
DT168 Getting Started Guide
DT168
The DT168 is a portable, rugged Dante I/O unit. It can be used to complement
Allen & Heath digital mixing systems on a Dante network. It provides 16 remote
controlled mic/line preamps and 8 XLR line outputs. It connects to the Dante
network over a single Cat5e cable, or two cables for redundancy.
The DT168 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”
rack or flight case using the optional AB1608-RK19 kit. A hard-wearing padded
polyester carry case is also available, A&H part number AP9932.
Software and firmware
Visit the Audinate website to learn more about Dante, and download Dante
Controller to route audio and configure devices on a Dante network:
https://www.audinate.com/
Preamp control of the DT168 by an SQ mixer requires SQ
firmware V1.4 or higher and SQ Dante card firmware V1.0.5+.
Preamp control of the DT168 by a dLive mixer requires dLive
firmware V1.8 or higher and a dLive M-DL-Dante 64x64 or 128x128
card. Use of the iLive/GLD M-Dante card is not supported.
Check www.allen-heath.com for the latest DT168 firmware and
instructions on how to update it.
Front panel

DT168 Getting Started Guide
Input sockets Balanced XLR mic/line inputs with +48V Phantom Power
indicator. The preamps are built into the DT168 and their Gain, Pad and +48V
are controlled from the network.
The +48V indicator detects voltage at the socket whether supplied by the
DT168 or received from an external source.
Output sockets Balanced XLR outputs operating at nominal +4dBu
level.
Side panel
Dante Primary EtherCon port for connection to the Dante network. The
cable carries the audio signals as well as preamp control data.
Dante Secondary Can be set to Redundant mode or to Switched
mode for connection to multiple devices, for example two mixing consoles. Set
the port mode in Dante Controller.
Reset Network settings Hold down the recessed switch for 10
seconds to reset the network settings for the DT168. This will delete any static
IP address and revert to factory default (DHCP / zero-conf).
Mains power input IEC connector and fuse for the built-in universal
voltage PSU. This accepts voltages from 100 to 240V AC 50/60Hz. Secure the
cable to the plastic P-clip using a T20 screwdriver.

DT168 Getting Started Guide
Vents Ensure good ventilation at the sides and back of the unit. Avoid
obstruction of vents while operating. Avoid dirt or liquid ingress.
Connection
Redundant mode
Switched mode (daisy chain example)
Switched mode (digital split example)
Dante Primary network
Dante Secondary network

Setting clock and patching signals
Use Dante Controller’s Routing tab to patch signals between Dante devices.
When a valid DT168 socket is routed to a dLive / SQ Dante card, and patched to
an Input channel, the dLive / SQ will present preamp gain, +48V and Pad
controls for the socket.
Use Dante Controller’s Clock Status tab to select the Dante network master. The
DT168 should always be slave on the Dante network, with the mixer typically set
to “Preferred Master” and “Enable Sync To External”.
Specification
Balanced XLR, +48V phantom power
>4kΩ (Pad out), >10kΩ (Pad in)
Balanced, Relay protected
+4dBu = 0dB meter reading
Switched or Redundant mode, 48kHz/96kHz
Power and Temperature
Mains Voltage Operating Range
Operating Temperature Range
0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
Width x Depth x Height x Weight
410 x 190 x 185 mm x 4.6kg
(16.1” x 7.5” x 7.3” x 10.1lbs)
Read the Safety Instructions Sheet included with the product and the information printed on the panel before operating.
A limited one year manufacturer’s warranty applies to this product, the conditions of which can be found at:
www.allen-heath.com/legal
By using this Allen & Heath product and the software within it you agree to be bound by the terms of the relevant End
User Licence Agreement (EULA), a copy of which can be found at: www.allen-heath.com/legal
Register your product with Allen & Heath online at: http://www.allen-heath.com/support/register-product/
Check the Allen & Heath website for the latest documentation and software updates
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