DX & GX System Guide

Overview

The DX & GX systems enable engineers to increase analogue and AES3 digital I/O in dLive, Avantis, AHM and SQ systems via the use of DX Expanders, GX Expanders and DX Distribution options.

Protocols

DX Protocol

The DX protocol carries 32x32 channels of 96kHz audio per DX connection. Each DX connection can accommodate 1x DX32 or up to 2x DX168/DX164-W/DX012 expanders.

GX and gigaACE Protocols

The GX and gigaACE protocols carry 128x128 channels of 96kHz audio per connection. Each GX connection can accommodate 1x GX4816 expander, and additionally up to 2x DX32, or up to 4x DX168/DX164-W/DX012 expanders connected to the GX4816.

ME and dSnake Protocols

The ME and dSnake protocols carry 0x40 and 40x40 channels respectively of 48kHz audio per connection. Each ME connection can accommodate an unlimited number of ME devices, via daisy chaining and/or a ME-U or PoE hub.

Multiple DX and GX connections can be present in a dLive, Avantis, AHM or SQ system to massively expand the system analogue I/O.

SLink

The SLink port, found on SQ, Avantis and AHM mixers, is a multi-protocol port which supports connection via DX, GX, gigaACE, ME and dSnake.

AHM does not support ME connections.

DX Expander Connectivity

DX32

The DX32 is a modular expander offering 4x 8 channels slots to fit a selection of analogue or AES3 digital I/O.

SQ firmware V1.4 or higher required for DX32 support

8 Channel Module Options

• M-AIN - 8 Recallable Preamps With XLR Connectors For Balanced Or Unbalanced Microphone And Line Level Signals. Gain, Pad And 48V Are Digitally Controlled Within The Preamp
• M-AOUT - Line Level, Balanced XLR Outputs. The Outputs Are Relay Protected To Prevent Power On Or Off Thumps
• M-DIN - 4x Stereo AES3 Inputs On XLR With SRC (32kHz – 192kHz Sampling Rate). Sample Rate Conversion Can Be Bypassed For 96kHz Operation
• M-DOUT - 4x Stereo AES3 Outputs On XLR (44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz Or 96kHz Switchable)
• M-DX32-INPR – Premium 8 channel microphone preamp
• M-DX32-OUTPR - Premium 8 channel line-output

Learn more at: allen-heath.com/ahproducts/dx32/

DX168 / DX164-W / DX012

The DX168 is a fixed format expander offering 16 inputs and 8 outputs in a rugged stage box. The DX164-W is a fixed format expander offering 16 inputs and 4 outputs in a wall mountable chassis. The DX012 is a fixed format expander offering 12-16 outputs (depending on configuration) in a 1u rack mountable format.

Connection Options

Mode = Cascade

Mode = Redundant

Learn more at: allen-heath.com/ahproducts/dx168/, allen-heath.com/ahproducts/dx164-w/

DX Redundancy

All DX Expanders can be connected in dual-cable redundant mode (32x32) to compatible hardware.

SQ and AHM don't support DX redundancy.

dLive S Class Surfaces and MixRacks have integrated redundant DX sockets (DX1/2 & DX3/4 on the MixRack and DX5/6 on the Surface). These can also be used with DX Link and/or DX Hub options to add further redundant DX expanders.

dLive C Class Surfaces, C Class MixRacks and Avantis mixers can benefit from DX redundancy via the use of DX Link and/or DX Hub options.

DX Link features a Global Redundancy setting which allows 2x redundant DX streams (DX1/2 & DX3/4) per module.

Two DX Hub units can be used to achieve DX redundancy for up to 4 DX expanders. Both DX Hub units connect to a single gigaACE I/O module in a dLive or Avantis system.

Diagrams on page 5 illustrate these redundancy configurations.

DX Cascade Mode

The DX168, DX164-W and DX012 all feature Cascade mode, which allows 2 expanders to be daisy chained together on a single DX or SLink connection. Any combination of two DX168/DX164-W/DX012 expanders is supported per socket in Cascade mode, with all inputs and outputs accessible to the mix engine.

DX Expander 1

DX Expander 2

Channel Mapping in Cascade Mode

Each cable can be 100m, allowing 200m between DX socket and 2nd device.

