Allen & Heath AHM‑32 32×32 Audio Matrix Processor

Overview

The AHM‑32 from Allen & Heath is a 32×32 audio matrix processor — a powerful DSP / routing engine designed for multi‑zone sound distribution, installation audio, paging, conferencing, and venue-wide audio management. It is built for fixed‑install setups (hotels, corporate buildings, schools, theaters, retail, multi-room venues), but flexible enough for complex audio networking and large distributed systems.

It features a mix of local analog I/O (mic/line), configurable processing on all zones, and extensive network/I‑O expansion options — making it a core audio engine for installations requiring many inputs and outputs, DSP processing, and flexible routing.

  Key Features & Capabilities

• 32×32 Processing Matrix — route up to 32 inputs to 32 outputs with full processing per zone/output

• 12×12 Local Analog I/O — includes 12 mic/line inputs and 12 relay‑protected line outputs (on balanced Phoenix connectors), allowing use even without external I/O expanders

• I/O Networking / Expansion Port — supports optional network or expansion cards (e.g. Dante, SLink, MADI, Waves), enabling up to 128×128 channel audio networking/expansion

• Configurable Zone Outputs — up to 32 mono zones or 16 stereo zones / speaker zones, each configurable independently

• Full DSP per Input & Zone:

  • 8‑band parametric PEQ (equalization)

  • Dynamics processing (gate/comp/limiter as needed)

  • Delay for input or zone channels

  • Speaker processing per zone: crossover filters, delay, limiter, EQ, all‑pass filters — useful for multi‑way speaker setups

• Sound Management & Advanced Tools:

  • 4× Automatic Mic Mixers — to manage multiple mic inputs intelligently (suitable for meetings, conferences)

  • Ambient Noise Compensation (ANC) — helps maintain consistent levels in varying ambient noise environments

  • Priority Ducking — automatic lowering of background audio when paging or announcements occur

  • (Optional) Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC) and Feedback Suppression — helpful for conferencing / video‑conferencing / live speech installations (when the AEC/FBS module is installed)

• High‑Performance Core — 96 kHz FPGA‑based processing for low latency and high audio fidelity

• Flexible Control & Integration:

  • Front‑panel display + 8 programmable SoftKeys for quick control (volume, source select, preset recall)

  • Compatibility with remote controllers (e.g. IP1, IP6, IP8) — allows wall‑mounted or desk‑mounted remote volume / source / zone control

  • 2×2 local GPIO plus network‑accessible GPIO, plus support for TCP/IP control — enables integration with external control systems (e.g. automation, building control, third‑party control systems)

  • Drivers available for common control platforms (e.g. Crestron, AMX, Extron) — useful for professional AV installations

  • Support for multiple user profiles (up to 16) and event scheduling — suited for environments where different zones/users need customized control or time‑based audio behavior

  • Integrated stereo playback (for background music, announcements, etc.)

• Scalable & Expandable — thanks to the network I/O port and optional expansion cards, the AHM‑32 can be scaled up considerably for large venues, distributed audio networks, or complex multi-room systems