AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Allen & Heath Stage Boxes for Digital Mixers 2026
The top pick is Allen & Heath AR-2412 24-Channel AudioRack Expansion Interface ($1,673). Allen & Heath DT02 gives you the most for the money at $334. Allen & Heath GX4816 Expander Module leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 12 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Allen & Heath AR-2412 24-Channel AudioRack Expansion Interface
AR2412 · Allen & Heath
17 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
- Weight5 kg
If you run an Allen & Heath Qu console, this unit gives you 24 XLR mic and line inputs in a single 3 U rack space. You also get Cat 5 outputs and an Aviom monitor output, so you can send signal over network cable and feed personal monitor systems. It suits a band or venue already set up around a Qu console.
Pros
- 24 XLR mic and line inputs on one rack unit
- 12 XLR line outputs in left and right pairs
- Cat 5 outputs for running signal over network cable
Cons
- Works only with Allen & Heath Qu consoles
- At 5 kg and 3 U, it takes up real rack space and weight
74AudioFu
Index↑ 11.0%since Aug 17$1,506 · Aug 17$1,673 now$1,673€1,498 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
- Weight4.75 kg
You get a portable stagebox that runs over Dante, with 16 mic inputs and 8 line outputs. It gives you direct access to the preamps from dLive and SQ-Series mixers, and its primary and secondary Dante ports can run in redundant mode. It suits you if you need a movable box to bring mic signals from the stage to a digital mixer.
Pros
- 16 mic preamps with XLR inputs and status LEDs for phantom power
- 8 XLR line outputs for sending signal to other gear
- Dante primary and secondary ports with EtherCon for redundant operation
Cons
- A 19" rack kit is optional and not included for rack mounting
- The suitable case (Art.#504879) is optional and not included
73AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,332 now$2,332€2,089 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Allen & Heath AR-84 8-Channel AudioRack Expansion Interface
AR84 · Allen & Heath
19 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
- Weight3 kg
If you run an Allen & Heath QU console and need more inputs and outputs, the AR84 gives you 8 XLR mic or line inputs and 4 XLR line outputs in a small 1U rack box. It is made to work as an expander with your QU mixer, so it suits a setup that is already built on that platform.
Pros
- Has 8 XLR mic/line inputs for bringing sources into your console
- Includes 4 XLR line outputs in left and right pairs
- Works with Allen & Heath QU consoles as an expander
Cons
- Does not list any on-unit controls or display, so setup is done from the console
72AudioFu
Index↑ 18.8%since Aug 17$892 · Aug 17$1,060 now$1,060€949 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Allen & Heath DX168 16-Channel Digital Stagebox
DX168/X · Allen & Heath
14 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Size19"
If you run a dLive, SQ, QU, or AHM mixer, this stage box gives you sixteen mic inputs and eight line outputs in one spot. It is plug-and-play, so you connect it with a CAT5e cable and start working. It suits you if you need a remote box near the stage and want it to mount in a 19-inch rack.
Pros
- Sixteen mic and XLR inputs handle a full set of microphones on one box
- Eight XLR line outputs send signal to other gear or speakers
- Plug-and-play setup with compatible dLive, SQ, QU, and AHM digital mixers
Cons
- Rack kit and case are sold separately, so mounting costs extra
70AudioFu
Index↑ 12.9%since Aug 17$1,640 · Aug 17$1,852 now$1,852€1,659 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Allen & Heath AB-168 16-Channel Portable AudioRack Stage Box
AB168 · Allen & Heath
24 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
If you run a GLD or Qu digital mixer and need more mic inputs on stage, this box is built for that. It gives you 16 mic inputs and 8 line outputs, and it connects to your mixer over Ethernet. If you want a rack mount or a case, you'll need to buy those separately.
Pros
- 16 mic XLR preamps give you plenty of inputs for a stage setup
- 8 XLR line outputs send your signal on to other gear
- Ethernet input and output connections let you run it over a network
Cons
- The rack kit (#344400) and the carry case (#504877) are sold separately
68AudioFu
Index↑ 15.1%since Aug 17$1,328 · Aug 17$1,528 now$1,528€1,369 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The GX4816 is a powerhouse expander for serious touring rigs and large venues. It's a fantastic solution for dLive and SQ users needing to significantly increase their input/output count, offering that classic Allen & Heath sonic clarity and reliability. This is ideal for production companies and bands running complex setups where scalability and rock-solid performance are essential.
