Allen & Heath Avantis Digital Mixer Technical Datasheet

Overview

• XCVI FPGA core
• 96kHz sample rate
• Variable bit depth
• 96bit accumulator
• Class leading, ultra-low latency (0.7ms)
• Twin 15.6" Full HD capacitive touchscreens with gesture control
• Innovative compact design with super-tough, lightweight full-metal chassis
• 64 Input Channels with full processing (LPF/HPF, Gate, PEQ, Comp, Delay)
• Configurable 42 bus architecture with full processing (PEQ, GEQ, Comp, Delay) on Mix Outputs.
• DEEP Processing Ready
• 144 fader strips (24 faders, 6 layers) with optional dedicated master section
• SLink EtherCON connection for remote audio using gigaACE, GX, DX, ME and dSnake protocols.
• 12 Local Mic/Line Inputs (XLR)
• 12 Local Line Outputs (XLR)
• 1 Stereo AES Input (XLR)
• 2 Stereo AES Outputs (XLR)
• 2 I/O Ports, both capable of 128x128 operation at 96kHz for optional cards inc. Dante, MADI and gigaACE
• 8 Mute Groups
• 16 DCA Groups with DCA Spill
• 12 Stereo FX with dedicated FX Returns
• 24 Assignable SoftKeys
• 6 Assignable Custom Rotaries
• Comprehensive metering with multipoint peak detection
• Integrated Fader Illumination
• Built-in signal generator, RTA and spectrogram
• AMM (Automatic Mic Mixer) up to 64 channels across 1, 2 or 4 zones
• Quick copy/paste/reset for parameters
• User Permissions to restrict operator access
• 500 Scene memories per show
• Channel Safes, Global and per Scene Recall Filters
• USB stereo recording and playback
• USB transfer of Scenes, Libraries, Shows
• MIDI Control Driver for MIDI control via TCP/IP
• Wireless remote mixing apps for iPad
• BNC Word Clock connector (input or output)
• 1/4" TRS and 3.5mm Headphone outs with dedicated analogue volume control

A&E Specifications

The mixer is a compact digital mixer capable of standalone operation, supporting 64 input channels, 42 mix busses, and 400 soft patchable system inputs and outputs, all independently assigned. It features 12 stereo rack FX engines with dedicated stereo returns and 16 DCAs. The mix engine operates at 96kHz sampling rate using FPGA technology for digital signal processing, achieving a system latency from analogue input to output not exceeding 0.7ms.

The control surface includes 24 motorized touch-sensitive faders in two banks, each with 6 layers accessed by dedicated keys. Fader illumination is integrated and adjustable via the software user interface. Fader strips are configurable as input channels, mixes, FX sends, FX returns, DCA masters, or MIDI strips. Each strip has dedicated PAFL, Mix, and Mute buttons with indicators, and a rotary controller. Six buttons provide global mode for rotary controls (Gain, Pan, Sends, up to 3 custom functions). Send levels to mixes are adjustable via the faders.

Dedicated keys facilitate quick Copy/Paste/Reset of mixes and processing parameters, pre/post and mix assignments, scene safes, freeze-in-layers, and GEQ fader flip. Additional physical controls include two sets of 3 rotary encoders and 24 user-defined keys, all user-assignable.

Two 15.6" Full-HD (1080p) capacitive touchscreens provide access to channel bank view, channel name blocks, channel processing, meters, FX, I/O, scene management, setup, utilities, and diagnostics. Channel name blocks display channel name, color, type, number, status, pan, gain, trim, metering, and processor gain reduction. Touching a channel name block selects the channel, with one channel selectable per touchscreen.

22-segment meters in the channel name block indicate channel and mix levels. An additional onscreen 22-segment meter monitors the PAFL signal. A default Mains to PAFL sub-mix is provided. A dedicated meters interface offers comprehensive and customizable input, output, FX channel, and RTA metering.

