‘Industry’s fastest workflow’ promised with next-gen A&H dLive
Published: PRODUCTS
Allen & Heath debuts its next generation digital console with a distributed design, flexible routing and built-in effects
UK-based manufacturer Allen & Heath has unveiled its new flagship digital mixing system, dLive, targeting both the install and touring sectors while declaring that it believes it has developed ‘the fastest workflow in the industry’.
According to the manufacturer, flexibility is the key factor behind dLive’s approach. The console features a distributed design with three separate MixRack processing engines and the same number of surfaces, all of which are compatible with common configuration, setup and show files.
The three MixRacks – the DM32, DM48 and DM64 – all contain the same processing engine. ‘The XCVI Core is designed from the ground up to execute our DEEP Processing algorithms from within the FPGA channel processor core,’ explained Allen & Heath’s R&D director, Dr Rob Clark. ‘This architecture allows users to select various embedded processing models on every input and mix channel on the fly, without burning valuable FX slots or adding latency.’
The 96k/96-bit XCVI Core reportedly provides capacity for 128 inputs with full processing plus 16 dedicated stereo effects returns, offering 160 inputs to mix. Additionally, a fully configurable 64 mix bus architecture is onboard with full processing on all 64 mix channels. dLive also incorporates the DEEP processing portfolio of embedded plugins, including graphic EQs, compressors, multiband compressors and dynamic EQs, alongside 16 slot effects racks, with the manufacturer’s range of emulations.
Remote I/O expansion is provided at both the MixRack and surface through dual-redundant Cat-5 DX ports. This is stated to enable the connection of up to three modular DX32 expansion units. Further inter-system and network connectivity is available through five resident 128-channel I/O ports for a range of audio networking cards, including Dante, Waves SG, ACE, and Madi, with a fibre-optic option also under development.
The three surface choices comprise the S3000, S5000 and S7000, while the layout across all three is fully customisable – every input or mix can be assigned to any bank and layer, named and colour coded. Additionally, the user has 26 assignable SoftKeys at their disposal.
Central to the user experience, meanwhile, is the new Harmony UI, which integrates screen and wrap-around controls with a single or twin 12-inch capacitive touchscreen, gesture control, configurable widget areas for scenes, meters and effects. There is also illumination control for visibility in daylight or low light conditions, including backlit keys, RGB coloured encoders, and an integrated LED light strip. Alternative mixing control is provided via the MixPad and OneMix apps, editor on/offline software, TCP/IP control for third party integration, and network-enabled IP fader and rotary remote controllers.
The console series is aimed at the touring and festival market as well as installation into live venues. It has a pro touring grade chassis which has been optimised for weight and rigidity. All units are stated to have dual power supply slots for redundancy, with PSUs hot swappable between surfaces, MixRacks and expanders. Dual redundancy is also built into every audio connection throughout the system.