolution. These inputs are ideal for microphones, DI boxes, and line-level sources used in live sound, broadcast, and installed AV systems. Engineers can adjust gain and monitor signals directly from the mixer, making the DX168 a practical solution for stages where fast access and precise control are essential.

Eight Balanced XLR Outputs for System Routing

With eight balanced XLR outputs, the DX168 supports a wide range of routing applications including monitor feeds, amplifier inputs, speaker zones, and recording sends. This output flexibility makes the unit suitable for both front-of-house and monitor mixing workflows, as well as distributed audio systems in venues such as houses of worship, theaters, and conference spaces.

Road Ready Design Built for Portable and Installed Use

The DX168 is housed in a durable enclosure with integrated rubber bumpers that protect it from impact when placed directly on stage floors. A built-in carry handle and lightweight construction make it easy to transport between venues, while an optional rackmount kit allows installation into standard 19-inch equipment racks. This dual-purpose design makes the unit well suited for rental companies, education facilities, and permanent AV installations.

Long Distance Cat5e Connectivity with Redundant Options

The expander connects to compatible mixers using a single Cat5e cable via a locking EtherCon connector, supporting cable runs of up to 100 meters. A second EtherCon port allows for redundant connections to supported hardware or daisy-chaining additional DX expanders for larger systems. This digital connection ensures reliable signal transmission while keeping system wiring clean and organized.

Scalable Expansion for Growing Audio Systems

The DX168 can operate as part of a larger DX ecosystem, making it easy to scale input and output capacity as system demands increase. Whether used alone or alongside other DX expanders, it provides a modular approach to system design that supports everything from small portable rigs to complex multi-room audio systems.