Allen & Heath dLive CDM48 MixRack

The MixRack is the heart of any dLive system. It houses the XCVI processing core complete with audio I/O, control and audio networking ports. It is typically connected to a dLive Surface, but can also be controlled at the same time as or even without a Surface using a laptop or iPad, Allen & Heath IP remotes or third party controllers via TCP/IP.

There are different sizes of dLive MixRack available. All feature the same mix engine and can work with the full 128 channels by adding DX expanders or digital sources.

FEATURES

48 mic/line inputs, 24 line outputs
XCVI 160×64 FPGA core
96kHz sample rate
Variable bit-depth for ultimate precision and noise performance
Virtually infinite mix headroom thanks to 96bit accumulator
Class leading, ultra-low latency at 0.7ms
128 Input Channels with full processing
64 Mix Outputs with full processing
Configurable 64 bus architecture (group, FX, aux, matrix, mains)
LR, LCR and up to 5.1 mains mode
Multiple PFLs
16 RackExtra FX with dedicated stereo returns
24 DCAs
Built-in signal generator and RTA
New preamp design for extra transparency
Unique Active PAD circuit for consistent performance with any source
Connection hub
gigaACE gigabit link to Surface
2x DX links for I/O expansion
I/O Port – 128 ch 96 kHz
Dedicated ME-1 48kHz port
2x Network ports
Wordclock BNC I/O
Flush front panel with ultra quiet fan
Reversible rack ears design

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 class-leading compressors and 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 and licence hassles associated with external plug-ins – they’re right there, where you need them, whenever you need them. The compressor models capture the audio nuances and non-linear ballistics of industry classics, ranging from a Slow-Opto model, various RMS detection and soft knee circuits, through to super-fast peak and RMS based compression/limiting devices.

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.