Allen & Heath M-DL-ADAPT Legacy Card Conversion Interface for dLive & Avantis

Allen & Heath M-DL-ADAPT: Run Legacy iLive and GLD Cards in dLive and Avantis

The Allen & Heath M-DL-ADAPT is a multichannel conversion interface that lets legacy iLive and GLD option cards operate inside a modern dLive or Avantis I/O Port. It is a carrier module rather than a networking card itself: it hosts one existing card and presents a 64 x 64 interface at 48 kHz to the console, with sample rate conversion handled internally. For an engineer or integrator who already owns M-Dante or M-MADI cards, it protects that investment when moving to a new platform. One small module bridges two console generations.

Why an Adapter Is Needed Between Console Generations

Allen & Heath's iLive and GLD systems used one option-card format, while dLive and Avantis use a different I/O Port architecture running at a higher native sample rate. A legacy card cannot simply be pushed into a new port because the mechanical fit and the audio clocking differ. The M-DL-ADAPT resolves both: it provides the physical port that accepts the older card and performs seamless sample rate conversion so the 48 kHz card sits cleanly inside the host system's clock. This is the sanctioned path Allen & Heath provides for carrying forward existing networking cards.

A 64x64, 48 kHz Bridge for Dante, MADI and Waves Cards

Loaded with a compatible card, the M-DL-ADAPT delivers 64 input and 64 output channels at 48 kHz to the dLive or Avantis host. It accepts the M-Dante, M-Waves, M-ES-V2, M-ACE and M-MADI cards, so the same interface can add Dante networking, MADI links, ACE connectivity or Waves SoundGrid to a new console using hardware already on hand. Because Dante and MADI are open standards, that connectivity still interoperates with third-party stage boxes, processors and recorders. The interface installs into any dLive or Avantis I/O Port and locks in with four captive thumb screws.

Who the M-DL-ADAPT Is For

The M-DL-ADAPT is aimed at owners and integrators upgrading from iLive or GLD to dLive or Avantis who want to reuse their existing networking cards rather than repurchase. It also serves anyone bridging a new console to older Allen & Heath systems or to third-party Dante and MADI consoles at 48 kHz. It is bus-powered from the host and needs no external supply. For a cost-conscious upgrade path, it turns a drawer of legacy cards back into working I/O.