Allen & Heath (A&H) has signalled an increased focus on installed sound by deepening the integration of its dLive digital mixing systems into multi-purpose venues with a number of new additions to the range.

A raft of new releases, control options and expanders enhances the dLive ecosystem to create a distributed, integrated, scalable and accessible solution, handling every aspect of a venue’s audio world from simple boardroom tasks to a full-scale live show, A&H says.

A dLive MixRack aimed at distributed audio scenarios, the DM0, is new to the family. DM0 is a 4U mix engine, housing Allen & Heath’s XCVI FPGA Core and providing enough processing power for 128 channels and 64 buses at 96kHz with a latency of <0.7ms, in keeping with the existing dLive MixRacks. Interfacing to audio networks for access to hundreds of sources and destinations is provided by DM0’s three 128-channel I/O ports, accepting cards for all major audio networking protocols, such as Dante and AES67.

Other new products include a DX Link I/O card and DX Hub half-rack unit, which now enable a dLive system to connect up to 48 audio I/O devices, located up to 100 metres apart to meet the needs of the largest venues. A new wall mount expander, the 16-in/4-out DX164-W, joins the recently released DX168 stage box and the modular DX32 in the DX expander range. Integration with third-party equipment has also been improved with the unveiling of a new GPIO unit, allowing dLive to control lighting, curtains and more.

Remote control options have been extended too with the introduction of the programmable IP1 wall plate remote control, giving non-technical users control over functions such as music source selection, level control, or preset recall. Up to 96 IP1, IP6 and IP8 remote controllers can now be added to a dLive system via standard TCP/IP networks, in addition to console style mixing surfaces, tablet and laptop control, offering a multi-user, multi-point control architecture over wired or wireless networks.

“What we’re doing with dLive is bringing together the best aspects of audio management systems and live mixing consoles to create a 360-degree solution for today’s multi-purpose facilities. If you look at environments like schools and colleges, houses of worship or arts centres, they need to handle everything from background music and meetings right through to large-scale live performances; until now there really hasn’t been one system that can excel in all situations,” said Nic Beretta, Allen & Heath’s head of product marketing.

“With this extension of dLive and upcoming software features focused on installation, we’re allowing our customers to create incredibly powerful systems, and yet make these accessible for all levels of users, from the fitness instructor to the AV professional."

http://www.allen-heath.com