DX168 - 16in / 8out 96kHz Expander

The DX168 is a rugged, 96kHz portable expander for adding remote I/O to a dLive, Avantis, SQ, or Qu system, or to AHM audio matrix processors.

• Compatible with dLive, Avantis, SQ and AHM-64
• 16 Mic Preamps on XLR
• Phantom Power LED per Input
• 8 XLR Line Outs
• DX A connection with locking Ethercon port
• DX B locking Ethercon port for daisy chaining or redundancy
• Rubber bumpers
• Carry handle
• Optional rack mount kit available

Built To Last - Ready for the Stage

The Expander’s rugged design, with hard-wearing rubber bumpers, allows it to be placed directly on the stage floor during performances. Weighing in at just 4.8kg and featuring a sturdy carry handle, the DX168 offers the convenience and portability needed in rental, education, houses of worship and many other environments. An optional 4U rack mounting kit is available which allows installation in 19-inch racks.

Maximum Flexibility - Put It Where You Need It

The DX168 can be placed up to 100m away from the mixer for maximum flexibility of positioning. The expander connects via a single Cat5e cable to the mixer or upstream DX Expander via a secure EtherCon port. A second locking EtherCon port is provided for redundant connection to compatible hardware, or for daisy-chaining to a downstream DX Expander for additional remote I/O.

System Specifications

Inputs

• XLR Mic/Line Inputs: Balanced, +48V Phantom Power
• Mic/Line Preamp: Fully recallable
• Input Sensitivity: -60 to +15dBu
• Analogue Gain: +5 to +60dB, 1dB steps
• Pad: -20dB Active PAD
• Maximum Input Level: +30dBu (PAD in)
• Input Impedance: >4kΩ (Pad out), >10kΩ (Pad in)

Outputs

• XLR Outputs: Balanced, Relay protected
• Output Impedance: <75Ω
• Nominal Output: +4dBu = 0dB meter reading
• Maximum Output: Level +22dBu
• Residual Output Noise: -92dBu (muted, 20-20kHz)

• Mic/Line Channel noise: 22-22kHz, Direct Out @ unbalanced out
• Mic EIN: -127dB with 150Ω source
• Unity gain (Pad in): -90dBu
• Low gain (5dB, Pad out): -96dBu
• Mid gain (30dB, Pad out): -90dBu
• Mic/Line Channel THD+N: 22-22kHz, Direct Out @ unbalanced out
• Unity gain (Pad in): 0.003% -88dBu @ 1kHz, 0dBu output
• Low gain (5dB, Pad out): 0.002% -93dBu @ 1kHz, 0dBu output
• Mid gain (30dB, Pad out): 0.003% -88dBu @ 1kHz, 0dBu output
• Sample Rate: 96kHz

Operating Temperature

• 0 deg C to 35 deg C
• (32 deg F to 95 deg F)

Mains Power

• 100-240V, 50/60 Hz, 35W max

Dimensions and Weight

• Width x Depth x Height x Weight: 410mm x 190mm x 185mm x 4.6kg (16.1” x 7.5” x 7.3” x 10.1lbs) 

A&E Specifications

The unit shall be a portable remote audio device for dLive, Avantis, SQ and AHM-64 mixing systems. The remote audio unit shall provide 16 XLR inputs with individually configured Phantom Power and 8 XLR outputs. Phantom power LED indicators shall be provided per input socket on the remote audio rack.

Two Ethercon DX link connectors shall be provided for transport of the digital audio and control signals. The unit shall be able to operate in ‘redundant’ or ‘cascade’ mode by means of a mechanical switch. In ‘redundant’ mode the unit shall provide full redundant connection to a dLive S Class Surface or Mixrack. In ‘cascade’ mode the unit shall allow series connection of two units with a single cable connection to the dLive, Avantis, SQ or AHM-64 mixing system.

The Ethernet protocol shall provide control to the remote preamp, and all mic preamps are scene recallable by the digital mixing system. Unit firmware shall automatically beupdated when connected to the digital mixing system.

The remote audio rack shall have a robust steel chassis and shall be designed to be portable and to be placed horizontally or vertically on the stage or performance environment. 

A carrying handle shall be provided to facilitate lifting and holding the device when moving and an optional padded dust cover shall be available.

The remote audio rack shall also be mounted in a 19” equipment rack or case using an optional remote audio rack kit.

The remote audio rack shall have a built-in power supply accepting AC mains voltages of 100~240V, 50/60 Hz, 35W max via an earthed 3-pin IEC male connector mounted on the rear chassis.

Recommended operating temperature for the remote audio rack shall be 0 to 35 degrees Celsius.