Allen & Heath AB168 Portable Remote AudioRack

$953.74

GTIN: 6938122241374 SKU: 6938122241374 Category: Tags: , ,

Description

The AB168 Portable Remote AudioRack from Allen & Heath is a 48kHz audio rack specifically engineered to be 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).

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 a ME personal mixing system (sold separately). Synchronizing your system is a breeze due to the AB168 AudioRack’s automatic updates to its firmware.

The power and versatility that characterizes the AB168 extend to its external build. Its 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).

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.

Allen & Heath AB168 Features

  • 48kHz
  • 16 Mic Preamps
  • 8 XLR Line Outs
  • Expander port for daisy-chaining of 2 AB168 Expanders or connection ME personal mixers
  • Optional 19-inch rack mount kit available
  • Compatible with CAT5e (or higher) cables of up to 100m
  • Rubber bumpers
  • Carry handle

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SKU6938122241374UF-8426014932047672464312188442601493204835060834530055
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Description
ContentThe AB168 Portable Remote AudioRack from Allen & Heath is a 48kHz audio rack specifically engineered to be 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). 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 a ME personal mixing system (sold separately). Synchronizing your system is a breeze due to the AB168 AudioRack’s automatic updates to its firmware. The power and versatility that characterizes the AB168 extend to its external build. Its 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). 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.

Allen & Heath AB168 Features

  • 48kHz
  • 16 Mic Preamps
  • 8 XLR Line Outs
  • Expander port for daisy-chaining of 2 AB168 Expanders or connection ME personal mixers
  • Optional 19-inch rack mount kit available
  • Compatible with CAT5e (or higher) cables of up to 100m
  • Rubber bumpers
  • Carry handle
UF8 is SSL’s latest studio controller, designed for today’s DAW-based production workflows and ultrafast turn-around times. An expandable 8-channel advanced DAW controller, UF8 connects engineers, producers and artists directly to the creative process, offering absolute command of their workflow and significantly accelerating the speed of audio production and content creation. UF8 is the culmination of SSL’s 40+ year legacy of mastering production workflows and studio ergonomics built into generations of classic SSL consoles. This depth of understanding of studio production, combined with decades of engineering excellence, delivers a premium finish tactile USB controller that distills SSL workflow and quality.

