TECHNOLOGY: SHOWCASE
Audio consoles {
With the best position for a digital mixing surface not always the most practical or sonically optimal, the need for flexibility from consoles is ever sought-after. The iLive system from Allen & Heath incorporates remote features equipped to address such requirements. Embodied by six MixRacks and seven Surfaces, the iLive family is
suitable for multiple applications, from theatres and houses of worship to live venues and TV and radio stations. Apart from the inherent
features of digital mixing consoles such as in-built DSP and I/O networking control interfaces, each iLive option is equipped with the same 64 x
Mixing consoles are at the heart of many sound reinforcement and live performance applications – shaping the sound and distributing it where it is needed. James McGrath discusses the features of some recent offerings
Function from afar with the Allen & Heath iLive
32 RackExtra DSP mix engine and can process a full 64 input channels, 32 mixes and 8 stereo FX. The differences between each MixRack is, in essence, the number of physical input (mic) and output sockets, while each individual Surface is distinguishable by the number of faders. What’s clever about this piece of kit is that the mix engine can be accessed and operated via an array of wireless networkable options. Smart devices such as iPads and iPhones as well as laptops and tablets can be connected to the system and aspects of mixing and control of the surface component can be
controlled over Allen & Heath’s iLive editor software or the company’s smart apps: iLive Tweak and iLive MixPad. iLive Editor allows engineers to configure the system offline before the show, check and edit show files from guest engineers, and control the mix live. Firmware and show files are all compatible throughout the range, making settings fully transferrable. In fact, all models in the iLive family share the same data file format and user interface, making iLive Editor software and the MixPad app work throughout the iLive family.
Other features of the remote }
mixing system include the ability to tweak monitors on stage using a laptop, while another engineer runs the FOH sound check from the Surface. Allen & Heath says it has
remedied system complexities, which can often limit the desk’s potential should an intermediate be in control, with a Surface that provides instant access to all mixing functions. Ease-of-use features include user- assignable names, colours displayed on a virtual ‘write-on’ strip, and an 8in touchscreen that facilitates system setup, FX parameters, memories and utility functions.
www.allen-heath.com
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Powerful processing from the DiGiCo SD9
Houses of worship applications that require audio mixing are on the rise, and their required production values have escalated. These venues are often multifunctional – especially with the growing need for additional sources of revenue, such as from tourism, concerts and special events. This means the processing allocation restriction is a real issue. Consoles need to be able to have large amounts of flexibility so that they can deliver the sound required. DiGiCo has experienced significant market penetration
in this particular segment, with the SD9 spearheading the advance due to its processing power – providing such features as dynamic EQ and multi-band compression all with no limitations. This is because, unlike
traditional DSP-based consoles, the Field-Programmable Gate Array (FGPA) technology exhibits no increased latency or audio quality reduction when running full features. Input channels are available as mono or stereo, creating potentially 96 inputs, without compromising processing resources. Consoles without this technology may succumb to issues such as the number of
graphic EQs required impacting the number of FX units available – this is not the case with the SD9. The UB-MADI recording option offers users the ability to record and play back up to 48 channel options using the MADI port located on the console, which can be connected to any USB2- compatible PC or Mac. This allows for multitrack archive recording or virtual soundchecks. DiGiCo’s SD family were the first digital consoles on the live installation side of the market to incorporate a single FPGA processing all the console functions. This feature is essentially a reconfigurable logic gate array that allows code to be customised through configuration of the chip, providing future proof flexibility. The SD9 Rack Pack provides 64 stage inputs and up to 32 stage outputs in addition to the console I/O connectivity.
www.digico.biz
38 August 2012
Soundcraft Studer embraces tradition with Si Compact
After introducing several mid- to high-end digital mixing consoles to the installation market, including the Studer Vista and OnAir consoles, and Soudcraft Vi and Si Series, Soundcraft wanted to bring down the price point with a simplified console that harked back to the analogue roots of mixing. The result is the 18-months-in-development Si Compact.
Designed with analogue-feel
controls and dedicated channel strip, the digital console’s simplified operation makes it a practical addition for most applications and for users with a basic understanding of mixing desks.
Without a menu-driven
central screen on its surface, the console provides engineers with a ‘traditional’ mixing desk that doesn’t require an IT qualification to run. Furthermore, many of its functions are one- button press – for example accessing a bus and its contributions, or copying a channel setting –
making the operational learning curve a short one. Assignable fade layers mean the user can keep inputs together on a single layer to enhance usability. DSP power is uncompromised by the number of Effects or graphic EQs in use, and there is a remote controlled option using the Soundcraft ViSi Remote iPad app. Many of Soundcraft’s
innovations have been included in the console’s design, including FaderGlow, DOGS (Direct Output Gain Stabilisation), TOTEM (The One Touch Easy Mix), and Harman’s Lexicon effects. Despite its small size, the console holds the equivalent of 176 racks of processing, and can be expanded with numerous option cards or a remote stage box.
www.soundcraft.com
www.installation-international.com
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