DX32 Expanders do not support Cascade mode.

Redundancy is not possible for DX Expanders in Cascade mode.

DX Distribution Connectivity

The DX Link and DX Hub both offer 128x128 channels of 96kHz audio via 4 DX sockets, each capable of 32x32 channels of audio.

DX Link

DX Link is ideal for live music and theatre applications as well as any environment where the DX expander(s) are located within 100m of the dLive Surface, dLive MixRack or Avantis mixer.

• Installs into any I/O port in the system:
  • dLive Surface
  • dLive MixRack
  • Avantis Mixer
• 4 DX Link sockets - 32x32 each
• Switchable redundant mode (1/2 & 3/4)
• Up to 5 DX Link in S Class systems
• Up to 3 DX Link in C Class systems
• Up to 2 DX Link in Avantis systems
• 128x128 DX channels per DX Link module

Up to 128x128 channels of DX expansion

Redundancy ON/OFF is global per DX Link module

Learn more at: allen-heath.com/ahproducts/dx-link/

DX Hub

DX Hub is particularly suited to Install and Commercial Audio applications and any environment where it is desirable to run a single "trunk" CAT5e cable to the DX Hub from the dLive or SQ system.

• Connects to:
  • dLive via gigaACE I/O module in dLive MixRack or Surface
  • Avantis via SLink socket and/or gigaACE I/O module(s)
  • SQ / AHM via SLink
• 4 DX Link sockets - 32x32 each
• Up to 5 DX Hub in S Class systems
• Up to 3 DX Hub in C Class systems
• Up to 3 DX Hub in Avantis systems
• Up to 2 DX Hub in SQ systems
• Up to 2 DX Hub in AHM systems
• Use two DX Hubs for redundancy (dLive only)
• 128x128 DX channels per DX Hub module

Up to 128x128 channels of DX expansion

Learn more at: allen-heath.com/ahproducts/dx-hub/

GX Expander Connectivity

GX4816

The GX4816 is a fixed format expander offering 48 inputs and 16 outputs in a freestanding or rack-mountable chassis. In addition, 2x DX expansion ports are provided with the second DX port enabling ME Personal Mixing System compatibility.

DX1 and DX2 on the GX4816 cannot be used for redundant connections to DX expanders.

When connected to a ME-U, ME-1 or ME-500, the DX2 port is self-configured as a 40ch, 48kHz output only port for the ME personal mixing system. Channel names and stereo links are communicated to connected ME systems. The ME patch in SQ or Avantis will be automatically sent to this port and will override any output patch to DX2.

ME connection via DX2 is not supported when connected to a dLive or AHM system.

dLive compatibility with GX4816 requires firmware V1.86 or higher

Learn more at: allen-heath.com/ahproducts/io-gx4816/

Diagrams on page 8 illustrate GX4816 connectivity.

Connecting to dLive

S Class

DM0/DM32/DM48/DM64

Up to 448x448 channels of DX/GX expansion

S3000 / S5000 / S7000

Up to 288x288 channels of DX/GX expansion

C Class

For DX redundancy with C Class hardware use DX Hub or DX Link options

CDM32 / CDM48 / CDM64

Up to 192x192 channels of DX/GX expansion

C1500 / C2500 / C3500

Up to 160x160 channels of DX/GX expansion

dLive & DX

All dLive Surfaces and MixRacks benefit from integrated DX sockets - dLive Surfaces offer 1x DX connection and dLive MixRacks offer 2x DX connections with redundant sockets for dual-cable connection available on S Class hardware.

If further DX expanders are required, DX Link I/O modules and DX Hub remote hubs can be added to the system. Both provide 4x DX connections.

A gigaACE I/O module is required for DX Hub connection

Diagrams on page 10 illustrate expanded dLive systems with DX expanders.

dLive & GX

1x gigaACE I/O module in the Surface or MixRack enables the connection of 1x GX4816 to a dLive system.

dLive compatibility with GX4816 requires firmware V1.86 or higher

ME connection to the GX4816 via DX2 is not supported when connected to a dLive system

Additional gigaACE I/O modules can be added for additional GX4816 connections, allowing up to 2x GX4816s on a C Class system, and up to 5x GX4816s on an S Class system.

