New product inspired by the award-winning Xone DJ range will be shown. The Xone VF-1 is a 1U universal analogue stereo filter intended for live and studio use, which can interface with any mixer to create and manipulate sophisticated audio filtering. With similar styling to the Xone:V6 valve rotary mixer, the unit's circuitry is an enhanced version of the filters built into A&H's Xone mixers, and offers three basic filter types: High-pass, Band-Pass and Low-pass. The basic filter types can be combined to create further filter types such as 'notch'.
The VF-1 has MIDI capability, and also contains an envelope follower, an LFO with both triangle and square wave outputs, and resonance control with automatic limiter circuits, which enable high levels of resonance to be used without causing the system to overload. One unique feature of the VF-1 module is the inclusion of valve overdrive circuitry, whereby a single control enables the user to 'dial in' an amount of valve 'warmth' while maintaining a constant output level.
Also on show, the Xone:92 CTRL mixer is a modified version of the new MIDI-enabled Xone:92, designed for, and in collaboration with, leading experimental DJ, Richie Hawtin. The CTRL mixer will allow Hawtin greater MIDI accessibility and control options, specifically for Hawtin's Ableton Live sequencing software.
Other launches will include additions to the PL Series of remote controllers and wallplates which accompany the iDR range of programmable DSP solutions for fixed installation and live sound. Similar to the PL6 fader panel, the PL10 is a compact mixer interface with eight rotary faders, LED ladders, and 16 configurable switches, making it possible to mix live events within the iDR system.
A new version of the iDR System Manager software, used to configure the iDR hardware units, will also be released. Version 3.5 provides support for the new PL10 module, such as the ability to program personal monitor and foldback mixing, as well as additional flexibility for individual crosspoint mutes and groups allowing multiple level control, and an improved intuitive interface for programming the iDR matrix.
Allen & Heath will also be conducting training sessions from its certified iDR training scheme for the iDR series of programmable DSP solutions. The training comprises half-day sessions with an examination, designed to provide installers and dealers with comprehensive instruction from an overview of the system to advanced programming.
Many top DJs, including the Xone aficionados Sasha and Richie Hawtin, will be dropping by the stand and up and coming scratch DJ, DJIQ, will be demonstrating the features of the pro turntablist Xone:02 mixer at 11am and 2pm Allen & Heath will be demonstrating mixers on the stand from across its portfolio, including a 96-channel ML5000 from the company's flagship range of dual function VCA desks, various models from the GL Series of fully featured live sound desks, the recently launched third generation of its best selling MixWizard range of multi-purpose compact consoles, the PA Series of compact powered mixers, the award-winning Xone DJmixers including the valve rotary Xone:V6 and MIDI-enabled Xone:92, and the iDR Series.
For more information on training, visit the iDR Series website at the address given below.
Visit Allen & Heath at the PLASA Show on Stand K60.
(Lee Baldock)
