dLive C Class

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.

Our DEEP processing architecture embeds highly acclaimed processing emulations directly within dLive’s input and mix channels. An array of bespoke algorithms including graphic EQs, preamp and compressor models can be inserted on the fly without burning FX slots and without the setup, latency, phase coherency and licence hassles associated with external plug-ins – they’re right there, where you need them, whenever you need them. The models capture the audio nuances and non-linear characteristics of industry classics, ranging from opto compressors to dual-stage valve designs.

dLive C Class joins a well-developed ecosystem of expanders, apps, software, remote controllers, personal mixers and more, making it easy to create a dLive system that perfectly mirrors the needs of an installation or show. 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. Each dLive C Class surface and MixRack has a 128ch I/O port to accept a range of audio networking cards, including all major digital protocols. dLive C Class offers full compatibility with our ME personal mixing system and with the dLive OneMix iPad app, providing a choice of solutions for empowering performers to control their own monitor mixes. dLive C Class and dLive S Class surfaces and MixRacks are fully compatible and can be mixed and matched according to the demands of the venue or performance.

Where many digital consoles are still trying 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 complemented by a set of 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 high-grip rotary knobs offer precision control, and feature RGB illumination, with colours mapped to functions for instant visual orientation.

The dLive layout is fully customisable, allowing the user to create a mixing interface that reflects their own mental map of the show, or for an installer to set up the surface to match the venue and the experience levels of the operators. Throughout the dLive journey our guiding aim has been to create fast and transparent workflows that allow the operator to focus on the mix, not the mixer. 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 there are 19 assignable SoftKeys, plus 3 pages of 6 assignable rotaries (C2500 and C3500 only).

Allen & Heath has launched two iPad apps to further enhance the dLive digital mixing experience. dLive MixPad provides comprehensive remote control of the live mix, whilst dLive OneMix focuses on personal monitoring.

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.

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