For information on supported DX and ME connections to a GX, please see the GX Expander Connectivity section.

Diagrams on page 11 illustrate dLive systems with GX4816 expanders.

Connecting to Avantis

Avantis

Up to 384x384 channels of DX/GX expansion

Avantis & DX

The integrated SLink port on Avantis allows the direct connection of 1x DX32 or up to 2x DX168/DX164-W/DX012 expanders.

Alternatively, a DX Hub can be connected to the SLink port, or a gigaACE I/O module, to provide 4x DX connections enabling the use of up to 8 DX expanders.

Diagrams on page 12 illustrate Avantis connectivity with DX expanders.

Up to 2x DX Link I/O modules, or gigACE+DX Hub combinations, can be installed in the I/O ports to further expand DX connectivity up to a maximum of 24x DX Expanders

Avantis & GX

The integrated SLink port on Avantis allows the direct connection of 1x GX4816. An optional gigaACE I/O card can also be used for direct connection to a GX4816.

Connection of up to 3x GX4816s is supported via the use of both the internal SLink port and up to 2x gigaACE I/O modules.

Diagrams on page 13 illustrate Avantis connectivity with GX4816 expanders.

For information on supported DX and ME connections to a GX, please see the GX Expander Connectivity section.

Connecting to SQ

SQ-5 / SQ-6 / SQ-7

Up to 256x256 channels of DX/GX expansion

SQ firmware V1.4 or higher required for DX32 support

SQ & DX

The integrated SLink port on SQ mixers allows the direct connection of 1x DX32 or up to 2x DX168/DX164-W/DX012 expanders.

Alternatively, a DX Hub can be connected to the SLink port to provide 4x DX connections enabling the use of up to 8 DX expanders.

An optional SLink I/O module can be installed in the SQ I/O port to enable further DX connectivity.

SQ does not support DX redundancy

DX32 support requires SQ firmware V1.4 or higher

Diagrams on page 14 illustrate SQ connectivity with DX expanders.

SQ & GX

The integrated SLink port on SQ mixers allows the direct connection of 1x GX4816. An optional SLink I/O card can also be used for direct connection to a GX4816.

The connection of 2x GX4816s is supported via the use of both the internal SLink port and the optional SLink I/O module.

Diagrams on page 15 illustrate SQ connectivity with GX4816 expanders.

For information on supported DX and ME connections to a GX, please see the GX Expander Connectivity section.

GX4816 support requires SQ firmware V1.4 or higher

Connecting to AHM

AHM-64

Up to 256x256 channels of DX/GX expansion

AHM-16, AHM-32

Up to 128x128 channels of DX/GX expansion

AHM & DX

The integrated SLink port on AHM-64 allows the direct connection of 1x DX32 or up to 2x DX168/DX164-W/DX012 expanders.

AHM does not support DX redundancy

Alternatively, a DX Hub can be connected to the SLink port to provide 4x DX connections enabling the use of up to 8 DX expanders.

An optional SLink I/O module can be installed in the AHM I/O port to enable further DX connectivity.

Requires AHM firmware V1.2 or higher.

Diagrams on page 16 illustrate AHM connectivity with DX expanders.

AHM & GX

The integrated SLink port on AHM-64 allows the direct connection of 1x GX4816. The optional SLink I/O card on AHM-16 and AHM-32 can also be used for direct connection to a GX4816.

ME connection to the GX4816 via DX2 is not supported when connected to an AHM system.

The connection of 2x GX4816s is supported on AHM-64 via the use of both the internal SLink port and the optional SLink I/O module.

Requires AHM firmware V1.2 or higher

Diagrams on pages 17 and 18 illustrate AHM connectivity with GX4816 expanders.

Channel Mapping

DX Link and DX Hub

Please refer to the table below for channel mapping when using DX Expanders in conjunction with DX Link or DX Hub hardware.

dLive & Avantis: DX Hub & DX Link patching is performed on the I/O page under the appropriate I/O Port tab.

SQ: DX Hub patching is performed on the I/O page under the SLink or I/O Port tab.

AHM: DX Hub patching is performed on the Assign page under the I/O Patchbay tab.

