Allen & Heath Launches dLive

Allen & Heath has launched a next generation digital mixing system with ultra-flexible architecture, a powerful FPGA processing core, comprehensive expansion options, control and networking capabilities, plus an advanced touch screen user interface. Named dLive it’s equally suited to rigorous touring or permanent installation in houses of worship and performance venues.

The dLive system architecture separates MixRack and surface with the processing brain housed in the MixRack. Three MixRacks are available, DM32 (32input), DM48 and DM64, along with three accompanying control surfaces S3000, S5000 and S7000. All MixRacks and surfaces are compatible with common configuration, setup and show files.

Each rack contains a 96k/96bit XCVI core providing capacity for 128 inputs with full processing and 16 dedicated stereo FX returns, offering 160 inputs to the mix. On the other side are 64 fully configurable mix busses with full processing on all channels. dLive incorporates the DEEP processing portfolio of embedded plugins, including graphic EQs, compressors, multiband compressors and dynamic EQs, alongside its 16 slot FX racks, featuring Allen & Heath’s acclaimed range of FX emulations.

Advertisement

Remote I/O expansion is provided at both the MixRack and surface through dual-redundant Cat5 DX ports. This enables 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 surfaces are fully customisable with every input or mix assignable to any bank or layer, named and colour coded, along with 26 assignable SoftKeys. The UI integrates screen and wrap-around controls with one (S3000) or two (S5000 and S7000) 12” capacitive touchscreens which have configurable widget areas for scenes, meters and FX. There is also advanced illumination control for optimal 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 MixPad and OneMix apps, Editor on/offline software, TCP/IP control for third party integration, and network-enabled IP fader and rotary remote controllers.

Advertisement

Finally, dLive has a new pro touring grade chassis, optimised for weight and rigidity. All units 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.

“It really is the ultimate mixing system, with all the processing tools and power that the most demanding engineers expect, plus the flexibility and networkability for any application. This is coupled with an extremely intuitive user interface and what we believe to be the fastest workflow in the industry,” says Nicola Beretta, senior product manager. “dLive is equally at home in fixed installations, such as a HOW or theatre, as it is at festivals and out touring.”