The MixRack is the heart of any dLive system. It houses the XCVI processing core complete with audio I/O, control and audio networking ports. It is typically connected to a dLive Surface, but can also be controlled at the same time as or even without a Surface using a laptop or iPad, Allen & Heath IP remotes or third party controllers via TCP/IP.

There are different sizes of dLive MixRack available. All feature the same mix engine and can work with the full 128 channels by adding DX expanders or digital sources.

XCVI Core
The power of dLive emanates from the XCVI Core – pioneered by the Allen & Heath R&D team using next generation FPGA technology, with 36 parallel virtual processing cores generating enough power for 160×64 channels of processing at 96kHz sampling rate. Six parallel mixing engines within the Core calculate over 10,000 cross points per sample, while the FPGA router has capacity for 3,000 x 3,000 audio paths. The massive power of XCVI (25 billion operations per second) allows dLive to deliver 128 full processing inputs and 16 stereo FX returns, a configurable 64 bus architecture, variable bit depth for ultimate precision and noise performance, a virtually infinite mix headroom thanks to a 96bit accumulator, and class leading latency at an ultra-low 0.7ms.

DEEP Processing
Our DEEP processing architecture embeds class-leading compressors and processing emulations directly within dLive’s input and mix channels. An array of bespoke algorithms including Graphic EQs, Compressors and a 64 channel Automatic Mic Mixer (AMM) can be inserted on the fly without burning FX slots and without the setup, latency and licence hassles associated with external plug-ins – they’re right there, where you need them, whenever you need them. The compressor models capture the audio nuances and non-linear ballistics of industry classics, ranging from a Slow-Opto model, various RMS detection and soft knee circuits, through to super-fast peak and RMS based compression/limiting devices.

RackExtra FX
The RackExtra FX portfolio combines the pristine quality and wide choice offered by boutique plug-ins with the convenience and low latency of onboard processing. It’s no secret that we have a passion bordering on obsession for crafting painstakingly faithful emulations of the most revered analogue outboard equipment. Drawing on the power of the XCVI Core, we have built hugely potent DSP kernels within the FPGA, allowing us to integrate our proven library of reverb, delay and modulator algorithms into dLive, with 16 FX slots available, each with a dedicated stereo return.

Automatic Mic Mixer (AMM)
AMM provides automatic level control of up to 64 microphones for spoken word applications such as conferences, panel shows, discussion forums and government / council meetings.

As well as reducing the risk of feedback, legibility is enhanced by minimising phase interference between channels, a common problem in multi-microphone spoken word applications.

Up to 4 zones can be enabled allowing automatic control of multiple rooms simultaneously from one interface.

Two modes of operation, NOM & D-Classic, are included:

D-Classic utilises dynamic gain sharing and is quick and easy to set-up.
NOM (Number of Open Microphones) builds on the logic based automatic mixing algorithm of our iDR install range offering additional parameters and maximum flexibility to the operator.

FEATURES:

48 mic/line inputs, 24 line outputs
XCVI 160×64 FPGA core
96kHz sample rate
Variable bit-depth for ultimate precision and noise performance
Virtually infinite mix headroom thanks to 96bit accumulator
Class leading, ultra-low latency at 0.7ms
128 Input Channels with full processing
64 Mix Outputs with full processing
Configurable 64 bus architecture (group, FX, aux, matrix, mains)
LR, LCR and up to 5.1 mains mode
Multiple PFLs
16 RackExtra FX with dedicated stereo returns
24 DCAs
AMM (Automatic Mic Mixer) up to 64 channels across 1, 2 or 4 zones
Built-in signal generator and RTA
New preamp design for extra transparency
Unique Active PAD circuit for consistent performance with any source
Connection hub
gigaACE gigabit link to Surface
2x DX links for I/O expansion
I/O Port – 128 ch 96 kHz
Dedicated ME-1 48kHz port
2x Network ports
Wordclock BNC I/O
Add up to 22 DX I/O expanders via DX Hub modules or DX Link cards
Flush front panel with ultra quiet fan
Reversible rack ears design

SPECIFICATIONS:

Inputs System

Mic/Line XLR
Inputs
Balanced XLR, +48V phantom
power
Measured balanced XLR in to XLR out, 20-20kHz,
minimum Gain, Pad out, signal @ 0dB (meter)
Mic/Line Preamp Fully recallable Dynamic Range 110dB
Input Sensitivity -60 to +15dBu System Signal to
Noise
-92dB
Analogue Gain +5 to +60dB, 1dB steps Frequency
Response
20Hz - 30kHz +0/-0.8dB
Pad -20dB Active PAD THD+N (analogue in
to out)
0.0015% @ +16dBu output,
1kHz 0dB gain
Maximum Input
Level
+30dBu (PAD in) Headroom +18dB
Input Impedance >4kΩ (Pad out), >10kΩ (Pad in) Internal operating
Level
0dBu
Mic EIN -127dB with 150Ω source dBFS Alignment +18dBu = 0dBFS (+22dBu at
XLR output)
Phantom Power
indication
Per socket, internal or external
phantom power sensing,
triggered at 24V
Meter Calibration 0dB meter = -18dBFS (+4dBu at
XLR out)
Outputs Meter Peak
indication
-3dBFS (+19dBu at XLR out)

Analogue XLR
Outputs
Balanced, Relay protected Sampling Rate 96kHz +/- 20 PPM
Output Impedance <75Ω ADC 24-bit Delta-Sigma
Nominal Output +4dBu = 0dB meter reading DAC 24-bit Delta-Sigma
Maximum Output
Level
+22dBu
Residual Output
Noise
-92dBu (muted, 20-20kHz) Latency 0.7 ms (MixRack XLR in to XLR
out, Input to Mix)
-90dBu (muted, 20-40kHz) + 5 samples, Surface to Mixrack
(GigaACE hop)
+ 8 samples, DX32 to Mixrack
(DX hop)
Dimensions
and Weights
Width x Depth x Height x Weight Operating
Temperature Range
0 deg C to 35 deg C (32 deg F
to 95 deg F)
CDM48
481.6 x 309 x 310 mm 7U (19"x
12.2"x 12.2") x 12kg (26.5lbs)
Mains Power
(MPS16)
100-240V AC, 50-60Hz, 175W
max
CDM48 - boxed 600 x 430 x 470 mm (23.6"x
16.9"x 18.5") x 14.5kg (32lbs)

Allen & Heath CDM48 (Allen and Heath DLIVE CDM48)