Local analogue inputs consist of 12 balanced XLR sockets with recallable digitally controlled preamplifiers, offering up to +60dB gain, +48V phantom power, and a switchable -20dB Pad for a maximum input level of +30dBu. Input impedance is >4kΩ (Pad out) and >10kΩ (Pad in). Local analogue outputs are provided on 12 balanced XLR sockets with a nominal line output of +4dBu and a maximum output of +22dBu.

Digital inputs include one stereo AES3 input (XLR) with SRC (32-192kHz) and bypass option. Digital outputs include two stereo AES3 outputs (XLR) with SRC (96kHz, 48kHz, 44.1kHz) and bypass option.

Connectivity and Processing

The mixer features a local "SLink" Ethernet audio expansion port with a locking EtherCON connector, supporting multiple protocols (gigaACE, DX, GX, dSnake, ME) for access to up to 128x128 digital channels. This enables remote preamp control of Allen & Heath Remote Audio Units and connection to Allen & Heath ME Personal Mixing Systems.

Two 128-channel I/O ports are available for optional digital interface modules, including MADI, Dante, Waves SoundGrid, gigaACE, and AES/EBU.

A BNC connector serves as a switchable Wordclock input or output.

Input Channel Processing: Trim, Polarity, High Pass Filter, Low Pass Filter, two Insert points, Gate, Parametric EQ, Compressor, and Delay.

Output Mix Channel Processing: External input, Polarity, Trim, Insert, Parametric EQ, Graphic EQ (with RTA and fader-flip mode), Compressor, and Delay.

The mixer includes high-quality emulations of classic preamps, compressors, and GEQs that can be inserted on the fly without using internal FX slots or external plug-ins, without adding latency.

Signal delays are adjustable in milliseconds, metres, feet, and samples.

Twelve user-assignable effect racks are provided with a library of factory preset FX emulations. These racks are configurable as send/return, inserted into channels, or routed to other mixes. FX processed signals can be returned via dedicated FX input channels, assigned as sources to input channels, daisy-chained to other FX racks, or routed to output sockets or interface channels.

The system includes 16 DCA groups with DCA Spill functionality and 8 Mute groups.

An Automatic Mic Mixing (AMM) feature supports up to 64 microphone sources across 1, 2, or 4 zones, operating in classic gain sharing mode or as a NOM algorithm.

A global source option for direct outs of each input channel allows tap-off points to be adjusted within the processing path (post Preamp, post LPF, post Gate, post Insert A return, post PEQ, post Compressor, post Insert B return, post Delay). Global options to follow Fader, DCA, and Mute are also available. Direct outputs are assignable via the mixer's soft patch bay.

A Talkback facility allows sending to any output mix with on-screen status indication, including options for talkback latching and HPF.

A signal generator provides variable level signals (Sine, White Noise, Pink Noise, Band-Pass) to any input and output mix, with visual assignment status.

Two gigabit Ethernet ports (Cat5) support MIDI over TCP/IP control via a wireless router and application software for tablet devices.

Channel processing and parameters can be saved as user library items, archived with the show-file, and transferred via USB.

The mixer can save 500 scenes, which are name-able with descriptive text. Scene Safes and a comprehensive scene filter are provided. A Cue List facilitates scene ordering, with crossfade options up to 20 seconds and embedded scene recall with delay.

Password protection allows multiple users with different access levels, with options for specific scene recall per user login.

The mixing system periodically records current settings and returns the mixer to that state after a power cycle.

The control surface has a built-in power supply accepting 100-240V AC, 50/60 Hz, 150W max, via an earthed 3-pin IEC connector. A two-pole push-button switch is located near the mains input.

Recommended operating temperature is 5 to 40 degrees Celsius.

The mixer model is the Allen & Heath Avantis.

Dimensions and Weights

The document includes diagrams illustrating the physical dimensions and layout of the Avantis mixer. These diagrams show front, side, top, and angled views, providing detailed measurements for the unit.

Mixer Specifications

Inputs

System

Outputs