Allen & Heath Launches Larger Format Ilive Mix Rack

Allen & Heath will be introducing the iDR-64 larger format fixed I/O MixRack to the iLive digital mixer family, offering high I/O capacity and a lower cost alternative to the flagship modular iDR10 MixRack.

The new iDR-64 comprises 64 mic/line inputs and 32 XLR outputs in a 9U frame, and features the iLive 64x32 RackExtra DSP mix engine, providing full processing (dynamics, EQ and delay) for all 64 channels and 32 mixes. The RackFX DSP framework provides 8 stereo processors capable of high quality FX emulation of industry classics. Each Rack has flexible I/O routing with EQ and Dynamik FXShaper on every dedicated return.

With the addition of the iDR-64, the iLive Series now includes a total of 6 MixRack and 7 Control Surface variants, which can be mixed and matched in any combination, and share the same firmware, so that show files are transferable between systems via a USB key.

Using standard Ethernet, the iDR-64 can be controlled with one of the iLive Control Surfaces, ranging from the rackmount iLive-R72 to the iLive-176. Allen & Heath's proprietary ACE (Audio Control Ethernet) link is provided to link the rack to a control surface, allowing cost effective long distance point to point control and audio communication over a single CAT5 cable up to 120m in length.

iDR-64 also has a built-in network switch and MIDI ports allowing remote control using laptops, touch tablets, MIDI devices, and connection for Allen & Heath's PL Series of controllers. The iLive Editor software is a user-friendly JAVA-based program that enables both offline set up and online real time operation of the system with or without a Surface connected.

There is a Port B option slot for further audio networking possibilities - such as system expansion, digital mic splitting and multi-track recording - via plug-in cards for various interfaces, including EtherSound, MADI, ADAT and Aviom.

To coincide with the availability of the iDR-64, iLive Firmware and Editor software version 1.7 will also be released, supporting the iDR-64 MixRack, as well as the new Dante and Rocknet audio networking cards, which join the ACE, EtherSound, MADI and MMO options currently available. The software will also provide support for an iPhone app.

v1.7 brings several other key enhancements, including pre-amp safes; side chain source selection; PL remote control of engineer's monitor channels; and improvements to PEQ control, including a 20-20kHz frequency range option, and HPF response curve overlay on the PEQ graph.

"The iDR-64 fills the gap between the iDR-48 fixed I/O MixRack and the flagship modular iDR10 MixRack, offering a high I/O capacity at an attractive price point due to the fixed I/O arrangement," comments Allen & Heath MD, Glenn Rogers. "Not only does the iDR-64 provide a great solution for larger, more demanding events, it would also be an ideal partner to a second iLive MixRack using the Dual-Rack function to expand to up to 128 channels."

The iDR-64 will be unveiled at the Infocomm exhibition on 9th -11th June 2010 in Las Vegas, USA, followed by the ABTT show in London on 16th - 17th June 2010.

http://www.ilive-digital.com