Visitors to the Musikmesse were the first to see the new ML4000-24, a 24-channel version of the ML4000. This latest addition to the series was developed in response to frequent requests from customers who needed extensive control and output facilities for conferencing and installation work, but who did not want a large footprint console with lots of inputs. The ML4000-24 can be connected to up to two 24 channel sidecar units, a prospect which has been warmly greeted by PA rental companies looking for maximum flexibility in their hire stock.
Prospective customers for Allen & Heath's top-of-the-range ML5000 mixer were also offered more choice at the show in the shape of the new ML5000-C variant. Instead of the four dual stereo channels offered on standard models, the ML5000-C provides eight dual stereo channels in each frame size, allowing up to 16 stereo sources to be mixed. Each dual stereo channel offers mixable A inputs on TRS jacks and B inputs on XLRs with independent gain, four-band EQ and mono summing. Stereo channels 1-4 are to the right of the master section and are not included in the channel count (so a 48-channel ML5000-48C has 44 mono inputs and eight dual stereo inputs), while stereo channels 5-8 are at the far right of the console.
The ML3000 was shown at the Musikmesse with a newly released option, the Syslink II kit. This kit allows ML3000 users to expand their input capabilities beyond the console's 40-channel maximum frame size by linking two ML3000s together. One console becomes the master to the other, taking control of all VCA and mute groups, auxiliaries, audio groups, LCR busses and the PAFL system. By using Allen & Heath's Syslink II protocol, the new option also enables an ML3000 to be connected to a larger ML4000 or ML5000 console, making it a standalone console and sidecar expander in one.
Commenting on the new options, design manager Carey Davies said: "We like to offer customers as much choice as we can, which is why we are extending the ML range. One of our objectives for the Musikmesse show was to get feedback from users on their requirements for further channel configurations in the ML4000 and ML5000 ranges."
(Lee Baldock)