DX168 Non-Redundant

DX164-W Non-Redundant

DX32 Non-Redundant

DX012 Non-Redundant

DX168 Redundant

DX164-W Redundant

DX32 Redundant

DX012 Redundant Example

GX4816 – DX/ME Sockets

Please refer to the table below for channel mapping when using DX Expanders in conjunction with a GX4816.

dLive: GX4816 patching is performed on the I/O page under the appropriate I/O Port tab.

Avantis & SQ: GX4816 patching is performed on the I/O page under the SLink or I/O Port tab.

AHM: GX4816 patching is performed on the Assign page under the I/O Patchbay tab.

If a ME Personal Mixing system is connected to the DX2 socket on the GX4816, patching to the ME system is performed on the I/O page under the ME tab (all mixers).

Connection of a ME system via DX2 is not supported on dLive and AHM systems.

GX4816 Local I/O

DX168 Non-Redundant

DX164-W Non-Redundant

DX32 Non-Redundant

DX012 Non-Redundant

Networking

The DX protocol is a Fast Ethernet point-to-point connection (100BASE-TX, IEEE 802.3u) and is Layer 2 compliant. Layer 2 network switches and media converters can be used, provided they support Fast Ethernet connections.

gigaACE, utilised by DX Hub and GX4816, is a Gigabit Ethernet point-to-point connection (1000BASE-T, IEEE 802.3ab), Layer 2 compliant. Layer 2 network switches and media converters can be used, provided they support Gigabit Ethernet connections.

General Rules

Layer 2.5 and higher protocols including Spanning Tree, Tagged Egress Packets, and Broadcast Storm Protection can cause interruption to audio data or audible clicks. Smart / managed switches may allow turning off Layer 3 or 4 functions, but as a general rule we recommend using Layer 2 devices only.

Note that no other network device should be plugged into a switch carrying gigaACE or DX audio unless a dedicated VLAN is set up.

Parallel connection of multiple DX Expanders on a switch is not possible.

When using an Ethernet switch or media converter, we suggest you check for errors and test for functionality and reliability before putting your system into service.

Cables

STP CAT5 (or higher) cables are required for connections to DX expanders. STP CAT5e (or higher) cables are required for connections to DX Hub and GX4816

UTP cables are not supported

The maximum length of each cable is 100m. With 2 DX expanders in Cascade mode this allows a distance of up to 200m between the SQ/Avantis/dLive and the second DX expander. Using a DX Hub allows for an additional 100m cable run between the gigaACE module/SQ and the DX Hub giving a maximum distance of 300m between the MixRack and the second DX expander.

Allen & Heath can supply a number of network cables - details available on our website.

Diagrams on page 21 illustrate network cable runs and configurations.

VLANs

It takes some trial and error to configure a VLAN for use with DX or gigaACE, and the actual configuration depends on the specific switch in use. In our tests, we also found that many switches do not handle the gigaACE / DX packets with the time accuracy our clock requires, particularly over trunk lines and SFP modules, resulting in sync errors and in some cases, audible glitches. Thus, use of VLANs is not officially supported and the notes below are given as a guideline only.

One VLAN is needed for each point-to-point connection i.e. you cannot have more than two DX / gigaACE devices on the same VLAN. No other traffic should be present on this VLAN.

The ports should be forced to 100Mbps (Fast Ethernet) for DX / ACE / dSNAKE, or Gigabit Ethernet for gigaACE - we had mixed experiences with auto-negotiating ports. The ports need full 100Mbps / 1000Mbps bandwidth. This means that, in order to have a gigaACE VLAN on a switch, the trunk between switches must be higher than Gigabit (10 Gigabit recommended).

ALL Layer 2.5 and higher protocols must be disabled, as mentioned above. Essentially any packet on the VLAN other than audio transport is likely to cause audible glitches. The VLAN should be fully transparent to Layer 2 traffic, with no extra packet. Also note that dLive firmware prior to V1.8 had gigaACE fixed to VLAN 1, which would often conflict with the management VLAN on some switches. The VLAN tag was been removed in V1.8 allowing user tagging of gigaACE traffic.

Fibre optics

Most standard Cat5 to F.O. converters will work, provided they support the required connection type / speed (see above).