Allen and Heath dLive DM48 48 Mic/Line In/24 Line Out MixRack

The MixRack is the heart of any dLive system. It houses the XCVI processing core complete with audio I/O, control and audio networking ports. It is typically connected to a dLive Surface, but can also be controlled at the same time as or even without a Surface using a laptop or iPad, Allen & Heath IP remotes or third party controllers via TCP/IP. There are 3 sizes of dLive MixRack available. All feature the same mix engine and differ only in the number of analogue I/O. All models can work with the full 128 channels by adding DX expanders or patching digital sources.

Design For Live
There is something inherently thrilling about live sound. The immediacy of the direct interaction between the performers and the audience, the potential for anything to happen, the need to get it right first time – this is what makes live mixing so addictive. As the demands for more and more I/O and increasingly complex systems grow, there’s a danger of concentrating on the technology rather than the performance. The design goal for dLive was to create the ultimate mixing system, with plenty of processing and flexibility to handle the most demanding live scenarios, while at the same time giving the engineer intuitive tools to comfortably keep all that power at their fingertips, freeing them to focus on the live mixing experience.

XCVI Core
The power of dLive emanates from the XCVI Core – pioneered by the Allen & Heath R&D team using next generation FPGA technology, with 36 parallel virtual processing cores generating enough power for 160×64 channels of processing at 96kHz sampling rate. Six parallel mixing engines within the Core calculate over 10,000 cross points per sample, while the FPGA router has capacity for 3,000 x 3,000 audio paths. The massive power of XCVI (25 billion operations per second) allows dLive to deliver 128 full processing inputs and 16 stereo FX returns, a configurable 64 bus architecture, variable bit depth for ultimate precision and noise performance, a virtually infinite mix headroom thanks to a 96bit accumulator, and class leading latency at an ultra-low 0.7ms.

DEEP Processing
The DEEP processing architecture embeds class-leading compressors and processing emulations directly within dLive’s input and mix channels. An array of bespoke algorithms including Graphic EQs and Compressor models can be inserted on the fly without burning FX slots and without the setup, latency and licence hassles associated with external plug-ins – they’re right there, where you need them, whenever you need them. The compressor models capture the audio nuances and non-linear ballistics of industry classics, ranging from a Slow-Opto model, various RMS detection and soft knee circuits, through to super-fast peak and RMS based compression/limiting devices.

DLive Ecosystem
dLive is so much more than a mixer. It is a fully developed ecosystem with over 800 system inputs and 800 outputs. The MixRack houses the XCVI core and is the brain of any dLive system. This brain is supported by surfaces, apps, software, TCP/IP control and IP remotes, all of which provide different means of controlling the mixer. Up to five 128ch I/O ports for a range of audio networking cards including all major digital protocols, the DX32 modular I/O expanders, plus full compatibility with our ME personal mixing system all extend the reach of the system. With so many control and expansion possibilities, dLive’s inherently flexible architecture enables it to conquer practically any mixing challenge.

Harmony User Interface
Where many digital consoles try to recreate the experience of using an analogue mixer, dLive is a true digital native, drawing on our familiarity with the ubiquitous smartphones and tablets that we all use without thinking. The single or twin 12” capacitive touchscreens on the dLive consoles feel instantly familiar, responding to every pinch, swipe, drag and drop exactly how you’d expect them to. Bespoke ‘widget’ areas can also be set up on the screens to keep track of scenes, meters, FX and other custom controls. The screen is framed by a set of one knob / one function rotary controls, allowing the creativity and immediacy of tactile control over key processing functions, working in harmony with the visual feedback displayed on the screen. The rotary knobs have been prototyped 20+ times to achieve optimal grip and precision control, and feature RGB illumination, with colours mapped to functions for instant visual orientation.

Transparent Workflow
As systems become ever more complex and as I/O counts grow exponentially, engineers can find themselves feeling increasingly removed from the action on stage as they are drawn more and more into managing the arsenal of technologies at their disposal. Throughout the dLive design process our guiding aim has been to create fast and transparent workflows that allow the engineer to focus on the mix, not the mixer. The dLive layout is fully customisable, allowing the user to create a mixing interface that matches their own mental map of the show. Every input or mix can be assigned to any and every bank and / or layer, virtual scribble strips allow inputs and mixes to be clearly named and colour coded for at-a-glance navigation, and the engineer has no less than 26 assignable SoftKeys at their disposal, plus 3 pages of 6 assignable rotaries per screen.

RackExtra FX
The RackExtra FX portfolio combines the pristine quality and wide choice offered by boutique plug-ins with the convenience and low latency of onboard processing. It’s no secret that we have a passion bordering on obsession for crafting painstakingly faithful emulations of the most revered analogue outboard equipment. Drawing on the power of the XCVI Core, we have built hugely potent DSP kernels within the FPGA, allowing us to integrate our proven library of reverb, delay and modulator algorithms into dLive, with 16 FX slots available, each with a dedicated stereo return.

Built To Endure
Maybe it’s no coincidence that the lead mechanical designer on the dLive project used to be a tank commander. All dLive consoles have been designed to deliver the optimal balance between strength and weight, employing higher grade metal on the sides and folded steel at key points for added rigidity. Not only does every console, MixRack and expander have dual power supply slots for redundancy, but it also employs the same rugged, hot-swappable PSU design across the range for maximum peace of mind and minimum inventory. Dual redundancy is also built into every audio connection throughout the system. The designers have also paid particular attention to console illumination, conducting rigorous trials to ensure that dLive excels in the sunny, outdoor settings where many digital consoles become almost unusable.

Features:

• 48 mic/line inputs, 24 line outputs
• XCVI 160×64 FPGA core
  • 96kHz sample rate
  • Variable bit-depth for ultimate precision and noise performance
  • Virtually infinite mix headroom thanks to 96bit accumulator
  • Class leading, ultra-low latency < 0.7ms
• 128 Input Channels with full processing
• 64 Mix Outputs with full processing
• Configurable 64 bus architecture (group, FX, aux, matrix, mains)
  • LR, LCR and up to 5.1 mains mode
  • Multiple PFLs
• 16 RackExtra FX with dedicated stereo returns
• 16 DCAs
• Built-in signal generator and RTA
• New preamp design for extra transparency
• Unique Active PAD circuit for consistent performance with any source
• Connection hub
  • Dual redundant GigaACE gigabit link to Surface
  • 2x redundant DX links for I/O expansion
  • 3x I/O Ports – 128 ch 96 kHz each
  • Dedicated ME-1 48kHz port
  • 2x Network ports
  • Wordclock BNC I/O
• Dual redundant, hot swappable power supply
• Flush front panel with ultra quiet fan
• Reversible rack ears design