Allen & Heath AB168 Portable Remote AudioRack Stage Box

The AB168 Portable Remote AudioRack from Allen & Heath is a stage-ready solution for any live sound application.

Boasting enhanced I/O, versatile compatibility, and capable of daisy-chaining for easy scaling of your sound system to fit the size of your venue, the AB168 is built with heavy-duty components that make it durable and travel-ready.

This audio rack has been designed for compatibility with Allen & Heath’s Qu series digital mixers, Avantis and SQ mixer series, as well as the AHM-64 audio matrix processor (all compatible external equipment sold separately).

Allen & Heath AB168 Features

• Portable remote digital audio rack
• Stage-ready for any live sound application
• Compatible with Qu, Avantis, and SQ mixer series from Allen & Heath
• Rubber bumpers and carry handle make it great for touring
• Boasting 48kHz, includes 16 Mic Preamps and 8 XLR Line Outs
• Expander port for daisy-chaining of 2 AB168 Expanders or connection ME personal mixers
• Compatible with CAT5e (or higher) cables of up to 100m
• Optional 19-inch rack mount kit available

• AB168 Portable Remote AudioRack1

• Inputs
  • XLR Mic/Line Inputs: Balanced
    • Mic/Line Preamp: Fully recallable
    • Input Sensitivity: -60 to +15dBu
    • Analogue Gain: +5 to +60dB, 1dB steps
    • Pad: -20dB
    • Maximum Input Level: +32dBu
    • Input Impedance: >4kΩ (Pad out), >10kΩ (Pad in)
  • Mic/Line Channel noise: 20-20kHz, Direct Out @ unbalanced out
    • Mic EIN: -127dB with 150Ω source
    • Unity gain: (Pad in) -90dBu
    • Low gain: (5dB, Pad out) -93dBu
    • Mid gain: (30dB, Pad out) -89dBu
  • Mic/Line Channel THD+N: 20-20kHz, Direct Out @ unbalanced out
    • Unity gain (Pad in): 0.005% -86dBu @ 1kHz, 0dBu output
    • Low gain (5dB, Pad out): 0.003% -89dBu @ 1kHz, 0dBu output
    • Mid gain (30dB, Pad out): 0.004% -88dBu @ 1kHz, 0dBu output
• Outputs
  • XLR Outputs: Balanced, Relay protected
    • Output Impedance: <75Ω
    • Nominal Output: +4dBu = 0dB meter reading
    • Maximum Output Level: +22dBu
    • Residual Output Noise: -91dBu (muted, 20-20kHz)
    • Residual Output Noise: -91dBu (muted, 20-20kHz)
  • Operating Temperature
    • 0 deg C to 35 deg C
    • (32 deg F to 95 deg F)
  • Mains Power100-240V, 50/60 Hz, 20W max

Optimized Connectivity for Easy Expandability

Fitted with 16 microphone preamps that feature Phantom Power indicators, as well as 8 XLR line outputs, the AB168 is powered by Allen & Heath’s proprietary dSNAKE protocol. Take advantage of its I/O to connect it to any compatible system, using a single CAT5 cable to position the unit up to 100m (approximately 328 feet) away from the mixer.

Using a secure dSNAKE Ethercon port, the AB168 connects over a CAT5 cable to your mixer or AR2412 AudioRack. Expanding your options, the AB168 also offers a second EtherCon port, allowing you to daisy-chain to other AB168 units or connect to an ME personal mixing system (sold separately). Synchronizing your system is a breeze due to the AB168 AudioRack’s automatic updates to its firmware.

Powerful and Versatile

The AB168’s rugged design includes rubber bumpers that protect it during transportation, so you can move it around the stage without worrying about wear and tear. Place it directly on the stage floor during performances, or use its optional rack mounting kit to permanently install it in your setup (sold separately).

Portable and Tour-Ready

Combined with its optimized durability, the AB168 is surprisingly light, weighing in at a little over 10.5 lbs (4.8 kg). Add to that its sturdy carrying handle and this audio rack is a great choice for uses that need both rugged quality and maximum portability.