The Allen & Heath iDR-16 is a fixed-format digital I/O expander MixRack designed to augment the input and output capabilities of the iLive series digital mixing systems. As a 3U rack-mountable unit, it provides a dedicated set of high-quality microphone preamplifiers and line outputs, functioning as a remote stage box that connects to a central iLive control surface via a high-speed digital audio network (ACE). Its primary purpose is to extend the system's physical interface points, allowing microphone and line-level signals from the stage to be digitized at the source and transmitted over a single Cat5e cable to the mixer, thereby maintaining signal integrity over long distances and reducing stage clutter. This setup is ideal for live sound applications in theaters, houses of worship, and touring where a distributed audio network improves flexibility and performance.

The iDR-16 is equipped with a fixed complement of 16 analog inputs and 16 analog outputs, all accessible via robust XLR connectors on the rear panel. Each input features a premium-grade, low-noise microphone preamp with 48V phantom power, high-pass filtering, and individual gain control accessible remotely from the iLive surface. The outputs provide balanced analog feeds for driving stage monitors, front-of-house speakers, or recording devices. Audio conversion is handled by high-resolution 24-bit/96 kHz converters, ensuring transparent sound quality with wide dynamic range. The unit is designed for straightforward integration, with minimal local controls, as all parameters are managed from the main mixer, offering a clean and reliable interface between analog sources and the digital mixing engine.

Built to the same professional standards as the core iLive components, the iDR-16 features a robust steel chassis with efficient internal power supply and thermal management for reliable operation in demanding environments. Its network connection utilizes Allen & Heath's proprietary ACE protocol, which carries audio, control data, and clocking over a single Ethernet cable, supporting cable runs of up to 100 meters. As a system expander, the iDR-16 seamlessly increases the channel count and output flexibility of an iLive system, providing engineers with a scalable and sonically transparent solution for managing complex audio setups with multiple remote locations.