Allen & Heath DX164-W Expander

The Allen & Heath DX164-W is a compact, wall-mountable audio expander that adds high quality remote I/O to dLive, Avantis, SQ and Qu mixers, as well as AHM audio matrix processors. With 16 mic preamps, four balanced line outputs and simple plug-and-play operation over a single Cat5e cable, it is an elegant way to put inputs and outputs exactly where you need them in an installation or on stage.

Designed for permanent installs and flexible performance spaces, the DX164-W combines rugged construction with installer friendly options. It can be mounted in-wall, on-wall or even in a floor pocket, and offers both redundant and cascade networking modes for resilient and scalable systems. Power options are equally adaptable, with the choice of standard IEC mains or fixed wiring and DC backup for critical applications.

Once connected to a compatible Allen & Heath system, the DX164-W is immediately ready to use. The mixer handles discovery and firmware management, so there is no need for manual configuration or separate software. Clear phantom power indication and pad options on each input make it straightforward for engineers and venue staff to manage a wide range of sources, from microphones to line level devices.

Whether you are expanding a dLive touring rig, adding local I/O to an Avantis or SQ in a theatre, or distributing inputs around a corporate or hospitality venue with an AHM matrix, the DX164-W delivers clean audio, robust connectivity and a neat, professional finish.

Remote I/O Where You Need It

The DX164-W can be positioned up to 100 metres away from the host mixer or upstream DX expander, connected via a single Cat5e cable with locking EtherCon connectors. This allows you to place I/O exactly where performers, presenters or installed sources are located, reducing analogue cable runs, improving audio quality and keeping stages and walls tidy.

High Quality Mic Preamps and Line Outputs

Equipped with 16 mic preamps offering up to +60 dB of gain, phantom power indication and a -20 dB pad for line level sources, the DX164-W is ready to handle everything from delicate condenser microphones to hot playback devices. Four balanced, relay protected line outputs on XLR provide reliable feeds to amplifiers, powered speakers or other destination devices.

Flexible Mounting for Installers

The reversible mounting frame lets installers choose between in-wall or on-wall mounting to suit the space and aesthetic. With appropriate custom brackets, the DX164-W can also be fitted into a standard NEMA box or mounted in a floor pocket for stage use, giving system designers multiple options for discreet and practical placement.

Redundant and Cascade Networking

Two locking EtherCon ports support both redundant and cascade modes. In redundant mode, dual cable connections to compatible hardware provide an extra layer of resilience for mission critical systems. In cascade mode, you can daisy chain up to two DX expanders on each DX port, allowing you to build out larger, distributed I/O systems without complex networking.

Installer Friendly Power Options

The standard IEC mains inlet can be swapped for a gland module with screw terminals for fixed wiring in permanent installations. A 12 V DC backup input is also provided, allowing you to integrate the DX164-W into systems that require additional power security.

• 16 Mic Preamps with Pad and Phantom Indication - Sixteen high quality mic inputs with up to +60 dB gain, -20 dB pad and clear phantom power indicators make it easy to accommodate a wide variety of microphones and line level sources while keeping channel status visible at a glance.
• Four Balanced, Relay Protected Line Outputs - The four XLR line outputs are balanced and relay protected, helping to safeguard connected amplifiers and loudspeakers and ensuring reliable delivery of mixes, zone feeds or monitor sends.
• Redundant or Cascaded DX Connectivity - Dual EtherCon ports allow you to choose between redundant cabling for resilience or daisy chaining for expansion, giving you the flexibility to design systems that match the scale and reliability requirements of each project.
• Versatile Mounting and Power Options - With reversible wall mounting, compatibility with NEMA boxes and floor pockets, plus the choice of IEC mains, fixed wiring and 12 V DC backup, the DX164-W integrates cleanly into a wide range of installation scenarios.

General

• Product: Allen & Heath DX164-W
• Type: Wall mountable audio expander
• Compatibility: dLive, Avantis, SQ, Qu mixers and AHM audio matrix processors

Inputs

• Mic Inputs: 16
• Gain: Up to +60 dB
• Pad: -20 dB pad for line level sources
• Phantom Power: Phantom power indicators per channel

Outputs

• Line Outputs: 4 balanced line outputs
• Connectors: XLR
• Protection: Relay protected outputs

Connectivity

• DX Ports: 2 x locking EtherCon
• Modes: Redundant mode or cascade mode
• Cascade Capacity: Up to 2 DX expanders daisy chained on each DX port
• Cable Type: Cat5e
• Maximum Cable Length: Up to 100 m from mixer or upstream DX expander

Mounting

• Mount Types: In-wall or on-wall mounting via reversible frame
• Additional Options: Can be fitted in a standard NEMA box with suitable brackets
• Stage Use: Can be mounted in a floor pocket with appropriate hardware

Power

• Primary Power: IEC mains inlet
• Fixed Install Option: IEC inlet can be replaced with gland module and screw terminals
• Backup Power: DC 12 V backup input