Allen & Heath has revealed its new 96kHz digital mixer, Avantis, the third to be based on the company's XCVI FPGA engine. Avantis puts Allen & Heath's next-generation technology in a 64 channel / 42 configurable bus console, with twin Full HD touchscreens, extensive I/O options and processing from the company's flagship dLive mixing system.
"Joining dLive and SQ, Avantis completes our trilogy of next-gen 96kHz consoles," says Rob Clark, Allen & Heath's Managing Director. "Avantis takes many of the features that have made SQ and dLive so popular, putting them in a standalone 64-channel mixer that offers a new UI experience, connectivity with our Everything I/O ecosystem, and the dPack option which gives you access to our advanced dLive processing options if and when you need them.
"On top of that," adds Rob, "we've taken a new approach with the industrial design, coming up with a full metal chassis that’s super-strong, lightweight and looks fantastic."
Encased in its alloy shell and tubular frame, the Avantis control surface is centered on the two Full HD touchscreens and their corresponding rotary controls.
"Having two touchscreens isn't a new concept, but we realised we could use it to unlock exciting new possibilities, which led us to develop Continuity UI," says Andy Bell, Allen & Heath's R&D Director.
Feature List
96kHz 64 channel / 42 bus digital mixer
XCVI FPGA core with ultra-low latency (0.7ms)
Fully configurable mix bus architecture
Super-tough, full metal chassis
Continuity UI seamlessly connects physical and touchscreen controls for the fastest, most intuitive workflowsd
Pack option adds dLive processing, including 16 Dyn8 engines, plus per-channel zero-latency DEEP Compressors and Dual-Stage Valve preamp
12 RackExtra FX slots with dedicated stereo returns
16 DCAsDual 15.6” Full HD capacitive touchscreens with gesture control
AMM (Automatic Mic Mixer) up to 64 channels across 1, 2 or 4 zones
Fully assignable layout144 fader strips (24 faders, 6 layers) with optional dedicated master section
SLink port for connection to Remote I/O Expanders and the ME Personal Mixing System
12 analogue XLR Inputs / 12 analogue XLR Outputs
1 Stereo AES In / 2 Stereo AES Out2 I/O Ports, both capable of 128x128 operation at 96kHz – for optional cards inc. Dante, MADI and gigaACEUser configurable rotary controls24 assignable SoftKeys
Comprehensive metering with multi-point peak detection
USB stereo recording and playback
BNC Word Clock
"Within seconds of getting hands-on with Avantis, engineers are going to appreciate the seamless flow between the physical controls and the on-screen software. You can work gains and pans on the rotaries, then at the touch of a soft key switch to EQ or dynamics across the whole strip. The console also provides a highly configurable FastGrab tab on the right-hand side of each screen, offering another way to quickly and easily access control of aux sends, EQ, compressor and FX on the currently selected channel or spot channel.
"Ultimately, with Continuity UI, the engineer decides how they'd like to work, not the mixer."
While many users will choose to pair Avantis with the 48 in / 16 out GX4816 audio expander, Avantis is part of Allen & Heath’s Everything I/O ecosystem, which means whether you’re an owner/operator looking to build a compact system, or a rental company with existing Allen & Heath stock, Avantis allows true flexibility by connecting to a huge range of audio expander hardware. Avantis is also compatible with Allen & Heath's range of ME Personal Mixers and IP hardware remote controllers.
For local I/O, Avantis is well equipped with 12 XLR analogue inputs, 12 XLR analogue outputs, plus AES (Stereo In, 2x Stereo Out). Two additional I/O Ports allow Avantis to benefit from the full range of current dLive option cards, including Dante (64x64 and 128x128), Waves, gigaACE, MADI and more, expanding the scope for system integration, FoH / monitor splits and multitrack recording.
Right out of the box, Avantis is loaded with processing tools designed to meet the demands of most users and applications, including compressors, EQs and Allen & Heath's acclaimed RackExtra FX units (12 slots). Upgrading to dPack expands Avantis further with additional dLive processing including the Dyn8 dynamics engine (up to 16 instances), DEEP Compressors, and the Dual-Stage Valve preamp. dPack purchasers will automatically receive all future DEEP and FX updates free of charge, future-proofing their investment.
"In the gap between SQ and dLive, the mixer market is littered with 48kHz DSP-based 'old-school' consoles,” says Nic Beretta, Allen & Heath’s Head of Product. “Avantis brings next-generation performance across the board. Customers in venues, houses of worship, touring and the rental market are going to be seriously impressed by how well this ticks the boxes. It's a really exciting mixer at a compelling price."
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