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Reliable remote control and flexible patching
Each of the AB168’s 16 mic/line inputs can be controlled directly from your digital mixer, including gain, pad and phantom power. This gives engineers complete control from the desk, reducing the need to physically access the stagebox during setup or the show. A phantom power LED above each input helps identify which channels are active at a glance, improving clarity and reducing the chance of powering sensitive gear by mistake. All settings are recallable via mixer scenes, making it easy to prep for multiple acts or recurring events.
The unit integrates seamlessly into Allen & Heath’s patching system, so you can route input and output channels however your workflow demands. Whether you’re adding inputs to an existing rig or creating a satellite I/O point on a large stage, the AB168 gives you full routing flexibility. All input signals are converted close to the source, helping preserve audio quality by keeping analog cable runs short.
Easy setup with auto firmware and visual indicators
The AB168 takes the hassle out of firmware management. Once it’s connected to a compatible mixer, it automatically checks and matches the firmware version. If needed, it will update itself with no extra steps required. The process typically completes within two minutes, even if the unit is connected in a daisy chain. The automatic nature of this system means you don’t need to worry about compatibility during last-minute setups or touring changeovers.
Clear LED indicators show you what’s happening at a glance. A green Power LED confirms the unit is on, while the Ready light lets you know it’s in sync with the mixer. The dSNAKE connection LED flashes to show data traffic and turns red briefly during firmware updates. This straightforward visual feedback is useful during setup and troubleshooting, especially when time is tight and the stage is busy.
Portable design made for the stage
Durability and flexibility are key strengths of the AB168. It’s built with a tough steel chassis, rubber edge protectors and a side-mounted carry handle, making it easy to move and safe to use in demanding live environments. The unit can be placed flat with the sockets facing up, stood on its side, or positioned vertically in tighter spaces. If you’re working from a touring rack or need a cleaner stage footprint, an optional 19" rackmount kit is available.
The overall footprint is compact and tidy, with dimensions that make it easy to transport and place discreetly on stage. Despite weighing just 4.8kg, the unit offers solid stability. The power connector features a plastic clip to secure the cable, reducing the risk of accidental disconnection during performance. With no fans or moving parts, the AB168 also runs quietly, making it equally suitable for theatres, churches or acoustic venues where noise control matters.
Expand your system with additional I/O
The AB168 doesn’t just give you more inputs and outputs, it also gives you more flexibility in system design. The rear expander port allows you to daisy-chain a second AB168 or connect an AR84 for additional I/O. You can also use this port to link directly to an Allen & Heath ME personal monitoring hub, giving performers individual mix control on stage. This level of expansion means your system can grow and adapt to the demands of different shows or venues without requiring a full desk upgrade.
All connections are made using standard Cat5e or higher shielded twisted pair cable, with a recommended maximum distance of 100 metres between devices. Both EtherCon ports use locking connectors to prevent accidental unplugging during live events. This modular approach lets you build your system around your needs – whether you’re managing a permanent install or scaling up a mobile rig for a one-off festival stage.
Professional audio performance across all channels
The AB168 delivers high-quality audio across all of its 16 XLR inputs and 8 XLR outputs. Each input features a fully recallable mic preamp with a gain range of +5 to +60dB in 1dB steps, and a -20dB pad for handling hotter signals. Inputs can accommodate up to +32dBu, with a noise floor of -93dBu at low gain settings. This allows you to capture everything from quiet speech to loud instruments without distortion or background noise. Outputs operate at a nominal +4dBu with a maximum output level of +22dBu, ensuring plenty of headroom for loud PA systems.
The digital audio connection uses Allen & Heath’s dSNAKE protocol at 48kHz, carrying audio data, control signals and preamp commands over a single cable. Input conversion happens close to the source, which helps maintain signal integrity across the system. This reduces the risk of interference and signal degradation over longer cable runs. It also makes troubleshooting easier, since digital signals are less susceptible to ground loops or hum issues common with long analog runs.
Features
- Includes 16 remote-controlled mic and line inputs
- Provides 8 balanced XLR outputs for flexible routing
- Connects using a single Cat5e cable up to 100 metres
- Works with Allen & Heath mixers that support dSNAKE or SLink
- Expander port allows linking to another stagebox or ME system
- LEDs show power, connection, and phantom power status
- Supports automatic firmware updates when connected to a mixer
- Handles wide input levels from quiet mics to hot signals
- Can sit flat, stand upright, or be mounted in a rack
- Steel chassis and rubber bumpers for stage-ready durability
- Carry handle makes it easy to move and position
- Locking EtherCon ports help prevent accidental disconnections
Specifications
- Product Code: AB168
General
- Type: Portable Digital AudioRack / Stagebox
- Compatibility: SQ, Qu, Avantis, AHM-64, GLD Digital Mixers
- Mic Preamps: 16 XLR Mic/Line Inputs
- Line Outputs: 8 XLR Balanced Outputs (Relay Protected)
- Phantom Power Indicators: 1 LED Per Input
- Construction: Steel Chassis With Rubber Bumpers
- Handle: Integrated Carry Handle
- Rack Mounting: Optional 19” Rack Ear Kit (4U Rack Space Required)
- Additional Features: Firmware Auto-Update When Connected
Connectivity
- Main Audio Connection: dSNAKE Over Cat5 (RJ45 with EtherCon Locking)
- Daisy Chain / ME Personal Mixer Output: Additional EtherCon Port (RJ45)
- Distance: Up To 100m From Mixer Or Expander
Audio Specifications
- Input Sensitivity: -60dBu To +15dBu
- Analogue Gain: +5dB To +60dB (1dB Steps)
- Pad: -20dB
- Maximum Input Level: +32dBu
- Input Impedance: >4kΩ (Pad Out), >10kΩ (Pad In)
- Mic EIN: -127dB With 150Ω Source
- Channel Noise (20Hz–20kHz):
- Unity Gain (Pad In): -90dBu
- Low Gain (5dB, Pad Out): -93dBu
- Mid Gain (30dB, Pad Out): -89dBu
- THD+N (20Hz–20kHz, 1kHz @ 0dBu Output):
- Unity Gain (Pad In): 0.005 / -86dBu
- Low Gain (5dB, Pad Out): 0.003 / -89dBu
- Mid Gain (30dB, Pad Out): 0.004 / -88dBu
- Output Impedance: <75Ω
- Nominal Output Level: +4dBu = 0dB Meter Reading
- Maximum Output Level: +22dBu
- Residual Output Noise: -91dBu (Muted, 20Hz–20kHz)
Power
- Power Supply: Internal, 100–240V AC, 50/60Hz
- Power Consumption: 40W Max
- Power Connector: 3-Pin IEC (Earthed, Rear Mounted)
Dimensions & Weight
- Width: 411.45 mm
- Depth: 189.00 mm
- Height: 154.00 mm
- Weight: 4.80 Kg
Environmental
- Recommended Operating Temperature: 5°C To 35°C
- Absolute Operating Temperature: 0°C To 35°C (32°F To 95°F)