The AR2412 is a 19” rack mountable remote audio unit for all Allen & Heath digital mixing systems compatible with the dSnake protocol. It provides 24 remote controlled mic/line preamps and 12 XLR line outputs.
Using a single network cable, the AR2412 can be connected directly to the mixer, the expansion port then allows a cascaded (daisy-chain) connection to an AB168 or AR84.
A ME personal monitoring system can also be connected to the dedicated Monitor port provided or a cascaded AB168.
🛈 A maximum of two dSnake remote units can be connected to each mixer’s dSnake port.
The AR2412 is used to increase the number of I/O sockets in a system and position both sockets and AD/DA conversion close to the source/stage. It will not increase the number of processing channels available in the system and must be connected to a mixer where the audio can be processed and routed.
Compatibility and Cable
The AR2412 uses the 48kHz dSnake protocol, which is a layer 2, fast ethernet protocol designed for point-to-point connections. This means it can be connected to the dedicated dSnake ports included on the GLD and Qu systems or used with the intelligent SLink port which can switch to a dSnake mode.
Refer to the latest documentation for your mixer available from www.allen-heath.com for more information on connecting, patching, and controlling the AR2412 with your system.
Cat5e (or higher) STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) cable should be used, with a maximum cable length of 100m (330ft) between each unit. Use of passive couplers to join cables will reduce this distance.
High-quality touring grade cables are available through your A&H dealer. Please see www.allen-heath.com/ahproducts/cat5/ for more details.
Connection, Automatic firmware matching and LED behaviour
When powered, the ‘Power On’ LED near to the mains power connection will illuminate.
On connection to a mixer, the AR2412 will automatically check and match its firmware to the mixer model and mixer firmware version.
If an update to firmware is required, it will happen automatically. This may take up to 2 minutes to complete. During an update, the port ‘Lnk/Err’ LED will flash red and once the update is complete, the AR2412 will automatically reboot.
When running the correct firmware and connected to a mixer, the ‘Lnk/Err’ LED next to the dSnake port will flash yellow to show link activity and the ‘Ready’ LED on the front panel will illuminate.
AR2412 Front Panel Layout
- Input sockets 24 balanced XLR mic/line inputs. The preamps are built into the AR2412 and their Gain, Pad and 48V phantom power are controlled remotely from the mixer via the dSNAKE link. Refer to mixer documentation for information on patching these sockets to input channels or other destinations in the system.
- Output sockets 12 balanced XLR outputs operating at nominal +4dBu line level. Refer to mixer documentation for information on patching output signals to these sockets.
- dSNAKE port EtherCon/RJ45 socket to connect directly to the mixer. This carries inputs, outputs and ME/monitor sends to and from the AR2412 as well as preamp control and system status messages.
- MONITOR port EtherCon/RJ45 socket to connect a ME/monitor system.
- EXPANDER port EtherCon/RJ45 socket to connect an AB168, an AR84 or a ME/monitor system.
🛈 EtherCon locking connectors are recommended to prevent damage to cables or ports and avoid accidental disconnection.