Version 4 Software/Hardware Upgrade For D5 Live Console

As PLASA 2006 saw the unveiling of DiGiCo's Version 4 combined software and hardware upgrade in Europe, so the did the 121st AES in the United States.

Version 4 is a new system 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," says 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
• 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.

Version 4 will be on general release in early 2007.