Allen & Heath
Allen & Heath DX168/X
Best stage expansion for professional live sound engineers.
Expand your dLive S or C Class mixer's capabilities with the Allen & Heath DX168/X stage box. This robust unit provides 16 high-quality mic/line inputs and 8 XLR outputs, ideal for remote stage or venue expansion. Connect up to 100 meters away using a single CAT5e cable with the reliable gigaACE protocol. It supports phantom power and is designed for easy plug-and-play operation, fitting seamlessly into standard 19-inch racks for professional audio setups.
$1699.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
11
/ 369
#11 in Audio Mixers
Price vs Category Average
+77%
Above average
Input Channels
16
/ Mic/line
Who it's for
- Touring engineers needing rugged, high-capacity stage connectivity
- Audiophiles demanding pristine, high-resolution digital audio fidelity
- System technicians prioritizing fast, reliable setup times
Who should skip it
- Engineers using non-Allen & Heath mixing consoles
- Operators who prefer hands-on, local hardware adjustments
- Production managers requiring redundant power for critical events
Performance breakdown
Connectivity Reliability
The gigaACE protocol ensures rock-solid, low-latency audio transmission over long distances.
Preamp Fidelity
High-headroom preamps deliver clean, transparent sound for professional live stage environments.
Deployment Speed
Plug-and-play functionality allows for rapid setup in demanding touring schedules.
Build Durability
Rugged chassis design withstands the rigors of frequent transport and stage use.
System Scalability
Seamlessly integrates with dLive ecosystems to expand your total channel count.
Cable Versatility
Standard CAT5e compatibility simplifies cabling logistics for complex venue configurations.
Key Specs
Input Channels
16 Mic/line
Output Channels
8 XLR
Network Protocol
gigaACE via RJ45
Maximum Cable Length
100 meters (CAT5e)
Mounting Height
4 U
Physical Width
417 mm
Weight
4.8 kg
Phantom Power
Supported
Features
- Expands dLive S / C Class mixers
- 16 mic/line inputs and 8 XLR outputs
- Long-distance connectivity via CAT5e
- Supports Phantom Power
- Plug and Play setup
- Utilizes gigaACE protocol
- 19" rack mountable design
- High-quality preamps
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly value the Allen & Heath DX168/X for its exceptional reliability and seamless integration within the SQ and dLive ecosystem. Its robust, tour ready build quality inspires confidence for demanding live sound environments. The primary appeal centers on simplicity; the plug and play nature using a single cable drastically streamlines stage setup and reduces clutter. The 16 input eight output configuration offers ideal flexibility for various events. Sound quality remains pristine, upholding expected Allen & Heath preamp standards. While an investment, the unit delivers outstanding value through its portability, dependable performance, and ease of use, making it an indispensable tool for expanding digital mixing capabilities.
Know before you buy
The DX168/X is specifically designed to expand the capabilities of Allen & Heath's dLive S Class and C Class mixer systems.
You can place the DX168/X up to 100 meters away from your mixer using a single, high-quality CAT5e cable.
Yes, the unit fully supports 48V phantom power on its 16 mic/line inputs, allowing you to use condenser microphones directly at the stage box.
Yes, the unit features a 19-inch rack-mountable design that occupies 4U of rack space, making it ideal for professional touring rigs or fixed venue installations.
The DX168/X is designed for plug-and-play operation. Once connected via the gigaACE protocol, the mixer will recognize the inputs and outputs automatically without complex setup.
The DX168/X utilizes the same high-quality preamps found in the dLive ecosystem, ensuring consistent, professional-grade audio fidelity across your entire signal chain.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.