ALLEN & HEATH AR84 - AudioRack Manual

Introduction

The AR84 is a 19" rack mountable remote audio unit for all Allen & Heath digital mixing systems compatible with the dSnake protocol. It provides 8 remote controlled mic/line preamps and 4 XLR line outputs.

Using a single network cable, the AR84 can be connected directly to the mixer or cascaded from an AR2412 or AB168.

A maximum of two dSnake remote units can be connected to each mixer's dSnake port.

The AR84 is used to increase the number of I/O sockets in a system and position both sockets and AD/DA conversion close to the source/stage. It will not increase the number of processing channels available in the system and must be connected to a mixer where the audio can be processed and routed.

Compatibility and Cable

The AR84 uses the 48kHz dSnake protocol, which is a layer 2, fast ethernet protocol designed for pointto-point connections. This means it can be connected to the dedicated dSnake ports included on the GLD and Qu systems or used with the intelligent SLink port which can switch to a dSnake mode.

Refer to the latest documentation for your mixer available from www.allen-heath.com for more information on connecting, patching, and controlling the AR84 with your system.

Cat5e (or higher) STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) cable should be used, with a maximum cable length of 100m (330ft) between each unit. Use of passive couplers to join cables will reduce this distance.

High-quality touring grade cables are available through your A&H dealer. Please see www.allenheath.com/ahproducts/cat5/ for more details.

Connection, Automatic firmware matching and LED behaviour

On connection to a mixer, the AR84 will automatically check and match its firmware to the mixer model and mixer firmware version.

If an update to firmware is required, it will happen automatically. This may take up to 2 minutes to complete. During an update, the port 'Lnk/Err' LED will flash red and once the update is complete, the AR84 will automatically reboot.

When running the correct firmware and connected to a mixer, the 'Lnk/Err' LED next to the dSnake port will flash yellow steadily and the 'Ready' LED will illuminate.

AR84 Front Panel Layout

1.  Input sockets
   8 balanced XLR mic/line inputs. The preamps are built into the AR84 and their Gain, Pad and 48V phantom power are controlled remotely from the mixer via the dSNAKE link. Refer to mixer documentation for information on patching these sockets to input channels or other destinations in the system.
2. ‚ Output sockets
   4 balanced XLR outputs operating at nominal +4dBu line level. Refer to mixer documentation for information on patching output signals to these sockets.
3. ƒdSNAKE port
   EtherCon/RJ45 socket to connect directly to the mixer. This carries all input and output audio to and from the AR84 along with preamp control and system status messages.

EtherCon locking connectors are recommended to prevent damage to cables or ports and avoid accidental disconnection.