Allen & Heath introduces USB broadcast console and compact digital mixers

British mixer manufacturer, Allen & Heath, has chosen the prolight+sound show 2009 in Frankfurt, Hall 8 stand B22, to unveil anew addition to their portfolio. For the first time in 15 years, Allen & Heath has designed a broadcast console, which will be introduced from the ZED range of small-format USB mixers. The new Xone:22 2-channel analogue DJ mixer will be shown for the first time in Europe, and the increasingly popular ZED-R16 Firewire recording mixer will also be generating interest. Mixers from the whole Xone DJ range will be displayed, including the :D Series of MIDI controllers, and there will be a cross section of mixers from the ZED, MixWizard, GL, iDR and iLive ranges. Unveiled at Winter NAMM show 2009 Allen & Heath also shows its new compact digital mixing system. Evolved from the successful flagship iLive digital range, the iLive-T Series has all the performance and power of the original iLive in a new lightweight, affordable package. The T Series comprises the fixed I/O iDR-32 and iDR-48 MixRacks and iLive-T80 and iLive-T112 Surface options with remote CAT5 connection. Each rack can be used with either control surface, and all models will be compatible with the existing iLive units. “The T Series has been developed using proven digital technology from our flagship iLive professional range. It has flexible audio architecture, with configurable buses, patching, control and FX, and offers the same processing power, DSP algorithms and functionality. We are thrilled to be able to deliver the same stunning audio performance in a smaller footprint at a fraction of the price, and open up digital technology to a new audience,” explains Allen & Heath MD, Glenn Rogers. Using iLive’s 64x32 RackExtra DSP mix engine, both T Series racks provide processing for 64 channels, 32 mixes, plus 8 stereo FX processors. The systems feature the latest dualcore DSP technology, handling full dynamics, EQ and delay for all signals, which ensures, for example, that each of the 32 mixes has a dedicated third octave graphic EQ as well as a parametric EQ available. The iDR-32 MixRack provides 32 mic/line inputs and 16 outputs in a compact 4U frame, while the 6U iDR-48 provides 48 mic/line inputs and 24 outputs. The iLive-T80 and iLive-T112 surfaces add a further 8 in/8 out and 16 in/12 out respectively, and when combined with the mixracks, provide the ideal capacity for typical PA applications with 40 in/24 out to 64 in/36 out systems. Key to the development of the T Series is the proprietary Allen & Heath ACE (Audio Control Ethernet) link, which allows cost effective long distance point to point control and audio connection between the rack and surface using a single CAT5 cable. An option slot allows further audio networking possibilities such as EtherSound, or in the future, MADI and Aviom interfaces, while a built-in network switch and MIDI ports at each end allow remote control using laptops, touch tablets and MIDI devices. The T Series is compatible with the Allen & Heath PL Series remote controllers and iLive Editor software, a JAVA-based program that enables set up and control of the system online and offline. The T Series surfaces feature the same iLive fader strip layout with four layers per bank, and colour assignable channel ID strip. Above is the large, instant access channel processing section with familiar analogue style controls that quickly help the new user feel at home with digital mixing. A built-in touch screen provides an additional graphical view of the processing and access to the memories and system configuration. All its settings can be transferred using USB. The T Series will be available from February 2009.