Allen & Heath GX4816 48in / 16out 96kHz Expander - Price on Request

Massive I/O Expansion, Uncompromising 96kHz Fidelity

The Allen & Heath GX4816 is the definitive high-density solution for engineers and production houses who refuse to compromise on sonic quality or workflow efficiency. Designed specifically for SQ, Avantis, and dLive mixing ecosystems, this remote expander bridges the gap between portable stage boxes and massive fixed installations, providing a staggering 48 high-end microphone preamps and 16 line-level outputs in a single centralized chassis. Whether you are managing a complex festival stage, a high-end house of worship install, or a professional recording environment, the GX4816 delivers the massive I/O count you need with the 96kHz resolution your audience deserves.

Studio-Grade Transparency at 96kHz
The heart of the GX4816 lies in its 48 integrated dLive-class microphone preamplifiers, representing a significant technological leap over legacy 48kHz systems. These preamps are engineered to deliver a new world standard in detail and transparency, offering massive headroom and a vanishingly low noise floor (EIN of -127dB). For the engineer, this translates to crystal-clear transients and a warm, natural character that captures every nuance of the performance, ensuring your signal remains pristine from the stage to the mix.

Seamless High-Bandwidth Connectivity
Utilizing the proprietary GigaACE protocol, the GX4816 serves as a strategic networking hub, transporting 128x128 channels of 96kHz audio and control data over a single standard Cat5e cable. This Gigabit Ethernet foundation provides a "one-cable" solution that drastically reduces infrastructure mass and setup time without the latency issues common in lower-bandwidth protocols. It is true plug-and-play technology: simply connect to your console's SLink or GigaACE port, and the system auto-detects the hardware for immediate operation.

The Ultimate Modular Networking Hub
Beyond its onboard I/O, the GX4816 acts as a gateway for further system growth via two dedicated DX expansion ports. These ports allow you to daisy-chain up to four additional DX expanders—like the DX168 or DX164-W—effectively placing I/O exactly where it's needed, such as on a drum riser or in a wireless rack. Furthermore, for SQ and Avantis users, the DX2 port offers a unique integrated personal monitoring solution, automatically reconfiguring to support the ME Personal Mixing System for direct, on-stage monitor control.

Main features:

• 48 high-end dLive mic preamps with remote gain control and individual phantom power LEDs
• 16 balanced XLR line outputs featuring relay protection to prevent audible pops during power cycles
• Native 96kHz operation providing high-resolution audio across the entire signal path
• Single Cat5e connection to host mixer via high-bandwidth GigaACE protocol up to 100 meters
• Dual DX ports for connecting up to four additional DX series expanders for massive scalability
• Dedicated ME port functionality on DX2 for seamless integration with ME-1 and ME-500 personal mixers (SQ/Avantis only)
• Durable 5U rack-mountable steel chassis designed to withstand the mechanical stress of professional touring
• Plug-and-play operation with automatic firmware synchronization to ensure matching console compatibility

Tech Specs:

• Mic/Line XLR Inputs: 48 Balanced XLR, +48V Phantom Power
• Preamp Sensitivity: -60 to +15 dBu
• Analog Gain: +5 to +60 dB (1 dB steps)
• Pad: -20 dB Active Pad
• Max Input Level: +30 dBu (Pad In)
• Mic EIN: -127 dB (150Ω source)
• XLR Outputs: 16 Balanced, Relay Protected
• Output Impedance: <75 Ω
• Nominal Output: +4 dBu = 0 dB Meter Reading
• Max Output Level: +21 dBu
• Residual Output Noise: -95 dBu (Muted, 22Hz - 22kHz)
• Primary Port (GX): Locking EtherCon, GigaACE Protocol (1 Gbps)
• Expander Ports (DX1/DX2): 2x Locking EtherCon, DX Protocol (100 Mbps)
• Sample Rate: 96 kHz
• ME Compatibility: DX2 Port (SQ/Avantis only)
• Rack Space: 5U Rack-mountable
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 481.6 x 255 x 229.5 mm
• Weight: 8 kg (17.6 lbs)
• Power Consumption: 80W Max (100-240V AC, 50/60Hz)
• Operating Temp: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
• Discover the Allen & Heath GX Expansion Ecosystem [GX4816]: https://www.allen-heath.com/hardware/everything-i-o/gx4816/