ALLEN & HEATH AB168 AudioRack User Manual

AB168 AP9588 issue 1
The AB168 is a portable, rugged audio interface box for the Allen & Heath GLD and Qu digital mixing
systems. It provides 16 remote controlled mic/line preamps and 8 XLR line outputs. It connects to the
mixer over a single Cat5 cable using the Allen & Heath dSNAKE protocol. A second AB168 can be
connected to the AB168 to expand the number of system inputs and outputs.
The AB168 is simply an audio interface. It cannot be used by itself. It must connect to the GLD or Qu
mixer which is where the audio is processed.
 The AB168 is not compatible with Allen & Heath iLive Series components or ACE connection.
Refer to the GLD User Guide AP8561 and Qu User Guide AP9372 for instructions on connecting and
using the AB168 with your system. Refer to the Allen & Heath web site for more information and suitable
Cat5 cables.
The AB168 can be operated horizontally with the connectors facing upward
or sideward, or vertically to save space on stage. It can also be mounted in
a 19” equipment rack or case using the optional AB168-RK10 kit.
The diagrams below show two example applications.
Allen & Heath can provide the following CAT5e cables:
AH9650 100m drum of Etherflex cable with Neutrik EtherCon locking connectors.
AH9651 20m Etherflex cable with Neutrik EtherCon locking connectors.
AB168 AudioRack
GLD-80 +
2x AB168
32 inputs, 16
outputs on stage
Qu-16 + AB168
Access all 16
mic inputs on
stage

ALLEN & HEATH AB168 AudioRack Specifications

General

Type	AudioRack
Connection	dSNAKE
Power Supply	External PSU
Preamps	16
Connectivity	dSNAKE
Sample Rate	48 kHz
Bit Depth	24-bit
Phantom Power	Yes
AD/DA Conversion	24-bit
USB Interface	No
Ethernet Port	Yes
MIDI I/O	No
Word Clock I/O	No
Inputs	16 x XLR
Outputs	8 x XLR

Summary

AB168 Panel Layout and Features

Input Sockets

16 balanced XLR mic/line inputs with +48V Phantom Power indicator.

Output Sockets

8 balanced XLR outputs operating at nominal +4dBu line level.

dSNAKE Port

Cat5 cable link for connecting to mixer or other racks.

EXPANDER Port

Cat5 cable link to connect a second AB168 or ME system.

Mains Power Input

IEC connector for universal voltage power supply (100-240V AC).

Connecting dSNAKE Remote Audio

Connecting to a remote AudioRack

Using a single Cat5 cable to connect stage audio to the mixer.

Available AudioRacks Overview

AB168 Description

16 Mic/Line in, 8 Line out; floor, shelf, or rack mountable.

Qu Mixer Inputs from AudioRacks

Explains using Preamp screen to select local or remote sockets.

Qu Mixer Outputs to AudioRacks

Explains patching Qu outputs to remote rack sockets.

Qu Systems Configurations

Qu-16 System Examples

Diagrams showing Qu-16 with AB168 and other racks.

Qu-24 System Examples

Diagrams showing Qu-24 with AB168 and other racks.

ME Personal Mixing System Integration

Parallel Connection

Connecting ME-1 mixers via ME-U hub or PoE hub.

Daisy Chain Connection

Linking ME-1 mixers sequentially using Link In/Out ports.