Allen & Heath Introduces Footprint Friendly System To iLive Digital Mixing Range

Allen & Heath has added two new models to the iLive digital mixing series, the iDR-16 3U MixRack and iLive-R72 rackmountable Control Surface, which together provide a space-saving, lightweight digital live mixing system, bringing the same power, sonic performance, and flexibility of the larger touring iLive systems to a significantly lower price point. With these additions, the iLive Series now includes a total of 6 Surface and 5 MixRack variants, which can be mixed and matched in any combination, and share the same firmware, so that show files are transferable between systems via a USB key. The iDR-16 MixRack and iLive-R72 Control Surface connect using Allen & Heath's proprietary ACE (Audio Control Ethernet) link, which allows cost effective long distance point to point control and audio communication over a single CAT5 cable up to 120m in length. The fixed I/O iDR-16 MixRack provides 16 mic/line inputs and 8 XLR outputs in a compact 3U frame, with a further 8-In/8-Out available locally at the iLive-R72 surface. All MixRacks, including the new iDR-16, feature the same 64 x 32 RackExtra DSP mix engine, providing processing for 64 channels, 32 mixes, and 8 stereo FX processors. The latest dualcore DSP technology handles all the FX and mixing along with the full dynamics, EQ, and delay for all inputs and outputs simultaneously. The Port B option slot allows further audio networking possibilities, for example digital mic splitting and multitrack recording, with ACE, EtherSound, MADI, ADAT and Aviom™ interfaces available, while a built-in network switch and MIDI ports at each end allow remote control using laptops, touch tablets, and MIDI devices. The iDR-16 is also compatible with the Allen & Heath PL Series remote controllers and iLive Editor software, a user-friendly JAVA-based program that enables both offline set up and online realtime operation of the system with or without a surface connected. The compact iLive-R72 surface can be fitted in a universal 19" rack, and features a similar iLive fader strip layout with 12 faders in 2 banks and 6 layers, providing a total of 72 color-assignable channel ID control strips. A built-in touchscreen provides swift access to the processing, memories and system configuration. "This latest incarnation of the iLive digital series is truly a breakthrough. We've packaged the same iLive technology in an ultra-compact rackmount solution," explains Allen & Heath's MD, Glenn Rogers. "It's incredible to think that you can easily walk into a gig with the system under your arms and your settings on a USB key in your pocket, and run a 64 into 32 mix with full processing from a small rackmountable surface at FOH, with the mixer on stage!" The iDR-16 and iLive-R72 will be available from February 2010 at SRP: iLive-R72: £5114 + VAT iDR-16: £2983 + VAT