DT168 Getting Started Guide
Introduction
The Allen & Heath DT168 is a portable, rugged Dante I/O unit designed to complement Allen & Heath digital mixing systems on a Dante network. It offers 16 remote-controlled mic/line preamps and 8 XLR line outputs. Connectivity to the Dante network is achieved via a single Cat5e cable, or two cables for redundancy.
The DT168 can be operated horizontally (connectors facing upward or sideward) or vertically to optimize space. It can also be mounted in a 19” rack or flight case using the optional AB1608-RK19 kit. A padded polyester carry case (A&H part number AP9932) is also available.
Software and Firmware
To learn more about Dante and to download Dante Controller for routing audio and configuring devices on a Dante network, visit the Audinate website: https://www.audinate.com/.
For preamp control of the DT168 by an SQ mixer, SQ firmware V1.4 or higher and SQ Dante card firmware V1.0.5+ are required.
For preamp control by a dLive mixer, dLive firmware V1.8 or higher and a dLive M-DL-Dante 64x64 or 128x128 card are necessary. The iLive/GLD M-Dante card is not supported.
Check www.allen-heath.com for the latest DT168 firmware and update instructions.
Front Panel
The front panel features 16 balanced XLR mic/line input sockets, labeled 1 through 16. Each input has a PUSH button and a +48V indicator.
Input sockets: Balanced XLR mic/line inputs with +48V Phantom Power indicator. The preamps are built into the DT168 and their Gain, Pad, and +48V are controlled from the network. The +48V indicator detects voltage at the socket whether supplied by the DT168 or received from an external source.
Side Panel
The side panel includes two EtherCon ports labeled 'Dante Primary' and 'Dante Secondary', a recessed 'Reset Network Settings' switch, a mains power input socket (IEC connector) with fuse, and ventilation slots.
Dante Primary: EtherCon port for connection to the Dante network. The cable carries audio signals and preamp control data.
Dante Secondary: EtherCon port, configurable in Dante Controller for Redundant mode or Switched mode for connection to multiple devices (e.g., two mixing consoles).
Reset Network Settings: A recessed switch. Hold for 10 seconds to reset network settings to factory default (DHCP / zero-conf), deleting any static IP address.
Mains power input: IEC connector and fuse for the built-in universal voltage PSU (100-240V AC, 50/60Hz). The cable should be secured to the plastic P-clip using a T20 screwdriver.
Vents: Ensure good ventilation at the sides and back of the unit. Avoid obstruction of vents, dirt, or liquid ingress during operation.
Connection Examples
Redundant mode: Connects the Dante Primary and Dante Secondary networks to the DT168 for increased reliability.
Diagram shows two separate Dante network cables connecting to the Primary and Secondary ports of the DT168.
Switched mode (daisy chain example): Allows multiple devices to be connected in a chain.
Diagram shows a mixing system connected to the Primary and Secondary ports of a DT168. The Secondary port of this DT168 is then connected to the Primary port of a second DT168, which in turn connects to a monitor mixer via its Secondary port.
Switched mode (digital split example): Enables splitting the Dante signal to different destinations.
Diagram shows a mixing system connected to the Primary and Secondary ports of a DT168. The Secondary port of this DT168 is then connected to the Primary port of a second DT168, which in turn connects to a FoH mixer via its Secondary port.
Setting Clock and Patching Signals
Use Dante Controller's Routing tab to patch signals between Dante devices. When a DT168 socket is routed to a dLive or SQ Dante card and patched to an input channel, the mixer will provide preamp gain, +48V, and Pad controls for that socket.
Use Dante Controller's Clock Status tab to select the Dante network leader. The DT168 should function as a clock follower, with the mixer typically set to “Preferred Leader” and “Enable Sync To External”.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| 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 150Ω source |
| Analogue 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) |
| Dante | Switched or Redundant mode, 48kHz/96kHz |
| Mains Voltage Operating Range | 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz |
| Mains Power Consumption | 40W max |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) |
| Dimensions and Weight (DT168) | Width x Depth x Height: 410 x 190 x 185 mm (16.1" x 7.5" x 7.3") Weight: 4.6kg (10.1lbs) |
Important Information
Read the Safety Instructions Sheet included with the product and the information printed on the panel before operating.
A limited one-year manufacturer's warranty applies to this product. Conditions can be found at: www.allen-heath.com/legal.
By using this Allen & Heath product and its software, you agree to the terms of the relevant End User Licence Agreement (EULA), available at: www.allen-heath.com/legal.
Register your product with Allen & Heath online at: http://www.allen-heath.com/support/register-product/.
Check the Allen & Heath website for the latest documentation and software updates.
Copyright © 2022 Allen & Heath. All rights reserved.
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