ALLEN & HEATH DX32 - Output Expander Manual

Read before starting

Safety instructions

Before starting, read the Important Safety Instructions printed on the sheet supplied with the equipment. For your own safety and that of the operator, technical crew and performers, follow all instructions and heed all warnings printed on the sheet and on the equipment panels.

System operating firmware

The function of the DX expander is determined by the firmware (operating software) that the mising system runs. Firmware is updated regularly as new features are added and improvements made.

Check www.allen-heath.com for the latest version of mixer firmware. Update to the latest version before connecting the DX Expander. The unit might operate incorrectly or fail to connect when running earlier firmware.

Further information

Please refer to the Allen & Heath website for further information, knowledgebase and technical support. For more information on system setup and mixing functions please refer to the product guides available for download at www.allen-heath.com.

Register your product

Register your product online at www.allen-heath.com/register.

Packed items

Check you have received the following:

• DX32 expander
• Getting Started Guide AP10242
• Safety Sheet
• IEC mains lead

Introduction

The DX32 is a rack I/O Expander for Allen & Heath 96kHz digital mixing systems. It provides 4 slots for 8ch analogue or digital I/O cards, in any combination, and a modular power supply with optional redundancy. It connects to the mixing system over a single Cat cable, or two cables (to compatible hardware) for redundancy.

Installing the Device

Free standing

The Expander can be operated as a freestanding unit for shelf or floor use. It can be operated horizontally with the connectors facing upward or sideward. Check that its plastic feet are fitted in the intended position.

Ensure adequate air flow around the unit. It must not be covered in any way. Always stand the unit on a firm flat surface away from any soft furnishings or carpet.

Rack mounting and flight casing

The DX32 is designed as a 19 inch rack mount unit and occupies 4U of rack space. The plastic feet may need to be removed before rack mounting; retain them for future use.
For rental, touring and other portable use, we recommend that you use a professional grade flight case.

Ensure natural convection of airflow around the unit by allowing good ventilation below, in front of and behind the unit. Rack equipment known to produce a significant amount of heat should not be mounted directly below the unit. Forced convection by means of a rack mounted fan-tray may be desirable in situations where space is restricted and the ambient air temperature is high.

Rack ears

The rack ears can be detached for shelf or floor operation, and can be mounted facing either the front or rear panel to suit the application. They are secured to the sides of the Expander with 3 screws each as indicated below. Use a Pozidrive screwdriver to remove or reposition the rack ears.

Front Panel

1. I/O modules – 4x slots for fitting 8ch analogue or digital I/O modules. To fit a module, switch the expander off, remove the blank panel by loosening the 2 thumb screws, slide the module into the slot and press it firmly into the mating connector, then secure it by tightening the thumb screws.
   Use the mixer I/O screen or AHM System Manager Assign screen to patch signals from or to the DX expander.
2. Status indicators – Power ON indicators for the 2 power supplies. The Ready indicator lights up when the output sockets are ready to pass audio after power up.
3. DX links – Dual redundant EtherCon ports for connection to the mixing system over Fast Ethernet (IEEE 802.3 Layer 2 compliant). A single Cat5e (or higher) cable carries 32x32 channels of 96kHz audio and control data. Use two cables for redundant connection to compatible hardware e.g. dLive S Class or DX Link card.
4. Power Supply – Hot swappable power supply with mains IEC socket and On/Off rocker switch. To remove or replace, loosen the 4 screws indicated below and slide the PSU out of the slot.
   

DX Expanders ship with one PSU fitted. A second PSU can be fitted for redundancy (part number MPS-16). Remove the 4 screws securing the blank panel using a star Torx T8 screwdriver, slide the PSU into the slot, and tighten the 4 screws indicated above. The Expander will automatically switch between the supplies without interruption to the audio should one fail.

Heed the safety warnings printed on the panel.

A plastic P-clip cable clamp is provided to secure the mains cable. Slot the cable in or lock it in place using a star Torx T20 screwdriver to refit the clamp around the cable.

Rear Panel

1. Plastic feet – Removable plastic feet. Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove or reposition the plastic feet.
2. Kensington Lock - A slot for fitting standard Kensington anti-theft security devices.
3. Fan – Ultra-quiet fan. Make sure the ventilation opening is not obstructed.

I/O Modules

M-AIN - Recallable preamps for balanced or unbalanced microphone and line level signals. Gain, Pad and 48V are digitally controlled within the preamp. The PP indicator lights up when phantom power voltage is detected at the socket, whether internally or externally sourced.

M-AOUT – Line level, balanced XLR outputs. Nominal level +4dBu. The outputs are relay protected to prevent power on or off thumps.

M-DIN – 4x stereo AES3 inputs with SRC (32kHz – 192kHz sampling rate). Sample Rate Conversion can be bypassed for each socket (for 96kHz operation only).

M-DOUT – 4x stereo AES3 outputs (44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz or 96kHz switchable with LED indication of sample rate).

PRIME INPUT – Next-generation preamp design with DC coupled gain stage and 32bit ADC for classleading conversion.

PRIME OUTPUT – Next-generation output design using the very latest 32bit converters and specially selected op amps for ultra-low noise.

Connect and power up

Connection to the mixing system

Connect the DX Expander to the mixing system. Use two cables for redundancy if required.

If the firmware in a connected DX Expander is not the same version as that in the mixing system, then the host mixer or processor will automatically update the DX firmware during power up. This can take up to 20 seconds. During this time the Lnk/Err indicators on the DX Expander flash at a fast rate. Once updated normal flash rate is restored.

Cables

Use Cat5e or higher STP cables with a maximum cable length of 100m per connection.
Allen & Heath can provide a number of Cat5e and Cat6 cables suitable for use with the GX Expander:

Contact your local A&H dealer for more information.

Dimensions

Technical specs

MPS16 power consumption is printed under AC inlet

General precautions

• Protect the equipment from damage through liquid or dust contamination. Cover the expander when it is not being used for a long period.
• If the equipment has been stored in sub-zero temperatures allow time for it to reach normal operating temperature before use at the venue. Recommended operating temperature is 0 to 35 degrees Celsius.
• Avoid using the equipment in extreme heat and direct sunlight. Make sure the ventilation slots are not obstructed and that there is adequate air movement around the equipment.
• Clean the equipment with a soft brush and dry lint-free cloth. Do not use chemicals, abrasives or solvents.
• It is recommended that servicing is carried out only by an authorised Allen & Heath agent. Contact details for your local distributor can be found on the Allen & Heath website. Allen & Heath do not accept liability for damage caused by maintenance, repair or modification by unauthorised personnel.

Allen & Heath Limited, Kernick Industrial Estate, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9LU, UK
http://www.allen-heath.com

Documents / Resources

References

• Allen & Heath - Heard Everywhere
• Register a Product - Allen & Heath

Download manual

Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.

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