Allen & Heath has released dLive firmware V2.0 and the RackUltraFX card, bringing next-generation effects processing and extensive workflow enhancements to the dLive mixing platform.
‘dLive V2.0 ushers in a new era of integrated creative FX and advanced workflow features, completely redefining what is possible in-the-mixer,’ says A&H Head of Marketing, Jack Hughes. ‘Four years in the making, this exciting update gives engineers the tools to supercharge their workflow and improve the mixing experience in every live sound environment.’
Heading the workflow improvements is an overhauled Cue List system, simplifying cue list creation with manual and auto renumbering options plus custom Midi recall, designed for fast-moving performances, heavily automated shows, and theatre applications.
The new Actions feature makes complex automation straightforward, enabling functions across multiple channels, such as routing assignments and levels, ABCD inputs, processing and insert in/outs, and strip layout to be triggered via a single SoftKey press. The Channel Library has been extended to include Mix contributions, allowing channels to be saved with all sends, processing and name/colour data included.
The new RackUltra FX card, fitted as standard to all new MixRacks and available as an upgrade for existing MixRacks, adds eight RackUltra FX engines – including dedicated stereo send and return channels plus PEQ and dynamic processing – to any dLive system without consuming any inputs, buses or FX slots.
‘The unprecedented power delivered by the RackUltra FX card’s combination of a custom FPGA FX core with ARM processing has allowed us to push the envelope with our new algorithms,’ says R&D Software Manager, Anthony Evans. ‘We can now deploy integrated, low-latency effects that were previously unimaginable in a live console, opening up dLive to the next generation of onboard processing.’
The RackUltra FX collection, powered by the RackUltra FX card, brings together ten new algorithms that rival the most advanced plug-ins on the market, with the added benefit of seamless low-latency integration and no licensing.
For the first time on a professional live console, studio quality pitch correction, shifting, and gridding can be achieved with no external hardware or third-party software. Vocal Tuner is designed for natural sounding pitch correction where the performer may need a gentle helping hand. Vocal Gridder produces faster, less natural-sounding pitch correction where notes ‘snap’ to pitch almost instantly. Vocal Shifter radically alters vocals with formant and pitch shifting for doubling, widening, and unreal robotic and ageing effects.
dLive’s vocal processing is further enhanced by the addition of three ultra-realistic harmonisers. Quad Voice Harmoniser generates up to four voices of natural-sounding vocal harmony. Dual Voice Auto Key Harmoniser adds up to two voices of harmony with intelligent Auto-Key mode which can determine the key of the performance in real time. Midi Harmoniser creates harmonies based on an external Midi input.
Two new reverbs use the power of the RackUltra FX card to bring previously unachievable realism to in-console reverberation.
Spaces Reverb Designer is an algorithmic reverb dedicated to recreating physical spaces with the stunning realism usually associated with high-end hardware units. Plate Reverb Designer is dedicated to replicating the characterful build-up and tail of a plate reverb, with the choice of several plate materials.
A pair of distortion effects complete the V2.0 RackUltra FX collection.
Saturator delivers five analogue saturation models, covering everything from smooth and subtle tape drive to germanium and valve crunch. Amp+Cab Distortion models the harmonically complex characteristics of guitar and bass amplifiers and emulates various classic speaker cabinets.
‘This update further cements dLive’s reputation as the go-to mixer for flexibility, sound quality, and onboard processing tools,’ adds Product Specialist, Jack Kenyon. ‘We can’t wait for users to explore these new features, designed to inspire creativity and streamline the mixing process while improving the experience for engineers, artists, and audiences alike.’
