Allen & Heath AR84 - dSNAKE Expander AudioRack
AR0804
€ 846,97
Delivery 2-3 Working days
Description
Instead of running dozens of meters of analog cable, you run a single Cat5 to the stage and plug in the Allen & Heath AR84. That's it. Eight microphone inputs and four line outputs, remote-controlled, up to a hundred meters from the mixer.
The AR84 is a compact 1U expander that works over a single Cat5 or EtherCon cable via the dSNAKE protocol. The eight preamps are fully recallable: gain, pad, and 48V phantom power are all controlled straight from the mixer, as if the rack were sitting right next to you. Four balanced XLR outputs drive monitors, subgroups, or outboard gear at a nominal +4 dBu line level. The AR84 works with the Qu, SQ, and Avantis series, and with the AHM-64 audio matrix processor.
Key features
- 8 recallable mic/line preamps on XLR, including pad and 48V phantom power, controlled from the mixer
- Can be placed up to 100 meters from the mixer over a single Cat5 cable, no multicore needed
- 4 balanced XLR outputs (relay-protected) for monitor mixes, fills, or outboard gear
- Locking EtherCon connector for a solid connection on busy stages
- 1U 19" rack format - fits into any stage box or amp rack
- Cascadable with AR2412 or AB168 for larger systems
- Wide power input range (100-240V) for use across Europe and on tour
Technical specifications
- Inputs: 8 x balanced XLR mic/line
- Outputs: 4 x balanced XLR (relay-protected)
- Connection: dSNAKE via EtherCon/RJ45, max. 100 m Cat5
- Input sensitivity: -60 to +15 dBu
- Analog gain: +5 to +60 dB, in 1 dB steps
- Pad: -20 dB
- Maximum input level: +32 dBu
- Input impedance: >4 kΩ (pad off), >10 kΩ (pad on)
- Output impedance: <75 Ω
- Nominal output level: +4 dBu
- Maximum output level: +22 dBu
- Residual output noise: -91 dBu (muted, 20-20 kHz)
- Mic EIN: -127 dB (150 Ω source)
- Power: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz, max. 20W
- Format: 1U, 19"
- Dimensions: 483 x 220 x 48 mm
- Weight: 3 kg
Ideal For
- Live sound engineers who need extra stage I/O without extensive cabling
- Fixed installations (theaters, churches, conference rooms) needing remote preamp control
Compatible With
- Allen & Heath Qu series (Qu-16, Qu-24, Qu-32, Qu-Pac, Qu-SB)
- Allen & Heath SQ series (SQ-5, SQ-6, SQ-7)
- Allen & Heath Avantis
- Allen & Heath AHM-64 audio matrix processor
- Cascadable with Allen & Heath AR2412 and AB168 (max. two dSNAKE units per mixer)
Pro Tip: Use a quality Cat5e or Cat6 cable from a reputable brand and keep connectors along the run to a minimum, every extra patch point is a potential failure point.
In the Box
- Allen & Heath AR84 Expander AudioRack
- Power cable
- Mounting brackets (rack ears)
- Quick start guide
FAQ
Can I use the AR84 without an Allen & Heath Qu series mixer?
Yes. The AR84 works with any Allen & Heath mixer that supports the dSNAKE protocol: besides the Qu series, that includes the SQ series, Avantis, and the AHM-64 matrix. Just note that the SLink ports on SQ and Avantis need to be set to dSNAKE mode.
Can I connect two AR84 units to the same mixer?
You can, but not directly. Each dSNAKE port allows a maximum of two remote units. A second AR84 can be cascaded via an AR2412 or AB168, or connected to a second dSNAKE port if your mixer has one.
Does the AR84 increase the number of processing channels in my system?
No. The AR84 adds I/O and moves the AD/DA conversion to the stage, but the number of available mixer channels is still set by the mixer itself. Check your mixer's documentation for its exact patching options.
What's the maximum achievable cable length?
Allen & Heath specifies 100 meters via Cat5 or higher. In practice, cable quality and avoiding intermediate patch points are what determine reliability at that maximum distance.
The AR84 is the most compact way to give your Allen & Heath system extra stage I/O, with no compromise on sound quality or ease of use. Order now at Pro Gear.