dLive C Class is founded on XCVI, the same 96kHz FPGA core which drives Allen & Heath's flagship dLive S Class mixers, and also shares its DEEP processing architecture, allowing class-leading compressors and processing emulations to be embedded directly within the inputs and mix channels. The new range includes the first 19" rack mountable dLive surface, the ultra-compact C1500.
There are three new MixRacks in the series - CDM32, CDM48 and CDM64, plus three new control Surfaces, the 19" rack mountable C1500, C2500 and twin screen C3500. The MixRacks house the XCVI Core, providing capacity for 128 inputs with full processing and 16 dedicated stereo FX returns, plus a fully configurable 64 mix bus architecture, with full processing on all mix channels.
Each surface and rack has a 128 channel I/O port, supported by a wide array of networking cards, including Dante, Waves, MADI, fibreACE optical and more. dLive C Class is also compatible with S Class hardware, and the ME personal mixing system and supported by a full ecosystem of apps, Director software, and accessories.
"With dLive C Class the challenge was to make a next generation digital mixing experience accessible to people who don't want to carry or install a large footprint pro touring rig," commented Allen & Heath's head of product marketing, Nic Beretta.
"For hire companies, the C Class is a powerful, versatile workhorse for everything from corporate events to regional festivals. In houses of worship, theatres and other venues it has the depth to handle any performance without eating into the seating space, and we're confident it's also the most accessible mixing system in its class."
The C Class Surfaces employ the dLive Harmony UI, offering gesture touch control via 12" capacitive screens allied to colour-mapped rotary controls, allowing the creativity and immediacy of tactile control over key processing functions, working in harmony with the visual feedback displayed on the screen. Due to dLive's design architecture, it is also possible to mix 'surfaceless', using a MixRack with a laptop or tablet for control.
(Jim Evans)
