A day of Allen & Heath Training for the team
Here at Array, we're all about a couple of things: great sound and getting the job done right. So, when the opportunity came up to get our team certified on the amazing Allen & Heath dLive series, we jumped on it. We took a full day away from our projects to really dive deep, understand these systems better, and even get a sneak peek at some cool new features on the way!.
What's the Big Deal with Allen & Heath dLive?
If you've ever been to a big concert, a corporate event, or a live performance, chances are the sound was being mixed on a digital console. The dLive series is one of the best you'll find. Think of it as the ultimate brain and control center for live audio. It's known for incredible sound quality, tons of flexibility, and a user-friendly design that makes life easier for the sound engineers.
The system is split into two parts: the "brain" (a mix rack that does all the heavy lifting) and the "control surface" (the part with all the faders and screens that the engineer uses). What makes dLive so powerful is its core, which can handle a massive number of audio channels with super-low latency. This means we can route sound wherever we need it, no matter how complex the show is. It's also packed with built-in tools like EQs, compressors, and effects, giving us everything we need to create perfect sound.
Where Array Uses These Boards
We love the dLive series because it’s a perfect fit for the large-scale projects we do. We primarily use them in two key settings:
Corporate Installs: For big conferences, important meetings, and town halls, the dLive is our go-to. Its ability to manage multiple microphones, video feeds, and sound from different sources is a lifesaver. It ensures that every word is heard loud and clear, which is crucial in a professional setting.
Live Venues: From theaters to concert halls, these boards are workhorses. Their exceptional sound quality ensures that every note and vocal is delivered with stunning clarity. They give our engineers the tools they need to create a truly immersive audio experience for the audience.
We can scale the dLive system to fit any size job, from a smaller setup for a single event to a huge console for a major tour. The quality and power are always top-notch.
A Day of Learning and Discovery
Taking an entire day off from our projects is a big deal, but it's an investment that's totally worth it. Our team spent the day with expert trainers, getting certified on the dLive system. We covered everything from the basics of setting up a system to advanced techniques for routing audio and managing complex show settings.
The best part was getting to put our hands on the gear and really experiment with it. We also got a sneak peek at some new features coming soon, which means we’ll be ready to hit the ground running when they’re released. This kind of training is a huge win for us and, more importantly, for our clients. It means we're always up-to-date and ready to deliver the best possible audio solutions, no matter the challenge.
We're already excited to apply everything we learned to our next big project!
DLive Install for a corporate Setting in New Jersey During a 2024 Show
The dLive MixRacks
The MixRack is the heart of any dLive system. It houses the XCVI processing core, which is consistent across all models and provides 128 input channels and 64 mix outputs, all running at a pristine 96kHz sample rate. The primary differences between the MixRacks are their physical I/O and redundancy features.
DM Series (S Class MixRacks): These are designed for professional touring, broadcast, and high-end installations where reliability is paramount. They feature dual redundant, hot-swappable power supplies and dual redundant GigaACE links for a secure connection to the control surface.
DM32: 32 mic/line inputs and 16 line outputs.
DM48: 48 mic/line inputs and 24 line outputs.
DM64: 64 mic/line inputs and 32 line outputs.
CDM Series (C Class MixRacks): These offer the same core processing power as the DM series but in a more compact and lightweight form factor. They are ideal for corporate A/V, houses of worship, and other venues where space and portability are key.
CDM32: 32 mic/line inputs and 16 line outputs.
CDM48: 48 mic/line inputs and 24 line outputs.
CDM64: 64 mic/line inputs and 32 line outputs.
The dLive Control Surfaces
The dLive surfaces are the physical consoles that engineers use to control the MixRack. They are highly customizable and feature intuitive touchscreen interfaces with a "Harmony" UI that blends tactile controls with on-screen visual feedback. The main differences between the surfaces are the number of faders, touchscreens, and physical I/O ports.
S Class Surfaces: These are the flagship consoles, built with a more rugged, high-grade metal construction for touring and permanent installations. They feature dual redundant power supplies.
S3000: A compact surface with 20 faders and a single 12-inch touchscreen.
S5000: A mid-sized surface with 28 faders and dual 12-inch touchscreens.
S7000: The largest surface in the series, offering 36 faders and dual 12-inch touchscreens for maximum control.
C Class Surfaces: These provide the same powerful workflow and user interface in a more compact and affordable package, making them perfect for installations and smaller touring rigs. They do not have the same level of power and audio connection redundancy as the S Class surfaces.
C1500: A rack-mountable surface with 12 faders and a single 12-inch touchscreen. It's the most compact dLive surface available.
C2500: A step up from the C1500 with 20 faders and a single 12-inch touchscreen.
C3500: The largest C Class surface, featuring 24 faders and dual 12-inch touchscreens, making it a powerful and versatile option.