DiGiCo launches supercharged hardware and software upgrade

Continuing first class support for owners of its digital live consoles, DiGiCo launched supercharged V4 package at Plasa 2006. Plasa saw the launch of Version 4 combined software and hardware upgrade for the D5 Live console, with a rolling programme of upgrades to the rest of the DiGiCo product portfolio to follow. “With Version 4 we are literally supercharging the consoles,” said DiGiCo Senior Sales Director James Gordon. “It is a comprehensive upgrade, which includes a long list of enhanced features and additional functions which have been requested by users over the past four years.” Primary features of the package include extra configuration flexibility, expanded bussing and routing options, partial session loading, enhanced onboard effects and graphic equalisers, new snapshot features, additional monitoring functions, augmented aux and group buss control, and additional system options. The hardware part of the upgrade includes a new, non-volatile random access memory board, an uprated processor board and brand new, high density mini drives. The software - which is provided free of charge in conjunction with purchase of the revised hardware - includes a completely revamped operating system and application software. Highlights include a redesigned hardware configuration panel, refined networking with graphic interface, auto-route inputs, improved auxiliary architecture, a channel presets recall scope, effects presets featuring improved parameter definition which can be stored and recalled with snapshots, snapshot groups, graphic EQ presets and ganging, enhanced monitoring functions, four new modes for channel snapshot safe, enhanced aux and group buss control, plus a Macros panel to allow quick access to most console functions via the keyboard F keys or dedicated buttons. “This is the biggest overhaul of the DiGiCo operating system since the launch of Version 2 in 2003,” says Gordon. “Our consoles have seen continual development and this upgrade demonstrates the sheer flexibility of the platform. You can have a desk that’s up to four years old, but add Version 4 and you will get a whole range of new features and enhancements, ensuring your DiGiCo console is - as always - right at the cutting edge of sound technology, flexibility and ease of use.”