SPL MixDream Analogue Summing Unit

  • Analogue outboard summing mixer
  • Active Class A/60-volt stages
  • 16 inserts for mixing external effects
  • Individual and overall bypass relays
  • Reduced of A/D conversions
  • Efficient resampling individual tracks
  • Latency-free monitoring
  • Stereo expansion control for additional transparency
  • Analogue peak limiter for gain optimisation
  • Lundahl output transformers and inserts
  • Adjustable insert levels, output levels and peak limiters
  • Multiple units linkable for larger mixes
Avid S1 eight-fader EUCON control surface The Avid S1 is an eight-fader EUCON control surface with unparalleled speed, rich visual feedback, and software integration of Avid's high-end consoles in a slimline surface that's an easy fit for any space or budget. Avid S1 gives you deep hands-on control of your favorite audio and video software and, together with the free Pro Tools | Control app for iPad (iPad not included), provides great ergonomic efficiency, easy touch workflows, and S6-style metering and processing views, so you can navigate large sessions quickly, mix more intuitively, and turn around better sounding mixes fast. Mix big on a smaller scale While Avid S1 fits easily between your display and keyboard, it packs a lot of mixing power into its small surface. From motorized faders and knobs that respond to your touch, to fast-access touchscreen workflows and Soft Keys that enable you to perform complex tasks with a single press, S1 provides the speed and versatility to accelerate any music, audio post, or video project. Get unmatched software integration S1 is powered by EUCON, Avid’s high-speed Ethernet control protocol that delivers deep hardware/software integration, giving you full touch and tactile access to a host of Avid and third-party software functions and controls. You can even switch between multiple applications—and workstations—at the touch of a button, providing the most fluid editing and mixing experience. Specifications:
  • Faders: Eight motorized, touch-sensitive, 100 mm long-throw faders
  • Knobs: Eight push-top, touch-sensitive rotary encoders
  • Additional controls: Assorted hardware buttons/keys for various functions and mode selections, including Mute, Solo, Record-enable, Bank, Nudge, and more
  • Software interface: Supports the free Pro Tools | Control app running on iPad (iPad not included), providing touchscreen control, project navigation, macro triggers, and more
  • Displays: Eight high-resolution OLED displays, plus multiple status LEDs and multicolor track buttons; channel metering, monitoring, processing, track status, automation modes, and other views provided by Pro Tools | Control on iPad
  • Height (front, rear): 1.2 inches, 3.8 inches (29 mm, 97 mm)
  • Width: 12.3 inches (312 mm)
  • Depth: 14.9 inches (377 mm)
Add the undeniably vibrant sound of analog summing to your DAW with the SPL MixDream XP 16 x 2 analog summing mixer. Take one of your past projects and mix it through the MixDream XP and you'll hear more depth, enhanced stereo imaging, and noticeably punchier dynamic impact. The Class A design and 60-volt rails in the MixDream XP provide amazing headroom and ultra-low noise, rivaling the sound of full-featured analog consoles. Once you've got your submixes sounding just right, Sweetwater can highly recommend the SPL MixDream XP summing mixer to take your mix over the top. SPL MixDream XP 16 x 2 Summing Mixer at a Glance:
  • Deeper, wider mixes from analog summing
  • Premium analog design for top-notch sound
  • Expandable for higher channel counts
Deeper, wider mixes from analog summing While the debate over analog vs. digital summing is not new, most engineers agree that summing your mix through high-quality analog gear sounds awesome. Compared to the exact same mix summed in your DAW, you'll notice that the SPL MixDream XP sums your mix with greater depth and enhanced stereo definition, with an undeniably vibrant quality. Premium analog design for top-notch sound SPL designed the MixDream XP summing mixer with 60-volt rails for an outstanding 125dB dynamic range, with a very low noise floor too.The discrete Class A topology was designed to give you essentially the same sound as a high-end mixing console, in a convenient rackmount form factor. Expandable for higher channel counts Need more than 16 channels of analog summing? It's easy to expand your summing capabilities with additional MixDream XPs. Just use the expansion inputs to daisy-chain your MixDream XPs, or even mix and match with SPL MixDream model 2384 summing mixers. SPL MixDream XP 16 x 2 Summing Mixer Features:
  • 16-in, 2-out analog summing mixer
  • Amazing dynamic range and ultra low noise, thanks to discrete Class A design and 60-volt rails
  • Multiple units can be linked for surround operation
  • Allows you to achieve an analog vibe that's difficult to create with plug-ins
  • Ideal for mixing and mastering applications
If you're seeking to take your projects to a level on par with world-class analog consoles, the AMS Neve 8816 will lead you to new sonic frontiers and beyond. The 8816's handbuilt, handwired 16-channel mixer employs the same transformer-balanced mix bus circuitry as a '70s-era Neve 80-series console, infusing every signal that flows through it with increased headroom, punch, and dimensionality. The 8816 does more than mere analog summing, however. This feature-laden box also includes cue mixing, metering, per-channel solo/mute, and talkback functionality. Its capable monitoring section includes a volume knob, an auxiliary input, dual headphone outputs, and alternate speaker outputs. Beyond that, the 8816 includes a main stereo insert send/return for strapping a compressor, EQ, or other processing across your entire mix, while its unique Width knob gives you a level of control over your mix’s stereo field that’s generally reserved for top-level mastering facilities. Craving tactile, hands-on control over your mix? Add an 8804 Fader Pack (sold separately). The 8816 also includes a USB port for saving and recalling settings to and from your computer, plus a digital I/O option, which provides you with A/D conversion (option card sold separately).

Inject your projects with the unmistakable Neve sound

Vintage Neve 80-series consoles are simply legendary. Watch Dave Grohl’s Sound City documentary for definitive proof, or listen to any of the countless chart-topping recordings that were made with one. Elton John, Steely Dan, Nirvana, Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, George Clinton, Chick Corea, Grateful Dead, REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, Foreigner, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Pat Benatar, Santana, Ratt, Rage Against the Machine, Tool, Slayer, Kings of Leon, Slipknot, Elvis Costello, Everclear, Mastodon, and many other artists were recorded or mixed on a Neve 80-series console. The AMS Neve 8816 contains genuine 80-series topology, boasting two custom Neve Marinair specification transformers on its stereo mix bus. Whether you use it for tracking and overdubbing, submixing and summing, or mastering, the 8816 will infuse your projects with the authoritative sound of a classic Neve console. All the sonic hallmarks are present: the heft, the muscle, the three-dimensional non-linearities — enabling you to add color and vibrancy to every project.

16 feature-packed channels of classic Neve character

The AMS Neve 8816 is centered around a feature-rich 16-channel analog mixer. Each channel boasts a line-level input with a rotary Level control, a rotary Pan control, a Cue button, and a Cut/Solo button. The Level knob, which accommodates both +4dBu and -10dBV sources, ranges from ∞dB to +15dB with 0dB set at approximately 12 o’clock. The Pan knob offers smooth, progressive operation with -3dB center attenuation. The Cue button sends the channel’s input, pre-fader, and pre-pan to the 8816’s cue mix. Channels 1–14 are individually switchable to the cue mix, while Channels 15–16 are stereo linked. At Sweetwater, we’ve found channels 15–16 incredibly useful for playback of a rough 2-track artist mix while overdubbing. The Cut/Solo button enables you to mute or solo a track. Since the 8816’s solo system is latching, you can also build solo groups, then use the master Cut/Solo button to audition or mute a group — a must-have feature when comping or sorting out EQ or balance problems.

