Allen & Heath AB168 AudioRack

Overview

• Compatible with SQ, Qu, Avantis, AHM-64, GLD
• 16 Mic Preamps on XLR
• Phantom Power LED per Input
• 8 XLR Line Outs
• dSNAKE Connection with locking Ethercon port
• Additional locking Ethercon port for daisy chaining / ME personal mixing system
• Carry handle
• Rubber bumpers
• Optional rack mount kit available

Diagram: Front view of the AB168 AudioRack showing 16 XLR input channels with individual phantom power indicators and 8 XLR output channels. Each input channel has a 'Push' button for gain adjustment.

Diagram: Rear view of the AB168 AudioRack showing AC mains input, fuse holder, power switch, Ethercon ports for dSNAKE and Expander, and a serial number.

Dimensions

Diagram: Top, front, and side views with dimensions for the AB168 AudioRack. Overall width: 389.60 mm, depth: 189.00 mm, height: 165.00 mm. Weight: 4.80 Kg.

A&E Specifications

The Allen & Heath AB168 is a portable remote audio rack designed for digital mixing systems. It provides 16 XLR inputs and 8 XLR outputs. The unit connects via Cat5 cable using Allen & Heath's dSNAKE Ethernet protocol, allowing placement up to 100m from the mixer. Mic preamps are controllable and recallable via the digital mixing system, with phantom power LEDs per input. The unit firmware updates automatically when connected to the digital mixing system. It features a local Ethercon port and an 'Expander' Ethercon port for connecting additional remote audio racks or ME personal monitoring systems. The AB168 has a robust steel chassis, a carrying handle for portability, and can be placed horizontally or vertically. An optional rack mount kit is available. The unit has an integrated power supply accepting 100-240V AC, 50/60 Hz, 45W max, via a 3-pin IEC connector. Recommended operating temperature is 5 to 35 degrees Celsius.

System Specifications

Inputs

• XLR Mic/Line Inputs: Balanced
• Mic/Line Preamp: Fully recallable
• Input Sensitivity: -60 to +15dBu
• Analogue Gain: +5 to +60dB, 1dB steps
• Pad: -20dB
• Maximum Input Level: +32dBu
• Input Impedance: >4kΩ (Pad out), >10kΩ (Pad in)

Mic/Line Channel THD+N (20-20kHz, Direct Out @ unbalanced out)

• Unity gain (Pad in): 0.005% -86dBu @ 1kHz, 0dBu output
• Low gain (5dB, Pad out): 0.003% -89dBu @ 1kHz, 0dBu output
• Mid gain (30dB, Pad out): 0.004% -88dBu @ 1kHz, 0dBu output

Mic/Line Channel noise (20-20kHz, Direct Out @ unbalanced out)

• Mic EIN: -127dB with 150Ω source
• Unity gain (Pad in): -90dBu
• Low gain (5dB, Pad out): -93dBu
• Mid gain (30dB, Pad out): -89dBu

Outputs

• XLR Outputs: Balanced, Relay protected
• Output Impedance: <75Ω
• Nominal Output: +4dBu = 0dB meter reading
• Maximum Output Level: +22dBu
• Residual Output Noise: -91dBu (muted, 20-20kHz)

Operating Temperature

0 deg C to 35 deg C (32 deg F to 95 deg F)

Mains Power

100-240V, 50/60 Hz, 20W max