QSC has recently introduced an upgrade for the TouchMix-16 and TouchMix-8 mixers that many of the features of the new, larger TouchMix-30 Pro. This includes the addition of a real-time analyzer (RTA), and MP3 files can now be played back directly from the USB port of the mixers. In addition, on the TouchMix-16, users can now convert stereo auxes 7/8 and 9/10 into balanced mono auxes.
Also, the new TouchMix DAW Utility v2.0 enables 2-way migration of digital audio wave files between TouchMix and DAW software on both Windows and Mac computers. This capability applies to all three models in the series.
Allen & Heath has a new 4-rack-space mix rack called the DM0 for the dLive mix system. Primarily for distributed audio scenarios, it includes the company’s XCVI FPGA Core and provides enough processing power for 128 channels and 64 buses at 96 kHz. Interfacing to audio networks for access to hundreds of sources and destinations is provided by the unit’s three 128-channel I/O ports, which accepts cards for all major audio networking protocols, including Dante and AES67.
Also recent from Allen & Heath are the DX Link I/O card and DX Hub half-rack unit that enables a dLive system to connect up to 48 audio IO devices located 100 meters (more than 300 feet) apart. And, the company has also added the portable DX168 expander rack for dLive that delivers further remote I/O options. It includes 16 XLR mic inputs and wight XLR line outputs, communicating with dLive system via proprietary 96 kHz DX protocol over Cat-5e cable.
A third model has joined the PreSonus Series III lineup with the addition of the new StudioLive 24. All internal channels can be addressed digitally via USB and AVB. Capture multi-track recording software with virtual sound check is installed, so no computer is needed. Up to 34 tracks can be recorded directly to the console’s onboard SD recorder, and for mix-down, sessions can be opened in the included Studio One Artist DAW for Mac and Windows.
Onboard connections include 24 inputs, 16 outputs, main, mono and control room monitor and AES outputs, as well as aux and stereo inputs.An AVB Ethernet connection enables up to up to 55 channels of audio to/from computers, stage boxes, and personal monitor mixers.
A 40 x 40 USB 2.0 interface facilitates recording with a computer, and a 1 GB Ethernet port can connect to a wireless router or directly to a computer for remote control of virtually all features via a wired/wireless connection.
Soundcraft just announced a free update for the Si Impact Series, Impact v2.0, that enables 80 total channels to mix. All inputs can be mixed onboard the console plus all 32 USB inputs.
Further options include adding new Mini Stageboxes for more sources and/or adding a second MADI option card with additional stage boxes for a total of 136 inputs available and 80 mix channels. In addition, a new version of the ViSi Remote 3.4.3 tablet app is available to support the expanded channel count.
Soundcraft also recently introduced two new stageboxes for the Si Series consoles, the Mini Stagebox 32i (32 remote-control mic preamp inputs and 12 line level outputs) and 16i (16 remote-control mic preamp inputs and 8 line level outputs).
Another recent development, the compact Vi2000 compact console, comes with a proprietary SpiderCore integrated DSP and I/O engine based on Studer technology that provides 246 inputs and 246 outputs. In addition to onboard Dante, MADI, AES, HiQ, and USB connections, the console is configurable with up to 48 mic line inputs and 16 line outputs, using combinations of 16-channel XLR modules in four rear-mounted slots.
Ashly Audio has entered the digital console/mixer market with the new digiMIX24, providing 24 total inputs, 14 mix buses, 16 discrete Ashly class-A mic/line combo inputs. A comprehensive meter bridge displays all signal levels and also all fader positions. Onboard connections include 16 mic/line inputs, 14 outputs, USB, Ethernet and an option card slot that can accept a Dante network interface or USB interface card.s (I’ll have more on the new digiMIX24 in an upcoming Road Test evaluation.)
The CDC seven is the latest model in the CADAC lineup, offering 96 inputs and 56 output buses, of which 48 can be assignable as mono or stereo groups, mono or stereo auxes or matrixes. Onboard connections include eight programmable inputs and outputs, four pairs of AES I/O, and a 64 x 64 SoundGrid interface. Also onboard are two ports facilitating the proprietary MegaCOMMS digital interconnect protocol capable of transmitting 128 bi-directional channels of 96 kHz/24-bit audio.
Stage boxes include the CDC I/O 3216 with 32 mic inputs and 16 analog outputs, the CDC I/O 6448 with 64 mic inputs and 48 analog outputs, and the CDC MC AES3 with 18 AES3 inputs/outputs. Up to two stage boxes can be connected directly to the rear of the console, and up to 11 MegaCOMMS units can be added via the CDC MC router.