Introduction

The DX32 is a rack I/O Expander for Allen & Heath 96kHz digital mixing systems. It provides 4 slots for 8ch analogue or digital I/O cards, in any combination, and a modular power supply with optional redundancy. It connects to the mixing system over a single Cat cable, or two cables (to compatible hardware) for redundancy.

Packed Items

• DX 32 Expander
• DC Power Supply and IEC cable
• QR Card
  Follow the QR link access the latest resources for the unit.
• Safety and Regulatory Information Booklet
  Contains important safety information and should be read before use.

Installing the Expander

Free standing

The Expander can be operated as a freestanding unit for shelf or floor use. It can be operated horizontally with the connectors facing upward or sideward. Check that its plastic feet are fitted in the intended position. 

Feet fitted for shelf use

Feet fitted for floor use

 ⓘ Ensure adequate air flow around the unit. It must not be covered in any way. Always stand the unit on a firm flat surface away from any soft furnishings or carpet.

Rack mounting and flight casing

The DX32 is designed as a 19 inch rack mount unit and occupies 4U of rack space. The plastic feet may need to be removed before rack mounting; retain them for future use.

For rental, touring and other portable use, we recommend that you use a professional grade flight case.

 ⓘ Ensure natural convection of airflow around the unit by allowing good ventilation below, in front of and behind the unit. Rack equipment known to produce a significant amount of heat should not be mounted directly below the unit. Forced convection by means of a rack mounted fan-tray may be desirable in situations where space is restricted and the ambient air temperature is high.

Rack ears

The rack ears can be detached for shelf or floor operation, and can be mounted facing either the front or rear panel to suit the application. They are secured to the sides of the Expander with 3 screws each as indicated below. Use a Pozidrive screwdriver to remove or reposition the rack ears.

Alternative mounting points for rack ears

Front Panel

1. I/O modules – 4x slots for fitting 8ch analogue or digital I/O modules. To fit a module, switch the expander off, remove the blank panel by loosening the 2 thumb screws, slide the module into the slot and press it firmly into the mating connector, then secure it by tightening the thumb screws. 

   Use the mixer I/O screen or AHM System Manager Assign screen to patch signals from or to the DX expander.

2. Status indicators – Power ON indicators for the 2 power supplies. The Ready indicator lights up when the output sockets are ready to pass audio after power up.
3. DX links – Dual redundant EtherCon ports for connection to the mixing system over Fast Ethernet (IEEE 802.3 Layer 2 compliant). A single Cat5e (or higher) cable carries 32x32 channels of 96kHz audio and control data. Use two cables for redundant connection to compatible hardware e.g. dLive S Class or DX Link card.

4. Power Supply – Hot swappable power supply with mains IEC socket and On/Off rocker switch. To remove or replace, loosen the 4 screws indicated below and slide the PSU out of the slot.

   

 ⓘ DX Expanders ship with one PSU fitted. A second PSU can be fitted for redundancy (part number MPS-16). Remove the 4 screws securing the blank panel using a star Torx T8 screwdriver, slide the PSU into the slot, and tighten the 4 screws indicated above. The Expander will automatically switch between the supplies without interruption to the audio should one fail.

 ⓘ Heed the safety warnings printed on the panel. 

A plastic P-clip cable clamp is provided to secure the mains cable. Slot the cable in or lock it in place using a star Torx T20 screwdriver to refit the clamp around the cable.

Rear Panel

5. Plastic feet – Removable plastic feet. Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove or reposition the plastic feet.
6. Kensington Lock - A slot for fitting standard Kensington anti-theft security devices.
7. Fan – Ultra-quiet fan. Make sure the ventilation opening is not obstructed.

I/O Modules

M-AIN - Recallable preamps for balanced or unbalanced microphone and line level signals. Gain, Pad and 48V are digitally controlled within the preamp. The PP indicator lights up when phantom power voltage is detected at the socket, whether internally or externally sourced.

M-AOUT – Line level, balanced XLR outputs. Nominal level +4dBu. The outputs are relay protected to prevent power on or off thumps.

M-DIN – 4x stereo AES3 inputs with SRC (32kHz – 192kHz sampling rate). Sample Rate Conversion can be bypassed for each socket (for 96kHz operation only).

M-DOUT – 4x stereo AES3 outputs (44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz or 96kHz switchable with LED indication of sample rate).

PRIME INPUT – Next-generation preamp design with DC coupled gain stage and 32bit ADC for class-leading conversion.

PRIME OUTPUT – Next-generation output design using the very latest 32bit converters and specially selected op amps for ultra-low noise.

Connect and Power Up

Connection to the mixing system

Connect the DX Expander to the mixing system. Use two cables for redundancy if required. 

Single cable connection to dLive Surface / MixRack, DX Hub, DX Link card, or SLink.

Redundant mode – to compatible hardware only. dLive S Class Surface / MixRack, DX Hub (x2), or DX Link 

ⓘ If the firmware in a connected DX Expander is not the same version as that in the mixing system, then the host mixer or processor will automatically update the DX firmware during power up. This can take up to 20 seconds. During this time the Lnk/Err indicators on the DX Expander flash at a fast rate. Once updated normal flash rate is restored.

Cables

Use Cat5e or higher STP cables with a maximum cable length of 100m per connection.

Allen & Heath can provide a number of Cat5e and Cat6 cables suitable for use with ACE, dSNAKE, ME, DX, GX, and gigACE connections:

Contact your local A&H dealer for more information.