Allen & Heath M-MADI2-A 64x64 48kHz MADI Card, iLive/GLD (DL-ADAPT for dLive)

Allen & Heath M-MADI2-A: Dual-Port 64x64 MADI for iLive and GLD

The Allen & Heath M-MADI2-A is a dual-port MADI audio networking card that provides 64 x 64 channels at 24-bit / 48 kHz for iLive and GLD systems. It offers two MADI BNC inputs and two MADI BNC outputs on 75-ohm coaxial connectors, plus an AUX BNC that can serve as a word clock port or a stream mirror. Multiple routing modes, Dual Link, Redundant, Out 1 Mirror, and In 1 Thru, make it flexible for splits, redundancy, and daisy-chaining. Every stream is reclocked and buffered for stable timing across a chain of devices. For GLD, iLive, and ME-U systems, it is a proven, versatile MADI interface, and it also serves dLive S/C Class when paired with the DL-ADAPT-A adapter.

How This Card Differs From superMADI v2

It is important not to confuse this legacy card with the newer superMADI v2 (M-DL-SMADI2-A). The M-MADI2-A runs 64 x 64 channels at 24-bit / 48 kHz across two coaxial ports, designed originally for the iLive and GLD platforms. To use it on a dLive S Class or C Class system, you must add the DL-ADAPT-A adapter, because the card predates the dLive I/O port format. By contrast, superMADI v2 is a native dLive/Avantis card running 128 x 128 at 96 kHz with eight BNC and SFP fibre slots. Choosing between them comes down to platform and channel count: M-MADI2-A for iLive/GLD-based rigs, superMADI v2 for high-count 96 kHz dLive systems. Knowing that distinction avoids ordering the wrong card.

Routing Modes and the AUX BNC

The card's routing modes make it more than a simple interface. Dual Link runs both ports as independent streams; Redundant mode mirrors a stream onto the second port for a hot backup; Out 1 Mirror duplicates an output for distribution; and In 1 Thru passes an incoming stream onward for daisy-chaining to further devices. The AUX BNC adds word clock in or out for syncing an external clock domain, or it can mirror or pass through stream 1. Because signals are reclocked and buffered at the card, timing stays clean even across several chained MADI devices. This versatility is why the M-MADI2-A remains useful for recording splits, redundancy, and multi-device distribution on iLive and GLD.

Who the M-MADI2-A Is For

This card is for owners of iLive, GLD, or ME-U systems who need flexible 64 x 64 MADI for splits, recording feeds, or redundant links at 48 kHz. It also suits dLive S/C Class users who specifically need this card's modes and are prepared to add the DL-ADAPT-A adapter. It is host-powered and fits the appropriate I/O slot on the supported systems. Buyers running a modern high-count dLive at 96 kHz should look instead at the superMADI v2. For classic Allen & Heath digital platforms, the M-MADI2-A is the flexible MADI workhorse.