A full-blown Neve console in a 2U rackmount format

The sheer number of the 8816's mix send/return options is enough to make your head spin, in a good way. Place a stereo compressor, EQ, or other processing across your entire mix, or create a parallel return for New York-style compression. Access high-end, mastering-studio-level stereo image enhancement with the Width control. Route the 8816’s 2-track return to its cue mix, or replace your headphone cue mix with the main monitor mix. The insert return and 2-track return feature independent level controls, providing you with near-endless customization. You can also put the 8816’s sends/return in Mid-Side mode. There’s even a hidden talkback mic that you can engage with a push of the 8816’s headphone level knob. With all of this complexity, you may be concerned that you’ll lose your settings. Don't worry: the 8816’s USB port allows for easy recall of your settings via control software on your Mac or PC. And if you need more inputs, you can cascade up to 32 units for up to 512 channels.

Comprehensive monitoring section

The AMS Neve 8816’s comprehensive monitoring section puts it at the very heart of your studio. You get four monitoring sources: the 8816’s 2-track return, channels 1/2 (pre-fader), its auxiliary input, and your main monitor mix. A Mon Level knob allows you to calibrate your mixing levels (we recommend aiming for 85dB), while a Mix Level knob controls the output level to your DAW. Main/alternate speaker outputs enable you to reference your mixes on a second set of studio monitors. The 8816’s dual headphone outputs are wired in parallel, one on the front panel and the other on the rear, where there are also balanced line outputs for feeding a separate headphone amp. You also get two quasi-PPM VU meters fed from the 8816’s main outputs, along with analog and digital clip indicator LEDs.

The legend continues

At Sweetwater, the name Neve commands reverence. Rupert Neve started designing audio equipment in the tube console era but made his mark with solid-state designs. Setting up shop in Little Shelford in the ’60s, Mr. Neve faced many obstacles establishing his brand amid a new technological landscape. Transistors were new, expensive, and difficult to obtain in quantity in the UK. Reliable faders didn’t exist yet — a far cry from today’s world, where parts are affordable and readily available from multiple suppliers, all competing to win bids. Nevertheless, Rupert persisted. And by the early 1970s, the Neve company was humming along, taking orders and building custom transformer-balanced consoles for recording and broadcast studios the world over. Neve 80-series consoles had a huge, punchy, and authoritative sound that defined the sound of ’70s rock. From London to New York to Los Angeles and beyond, top studios were installing Neve desks as fast as they could. By 1978, with the introduction of the majestic 8078 — the pinnacle of handwired analog “production” consoles — and NECAM automation system, Neve boards were the main component of the success formula for any recording studio with world-class aspirations. In the decades since, AMS Neve has innovated with groundbreaking products such as the VR, VX, and 88R series consoles. And today, the company continues to advance the state of the art with cutting-edge pro audio gear that sounds incredible and intelligently addresses the challenges of the digital age.

AMS Neve 8816 Summing Mixer Features:

  • Packs the sound and functionality of a Neve console into a 2U rackmount unit
  • Contains genuine Neve 80-series topology, including 2 custom Marinair transformers
  • Ideal for tracking, overdubbing, submixing, summing, and mastering alike
  • 16 channels of analog summing add color and vibrancy to every project
  • Each channel boasts rotary Level and Pan controls, plus Cue and Cut/Solo buttons
  • Mix insert points for adding effects to individual channels
  • Comprehensive cue mixing for creating custom-tailored headphone mixes
  • Main stereo insert send/return for adding processing to your mix bus
  • Width knob supplies high-end-mastering-studio-level stereo image enhancement
  • Main/alternate speaker outputs enable referencing on a second set of studio monitors
  • 2-track return, auxiliary input, and dual headphone outputs
  • Sends/returns boast a Mid-Side mode for added flexibility
  • Hidden talkback mic is engaged with a push of the headphone level knob
  • 2 quasi-PPM VU meters for the main outputs, plus analog and digital clip indicator LEDs
  • USB port allows for recall of your settings via control software on your Mac or PC
  • Cascade up to 32 units for up to 512 channels
  • 8804 Fader Pack gives you tactile, hands-on control over your mix (sold separately)
  • Digital I/O option provides A/D conversion (option card sold separately)
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