Allen & Heath dLive gigaACE Card Expansion Module for Mixers

Allen & Heath gigaACE Card — Low-Latency Digital Split for dLive and Avantis

The Allen & Heath gigaACE Card is a 128 x 128 channel, 96 kHz audio networking expansion card that links any two dLive or Avantis mixing systems over a single CAT cable. Designed as a cost-effective replacement for analog multicore splitters, it carries both audio and control data on the same connection with no computer required for setup. The gigaACE Card is the right choice for live sound engineers running front-of-house and monitor splits who need a reliable, low-latency digital link between two Allen & Heath consoles.

What Sets This Card Apart

What makes this card stand out is its combination of 5-sample (52 µs) transport latency and dual-cable redundancy, which is rare in this category and lets engineers run FOH and monitor consoles from the same stage inputs without dropout. The switchable Control Network Bridge tunnels dLive/Avantis TCP/IP control over the same cable, so a single laptop can address either of the two linked systems — a feature that simplifies touring rigs and broadcast setups alike.

Audio Networking Performance

Audio networking performance is the headline feature of any digital split card, and gigaACE delivers a 128 x 128 bidirectional channel count at 96 kHz. That headroom covers full-bandwidth multi-track recording splits, complex monitor mixes, and parallel FOH/monitor workflows without compression or down-sampling.

• Channel Count: 128 inputs / 128 outputs — enough for large-stage splits and multi-track returns
• Sample Rate: 96 kHz — full-bandwidth operation, no down-sampling
• Transport Latency: 5 samples (52 µs) — imperceptible delay for monitor engineers

Reliability and Redundancy

Live shows cannot tolerate a single point of failure, so the card supports dual-cable redundancy: connect two CAT cables and the link stays up without audio dropout if one is unplugged or damaged. Up to 328 ft (100 m) of cable can be run between consoles, and the link can pass through standard network switches and VLANs for larger installations.

• Redundancy: Dual-cable redundant connections — automatic failover with zero dropout
• Maximum Cable Run: 328 ft / 100 m — covers most stage-to-FOH distances
• Network Topology: Works through switches and VLANs — flexible integration into existing infrastructure

Compatibility and Integration

Compatibility with the wider Allen & Heath ecosystem is built in: the card fits the I/O port on any dLive C Class or S Class Surface or MixRack, and any Avantis console. It also unlocks the GX4816 remote expander on dLive systems and supports connection to a DX Hub, expanding stage I/O without running extra copper.

• Console Compatibility: dLive C Class, dLive S Class, Avantis — fits the mixer's I/O port
• Expander Support: GX4816, DX Hub — extends stage I/O over the same link
• Network Connectors: 2 x RJ45 — standard CAT5e/CAT6 cabling
• Max Cards per System: Up to 5 cards — for multi-console and broadcast topologies