By Full Compass LiveDigital consoleDefinition:
A control surface for audio, video, or lighting control positioned like a desk. Also called, Mixer, Controller, Board, or (British) Desk. technology has come a long way in the last decade. No longer seen as a new-fangled fad or an expensive tool reserved only for top tours, recording studios, and ‘money is no object’ facilities, they have become the standard in just about all critical audio applications. One of the most important aspects of any digitalDefinition:
A signal or data expressed as series of the digits 0 and 1, typically represented by values of a physical quantity such as voltage or magnetic polarization. device is the ’brain’ that runs the device, and the Allen & Heath Avantis presents a leap into new processing power territory via its embedded XCVI core processing engine. The third mixerDefinition:
Combiner, controller, and router for multiple audio or video signals. based on their 96kHz XCVI FPGA engine, Allen & Heath’s Avantis puts next-generation technology in a 64 channel / 42 configurable busDefinition:
1. In audio, a common point that combines multiple signals, as in a "mix bus." 2. In computers, a path that interconnects various elements for transferring data among those elements. console, with dual Full HD touchscreens, a super-flexible workflow with Continuity UI, extensive I/ODefinition:
(Input/Output): 1. A pair of connections that provide input(s) and output(s). 2. The connections that link a computer to devices outside the computer. options, add-on processing from their flagship dLive mixing system, and a rugged full metal chassis. That sounds fancy, but what does it mean in day-to-day use?
In Use
Right off the bat, the massive 206 square inches of screen space operating at a crisp 1080pDefinition:
1920×1080-pixel resolution with progressive scan, also known as Full HD. 1080p can sometimes also be informally referred to as 2K. Full HD resolutionDefinition:
1. (video) The measure of pixels horizontally and vertically. For example, 1920x1080 is considered HD, or high-definition. 2. (audio) The combined bit depth and sample rate of a digital audio signal. is impressive. For anyone familiar with the usual ‘drag and drop’ and ‘pinch to zoom’ sorts of gestures on their iPhone, the Avantis just feels like home. The console’s ‘Continuity UI' allows you to see and instantly interact with more of what matters, enabling a seamless connection between the physical controls and the displays. The faders react on touch to immediately highlight the active channels for instant visual feedback. The channel rotaries let you work gains or pans, then at the touch of a button, dynamically fold the display to show EQ or compressorDefinition:
A device that reduces dynamic range by a certain ratio, and used primarily for audio signals. parameters across the whole bank. Each screen also features a FastGrab tab on the right-hand side, giving you split-second access to key freely-assignable parameters like aux sends, EQ, compressor and FXDefinition:
(Effects): Abbreviation for "effects," e.g., "special FX" or "FX chain." on the currently selected or specific channel. In short, the whole system is set up to dynamically surface the information you need at any moment and put control right at your fingertips.
XCVI, Oh My!
The power of Avantis emanates from the XCVI Core—pioneered by the Allen & Heath R&D team using next generation FPGA technology, with
parallel virtual processing cores generating enough power for 88×42 (including FX returns) channels of processing at a 96kHz sampling rate. The massive power of XCVI (25 billion operations per second) allows Avantis to deliver 64 full processing inputs and 12 stereoDefinition:
A two channel signal simulating a sound space, typically played through two speakers. FX returns, 42 bus with configurable mix architecture, variable bit depthDefinition:
The number of levels (bits) a signal (audio or video) is digitized into, more bits means a more accurate sound/picture. for ultimate precision and noise performance, a virtually infinite mix headroomDefinition:
1. The safety margin for an electronic signal that accommodates peak signals without overload. It is the difference (in dB) between normal operating levels (0-VU) and the clipping (overload) point. 2. The space between a subjects head or top and the top edge of a screen frame. thanks to a 96bit accumulator, and class-leading latencyDefinition:
The amount of delay a signal, data, sound, video, or control signal acquires within a device, system, or long-distance connection. at an ultra- low 0.7ms. Unlike your home computer which starts to feel bogged down when you hit it with heavy processing tasks, Avantis is snappy and responsive (and phaseDefinition:
Sound waves are variations in air pressure that, like water waves, have peaks and troughs. Phase is the waveform's position in its current cycle. For example, if two versions of the same waveform are both at their peak, or at their trough, they're considered in phase. If one is at its peak and one is at its trough, they are considered out of phase. If one is at its peak and the other is at zero (between the peak and trough), then the two waveforms are 90 degrees out of phase. See also: Polarity coherent!) even with a pile of channels running multiple internal effects at once.
The Sound
Obviously none of this tech matters much if the console doesn’t sound good. Well, on this point the Avantis truly shines. Its 96kHz sample rateDefinition:
The number of times per second that an analog signal is sampled prior to conversion into digital via an analog-to-digital converter. See Nyquist Frequency, Analog-to-Digital Converter. and top tier fully recallable internal preamps combine with the careful industrial design to provide great sounding mixes with ease. An internal 61-band bar or line RTADefinition:
(Real Time Analyzer) See Real Time Analyzer. display, complete with a sonogram view with 5m, 15m and 60m history readouts, adjustable scale and ballistics, and freeze and peak holdDefinition:
An indicator that retains a signal's highest level. This is useful if the peak is of too short a duration to be noticed, or was missed. options is also a nice touch to give you a visual representation of just what is going on with the mix at a glance. If the 12 local analogDefinition:
A signal that is continuous in nature, as opposed to being defined as a series of discrete numbers (or elements) as found in digital signals; electrically "analogous" to an acoustical signal in the air. XLR inputs, 12 analog XLR outputs, stereo AESDefinition:
(Audio Engineering Society): A professional audio engineering and standards association. in, and dual stereo AES outputs aren’t enough to cover your I/O needs, Avantis offers two I/O Ports, both capable of 128x128 operation at 96kHz – for optional cards like DanteDefinition:
Dante™ (Digital Audio Network Through Ethernet): The audio-over-IP standard created by Audinate (layer 3)., MADIDefinition:
MADI (Multichannel Audio Digital Interface): Originally called AES10. A unidirectional (sender to receiver), digital audio interface that has common features with the AES3 stereo digital audio interface. MADI transmits up to 64 channels serially over fiber-optic or coaxial lines. and Allen & Heath’s gigaACE.
Conclusions
From overall ease of use, through deep and powerful internal routing and processing options, and even into robust expansion options, Avantis is a hit. Numerous top touring acts, musicals, operas, streamingDefinition:
A method of sending a continuous flow of digital content over IP (Internet Protocol) networks, and often, tailors itself to the user's receiving capability. broadcasts, rental houses, and churches of all sizes have selected Avantis as the go-to choice in the mid-size digital console space. It is easy to see why—plenty of power, easy to operate, built like a tank, and within the budget of mere mortals. Make sure it is on your list to check out soon.
