Audio Visual Services from NC

​V1.1 will support full integration with Allen & Heath’s newly-launched ME personal mixing system, allowing connection of the ME-1 personal mixer or ME-U connection hub to GLD’s AR2412 monitor port. This enables the automatic transfer of channel naming information from GLD to the ME system for quick and easy system setup. The firmware update also supports the new GLD Remote iPad app, which will allow wireless remote control of all mixes in GLD.

All GLD mix outputs now benefit from a choice of four Graphic EQ emulations with accurate modelling algorithms: classic 1/3^rd octave Constant-Q, industry standard Proportional-Q, Digi-Q for minimal band interaction, and a new asymmetric Hybrid – plus display of the resulting frequency response and a superimposed RTA view. This is a first in live audio as the four models are available at a touch of a button and can be audibly and visually auditioned in real time with no patching or recall needed.

Responding to customer feedback, V1.1 adds more versatile Scene navigation and features, including improvements to Scene recall filter and safes, as well as scene control with auto increment from soft keys, which is very useful for applications such as musical theatre. Other key feature requests now included in V1.1 are, the addition of user permission Scene access, MIDI control of Aux and FX send levels, and full control of I/O Port option settings.

GLD v1.1 firmware can be download from here

​ME-1 receives 40 sources via CAT5 (either mono or linked as stereo), and has a built-in ambient mic and local stereo aux input. The mixer’s flexible grouping function enables any combination of sources to be mixed and laid out on the surface from a simple 2 button ‘Me and Everything else’ set up to a full mix of 16 buttons, allowing the user to control the whole mix with just 16 or fewer keys. The configuration and up to 16 presets can also be stored, recalled and transferred via USB key for quick set ups or archiving.

ME-1’s layout incorporates backlit keys, soft rotary control, separate mic and mix levels, and an OLED display for custom channel naming (it is possible for names to automatically load when the mixer is connected to an A&H digital console). The mixer uses Power Over Ethernet (POE) or can be mains powered using the included power supply. A mounting bracket for easy attachment to mic stands and a convenient headphone holder are also supplied. There are headphones and earpiece sockets, and a mono output for connection to powered monitors. Two locking EtherCon connectors allow daisy-chaining or star topology connection using the ME-U or off-the-shelf Ethernet hubs.

The ME-U is a touring grade, 10 port PoE hub providing power and audio to connect multiple ME-1 mixers. It comes with a standard input card to interface with GLD, iLive ACE or Aviom A-Net, which can be replaced with a MADI, Dante or EtherSound card to take a digital feed of up to 40 sources from third party systems.

“Our new ME System balances sophisticated set up and simple operation, adaptable for use on stage or in any rehearsal room, house of worship or recording studio. We have listened to requests from engineers and installers for tools to create a truly bespoke mix for each artist without burning precious buses on the main mixer but at the same time we wanted to make the performer experience as effortless as possible using just a few simple controls. The end result should be quicker sound checks, lower sound levels on stage and happy musicians!” comments A&H product specialist, Nicola Beretta.

To watch an introductory video about the ME system, please visit A&H’s YouTube channel

​Customers are now able to order an iDR-16, iDR-32, iDR-48 and iDR-64 fixed format MixRack or the xDR-16 expander unit, fitted with an AES Digital Output Option, providing two AES3 digital 2-channel outputs in place of four of the analogue line outputs. Supported by the newly released firmware V1.9, the option is also available as a retro-fit kit for existing customers, allowing single or multiple AES Digital Output options to be fitted.
“A&H is really pleased to be able to offer the option for AES outputs on all of the fixed format MixRacks in the iLive family. The launch comes in response to engineers and installers who want to keep the connection to the PA in the digital domain. Previously only an option on the flagship modular iLive systems, the new AES options will place fixed format iLive systems in the running for new applications, such as cost-sensitive broadcast installations,” explains A&H product manager, Leon Phillips.

Allen & Heath will introduce a brand new product to its range at PLASA, the ICE-16, a 16 In/16 Out audio interface allowing performers and audio engineers to easily capture high quality multi-track recordings direct to a USB drive or interface to a computer.

Fitted into a compact 1U rack design, ICE-16 is capable of studio quality interfacing, converting and bi-directional streaming of 16 channels over high-speed USB or FireWire at 24 bit, 96kHz resolution. Alternatively, 16 channels can be simultaneously recorded straight to a USB hard drive or memory stick at up to 24bit 48kHz resolution .wav file. The ICE-16 is expandable, so you can link units together and synchronize recording of many channels.

ICE-16 connects to any audio mixer or analogue source using ¼” jacks for the inputs and RCA phono connectors for the outputs. Signal and peak metering is provided for each channel and can be switched to show input or output. Headphone monitoring is also included and switches on each channel enable checking of individual or multiple channels. ASIO drivers and Core Audio compliance ensure full compatibility with all the main DAWs, including Logic, Sonar, Cubase and Pro Tools.

“I like making things simple and the ICE-16 makes life easy in many ways. Recording multitrack at a live show no longer requires booting up a laptop and configuring a session – just plug in, turn on and press record. ICE-16 is also ideal for connecting audio to your DAW in the studio, or for expanding your existing system to add channels,” comments R&D designer, Mike Griffin.

All 32 mix outputs now benefit from extra Graphic EQ Low Frequency bands and a choice of four GEQ emulations with accurate modelling algorithms: classic 1/3rd octave Constant-Q, industry standard Proportional-Q, Digi-Q for minimal band interaction, and a new asymmetrical Hybrid – plus display of the resulting frequency response and a superimposed RTA view. This is a first in live audio as the four models are available at a touch of a button and can be audibly and visually auditioned in real time with no patching or recall needed.

Added to the library of outstanding FX emulations are two Multi-Band compressors (3 and 4 band) and a powerful 4-band Dynamic EQ. Both additions give sound engineers the complete tool kit for ultimate control over dynamic range in mix mastering or tone shaping applications, including dealing with vocals.

Among the many new developments, V1.9 includes an array of improvements to functions such as mix bus coherency, bank linking preferences on larger iLive surfaces, stereo input channel width control with modes such as M&S, configurable input meters source point, channel and mix delay bypass and extended MIDI functionality.There are also specific improvements for permanent installations, such as enhancements to user permissions and networking flexibility. These include new audio synchronisation and routing options and full control of audio networking cards when fitted in an xDR-16 expander.

Key developments in the supporting iLive Editor software comprise a quick input set up window to mirror the iLive Surfaces and MIDI control of the Mix button, while the MixPad app can now hold up to 32 strips in custom layers, features an FX tap tempo control and Aux pan control improvements.

“From the beginning we have invested a lot of energy in keeping iLive at the forefront of digital mixing. We have also been very fortunate to have the support and feedback of a diverse community of passionate iLive users whose feedback and enthusiasm have helped to shape its success. This latest firmware updates add some powerful new tools like additional graphic and dynamic EQs and multiband compression, but we have also made a huge number of refinements that add up to an even better mixing experience for the people working with iLive on tour and in venues across the globe,” comments Rob Clark, Director of R&D.