Allen & Heath M-DL-AES2I8O AES3 I/O Card, 2 In / 8 Out, for dLive & Avantis

Allen & Heath M-DL-AES2I8O: Output-Weighted AES3 I/O for dLive and Avantis

The Allen & Heath M-DL-AES2I8O is an AES3 digital I/O card for any dLive or Avantis I/O Port, configured with two inputs and eight outputs. The two inputs carry sample rate conversion spanning 32 kHz to 192 kHz, while the eight outputs switch across 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz. That output-heavy balance suits a system that needs to bring in a couple of digital sources but distribute many digital feeds. It is the send-focused member of Allen & Heath's four-card AES3 family.

AES3 Digital Audio with Input Sample Rate Conversion

AES3, or AES/EBU, carries a stereo digital audio signal over a single balanced XLR connection, self-clocking so no separate word clock is needed. The two inputs on this card include sample rate conversion from 32 kHz up to 192 kHz, which means a digital source running at a different rate than the console is automatically aligned to the system clock instead of being rejected or clicking. That makes it safe to patch in media players, outboard processors or another console without matching sample rates by hand. As an open standard, AES3 interoperates with digital gear from any manufacturer.

Two In, Eight Out: When the System Sends More Than It Receives

The 2-in, 8-out layout of the M-DL-AES2I8O fits the common install and touring case where a design ingests only a stereo digital source or two but needs a large block of digital outputs to zones, amplifiers and processors. Compared with the balanced 4I6O and input-heavy 6I4O cards in the family, this one prioritizes output count while still handling a pair of SRC-equipped inputs. It is a console I/O Port card for dLive and Avantis MixRacks and surfaces, not a DX32 module, so it seats in the console's own port. Four captive thumb screws hold it in with no tools.

Who the M-DL-AES2I8O Is For

This card is for engineers and integrators whose dLive or Avantis system distributes many AES3 outputs but only needs to accept a small number of digital inputs, such as a stereo playback feed. The SRC on those two inputs removes any worry about source sample rates. Bus-powered from the console, it adds no external hardware. When the output count matters more than the input count, the 2I8O is the efficient choice.