
32 mic/line inputs. 16 line outputs
The MixRack is the heart of any dLive system. It houses the XCVI processing core complete with audio I/O, control and audio networking ports. It is typically connected to a dLive Surface, but can also be controlled at the same time as or even without a Surface using a laptop or iPad, Allen & Heath IP remotes or third party controllers via TCP/IP.
There are different sizes of dLive MixRack available. All feature the same mix engine and can work with the full 128 channels by adding DX expanders or digital sources.


The power of dLive emanates from the XCVI Core – pioneered by the Allen & Heath R&D team using next generation FPGA technology, with 36 parallel virtual processing cores generating enough power for 160×64 channels of processing at 96kHz sampling rate. Six parallel mixing engines within the Core calculate over 10,000 cross points per sample, while the FPGA router has capacity for 3,000 x 3,000 audio paths. The massive power of XCVI (25 billion operations per second) allows dLive to deliver 128 full processing inputs and 16 stereo FX returns, a configurable 64 bus architecture, variable bit depth for ultimate precision and noise performance, a virtually infinite mix headroom thanks to a 96bit accumulator, and class leading latency at an ultra-low 0.7ms.
Our DEEP processing architecture embeds class-leading compressors and processing emulations directly within dLive’s input and mix channels. An array of bespoke algorithms including Graphic EQs, Compressors and a 64 channel Automatic Mic Mixer (AMM) can be inserted on the fly without burning FX slots and without the setup, latency and licence hassles associated with external plug-ins – they’re right there, where you need them, whenever you need them. The compressor models capture the audio nuances and non-linear ballistics of industry classics, ranging from a Slow-Opto model, various RMS detection and soft knee circuits, through to super-fast peak and RMS based compression/limiting devices.
The RackExtra FX portfolio combines the pristine quality and wide choice offered by boutique plug-ins with the convenience and low latency of onboard processing. It’s no secret that we have a passion bordering on obsession for crafting painstakingly faithful emulations of the most revered analogue outboard equipment. Drawing on the power of the XCVI Core, we have built hugely potent DSP kernels within the FPGA, allowing us to integrate our proven library of reverb, delay and modulator algorithms into dLive, with 16 FX slots available, each with a dedicated stereo return.
Data sheets, manuals and resources for the dLive CDM32 MixRack

Our AV experts are ready to help you find the perfect solution for your project.
Contact Our TeamThe power of dLive emanates from the XCVI Core – pioneered by the Allen & Heath R&D team using next generation FPGA technology, with 36 parallel virtual processing cores generating enough power for 160×64 channels of processing at 96kHz sampling rate. Six parallel mixing engines within the Core calculate over 10,000 cross points per sample, while the FPGA router has capacity for 3,000 x 3,000 audio paths. The massive power of XCVI (25 billion operations per second) allows dLive to deliver 128 full processing inputs and 16 stereo FX returns, a configurable 64 bus architecture, variable bit depth for ultimate precision and noise performance, a virtually infinite mix headroom thanks to a 96bit accumulator, and class leading latency at an ultra-low 0.7ms.
Our DEEP processing architecture embeds class-leading compressors and processing emulations directly within dLive’s input and mix channels. An array of bespoke algorithms including Graphic EQs, Compressors and a 64 channel Automatic Mic Mixer (AMM) can be inserted on the fly without burning FX slots and without the setup, latency and licence hassles associated with external plug-ins – they’re right there, where you need them, whenever you need them. The compressor models capture the audio nuances and non-linear ballistics of industry classics, ranging from a Slow-Opto model, various RMS detection and soft knee circuits, through to super-fast peak and RMS based compression/limiting devices.
The RackExtra FX portfolio combines the pristine quality and wide choice offered by boutique plug-ins with the convenience and low latency of onboard processing. It’s no secret that we have a passion bordering on obsession for crafting painstakingly faithful emulations of the most revered analogue outboard equipment. Drawing on the power of the XCVI Core, we have built hugely potent DSP kernels within the FPGA, allowing us to integrate our proven library of reverb, delay and modulator algorithms into dLive, with 16 FX slots available, each with a dedicated stereo return.
| INPUTS | |
| Mic/Line XLR Inputs | Balanced XLR, +48V phantom power |
| Mic/Line Preamp | Fully recallable |
| Input Sensitivity | -60 to +15dBu |
| Analogue Gain | +5 to +60dB, 1dB steps |
| Pad | -20dB Active PAD |
| Maximum Input Level | +30dBu (PAD in) |
| Input Impedance | >4kΩ (Pad out), >10kΩ (Pad in) |
| Mic EIN | -127dB with 150Ω source |
| Phantom Power indication | Per socket, internal or external phantom power sensing, triggered at 24V |
| OUTPUTS | |
| Analogue XLR Outputs | Balanced, Relay protected |
| Output Impedance | <75Ω |
| Nominal Output | +4dBu = 0dB meter reading |
| Maximum Output Level | +22dBu |
| Residual Output Noise | -92dBu (muted, 20-20kHz) |
| SYSTEM | |
| Dynamic Range | 110dB |
| System Signal to Noise | -92dB |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 30kHz +0/-0.8dB |
| THD+N (analogue in to out) | 0.0015% @ +16dBu output, 1kHz 0dB gain |
| Headroom | +18dB |
| Internal operating Level | 0dBu |
| dBFS Alignment | +18dBu = 0dBFS (+22dBu at XLR output) |
| Meter Calibration | 0dB meter = -18dBFS (+4dBu at XLR out) |
| Meter Peak indication | -3dBFS (+19dBu at XLR out) |
| Sampling Rate | 96kHz +/- 20 PPM |
| ADC | 24-bit Delta-Sigma |
| DAC | 24-bit Delta-Sigma |
| Latency | 0.7 ms (MixRack XLR in to XLR out, Input to Mix) |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 deg C to 35 deg C (32 deg F to 95 deg F) |
| Mains Power (MPS16) | 100-240V AC, 50-60Hz, 175W max |
| DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS | |
| CDM32: (Width x Depth x Height x Weight) | 481.6 x 309 x 221 mm 5U (19"x 12.2"x 8.7") x 10kg (22lbs) |
| CDM32 - boxed: (Width x Depth x Height x Weight) | 600 x 430 x 380 mm (23.6"x 16.9"x 15") x 12kg (26.5lbs) |
About Penguin Media Solutions
Penguin Media Solutions is a professional audio, video, and lighting design, installation, and maintenance company based in Brighton, UK. As an authorised Martin Audio dealer, we provide high-performance AV systems for commercial venues, hospitality, and event spaces across Brighton, London, and South-East England.