Pros
- Rock-solid build quality; feels like it can handle serious road abuse
- Allen & Heath’s renowned preamps deliver clean, transparent gain
- Seamless integration with dLive and SQ ecosystems simplifies workflows
Cons
- Price point places it firmly in the professional, high-end category
- Requires familiarity with Allen & Heath’s digital mixing workflow
61AudioFu
Index↑ 1.8%since Aug 17$4,900 · Aug 17$4,990 now$4,990€4,469 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
- Weight1 kg
The DT02 is a seriously handy little box for anyone already invested in a Dante ecosystem – think touring techs, recording studios, or houses of worship needing flexible stage connectivity. It’s a well-built, reliable way to get your analog signals into your digital mixer, and the PoE power is a real convenience. Just be aware you're locked into the Dante world.
Pros
- Incredibly compact form factor simplifies installation in tight spaces.
- Dante integration offers robust, low-latency audio transport.
- PoE power option reduces cabling clutter and complexity.
Cons
- Limited to two outputs restricts flexibility for larger setups.
- Dante infrastructure required, adding to overall system cost.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$334 now$334€299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
The DT20 is a seriously clever little box for anyone already in the Dante ecosystem. It's perfect for smaller venues, broadcast setups, or even just expanding a digital mixer's stage I/O. The build quality is solid as you'd expect from Allen & Heath, and the Dante integration makes life a whole lot easier.
Pros
- Compact size ideal for tight stage setups and discreet installations.
- Dante integration simplifies complex routing and signal management.
- PoE power option minimizes cabling clutter and installation complexity.
Cons
- Limited to two inputs restricts use for larger, more complex productions.
- Requires Dante infrastructure, adding to initial system investment.
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$334 now$334€299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
The DT22 is a seriously handy little box for anyone already using a Dante network. It's a straightforward way to add a couple of analog inputs and outputs to your digital workflow, perfect for smaller venues or extending the reach of a larger system—just be aware it's not a mixer on its own.
Pros
- Compact size ideal for tight stage setups or permanent installs
- Dante integration simplifies complex audio routing workflows
- Phoenix Euroblock connectors offer robust, secure connectivity
Cons
- Limited to two inputs/outputs restricts scalability for larger rigs
- Requires Dante infrastructure; not a standalone solution
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$445 now$445€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight1.51 kg
The DX88-P is a seriously handy expander for those already invested in the Allen & Heath digital mixer world. It’s a solid, reliable way to add more I/O to your system, especially for permanent installations where you need a clean, dependable signal path. Perfect for houses of worship, clubs, or any venue with a fixed PA setup.
Pros
- Robust Phoenix connectors offer reliable, low-latency signal transfer.
- Compact form factor minimizes rack space usage in tight installations.
- Phantom power simplifies microphone connectivity for fixed setups.
Cons
- Limited to Allen & Heath digital mixer ecosystems; not a standalone solution.
- Rackmount kit is optional, adding to the overall investment.
50AudioFu
Index↓ 1.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,026 · Aug 17$1,015 now$1,015€909 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 12 stage boxes for digital mixers
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Allen & Heath DX164-WAllen & Heath50Stable$2,377€2,129$2,377€2,129Check ↗
- 12
Allen & Heath AH-DX012 12-Channel Output ExpanderDX012 · Allen & Heath49Stable$1,573€1,409$1,573€1,409Check ↗
Stage Boxes for Digital Mixers by the numbers
Measured across all 54 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,573 — half of all stage boxes for digital mixers here cost less.
median of 21 models · 19"–19"
median of 31 models · 0.8 kg–11 kg
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 15 stage boxes for digital mixers from the Thomann catalogue (of 54 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What should I look for when buying stage boxes for digital mixers?
Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
How much should I spend on stage boxes for digital mixers?
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Are expensive stage boxes for digital mixers worth the investment?
Higher-priced stage boxes for digital mixers typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
What are the best brands for stage boxes for digital mixers?
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Should I buy stage boxes for digital mixers online or in-store?
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.





