Description
16 XLR Input / 8 XLR Output 96kHz Portable DX Expander
The DX168 is a rugged, 96kHz portable expander for adding remote I/O to a dLive, Avantis or SQ system, or to the AHM-64 audio matrix processor.
Each DX168 features 16 mic preamps with independent Phantom Power LED indicators, plus 8 XLR line outs.
The DX168 connects via a single Cat5e cable to the dLive Surface, MixRack, SQ mixer, Avantis mixer or upstream DX168 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 DX168 for additional remote I/O.
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 industry standard 19-inch racks.
With dLive
Up to 6 DX168 units can be connected directly to a dLive system – 4 via the MixRack and 2 via the Surface – allowing up to 96 remote inputs and 48 remote outputs in addition to those provided by the MixRack and Surface. More units can be connected via the dLive DX Link card or DX Hub.
With Avantis
Two units can be daisy chained and connected directly to an Avantis SLink port. Up to 16 DX168 units can be added to an Avantis system via DX Link card and/or DX Hubs.
With SQ
Two units can be daisy chained and connected directly to an SQ SLink port, with the optional SLink card for SQ enabling more connections. For a more distributed system, a DX Hub can handle up to 8 DX168 units which can be freely patched to the SQ’s 48 input channels.
With AHM-64
Two units can be daisy chained and connected directly to an AHM-64 SLink port. Up to 8 DX168 units can be added to an AHM-64 system via a DX Hub and freely patched to the 64 input channels.
Features:
- 16 Mic Preamps on XLR with Phantom Power status LEDs
- 8 XLR Line Outs
- Compatible with dLive S Class and dLive C Class hardware
- Cascade mode allows daisy-chaining of 2 DX168 Expanders for additional I/O
- Redundant DX connection to compatible dLive hardware
- Optional 19-inch rack mount kit available
- Plug and Play – no IP addressing required
- Compatible with CAT5e (or higher) cables of up to 100m
- Rubber bumpers
- Carry handle
Specifications:
- Mic/Line XLR Inputs Balanced XLR, +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)
- Mic EIN: -127dB with 150? source
Analog 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)
- Operating Temperature Range: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
Power
- Mains Voltage Operating Range: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz
- Mains Power Consumption: 20W max
Dimensions and Weight
- 16.1″ x 7.5″ x 7.3″ x 10.1lbs
Item Includes:
- 1x Allen & Heath DX168 16in x 8out Stage Box with dLive 96kHz Microphone Preamps – 96kHz


Michael W. (verified owner) –
Picked this up to replace my old one and incredible value. This product punches way above its price point.
V. R. (verified owner) –
Love the product! Took off one star because packaging could be better. Would definitely recommend!
Zachary P. (verified owner) –
Ordered this and superior quality compared to similar products I’ve owned. This one is built to last.
Joshua Cox (verified owner) –
The Allen & Heath DX168 16in x 8out Stage Box with dLive 96kHz Microphone Preamps – 96kHz works perfectly. The quality exceeded my expectations. This is professional-grade at a consumer price. A+ purchase.
C. J. (verified owner) –
The quality of this Allen & Heath DX168 16in x 8out Stage Box with dLive 96kHz Microphone Preamps – 96kHz is impressive. Decided to try this after seeing the reviews and good product! Size was a tiny bit different than expected but still works perfectly. No regrets!
B. C. (verified owner) –
Had this after doing some research and three stars seems fair. It does its job but don’t expect to be wowed.
Donna Walker (verified owner) –
Got this and four stars because it’s really good but not quite exceptional. Still very happy though. Would definitely recommend!
Jordan (verified owner) –
You’d be hard-pressed to find better value anywhere else. The Allen & Heath DX168 16in x 8out Stage Box with dLive 96kHz Microphone Preamps – 96kHz works perfectly. Highly recommend.
Satisfied Customer –
The quality of this Allen & Heath DX168 16in x 8out Stage Box with dLive 96kHz Microphone Preamps – 96kHz is impressive. Excellent product minus one small design quirk that doesn’t affect performance. Would buy again.