ALLEN HEALTH DM32 DLive 32 Input Digital Stagebox User Guide
- June 4, 2024
- ALLEN HEALTH
Table of Contents
DM32, DM48, DM64
Getting Started Guide
Before starting please check www.allen-heath.com for the latest dLive firmware and documentation.
Limited Three Years Manufacturer’s Warranty
Allen & Heath warrants the Allen &Heath -branded hardware product and accessories contained in the original packaging (“ Allen & Heath Product“) against defects in materials and workmanship when used in accordance with Allen & Heath’s user manuals, technical specifications and other Allen & Heath product published guidelines for a period of THREE (3) YEARS from the date of original purchase by the end-user purchaser (“ Warranty Period “).
This warranty does not apply to any non-Allen & Heath branded hardware products or any software, even if packaged or sold with Allen & Heath hardware.
Please refer to the licensing agreement accompanying the software for details of your rights with respect to the use of software/firmware (“EULA”).
Details of the EULA, warranty policy and other useful information can be found on the Allen & Heath website: www.allen-heath.com/legal.
Repair or replacement under the terms of the warranty does not provide right to extension or renewal of the warranty period. Repair or direct replacement of the product under the terms of this warranty may be fulfilled with functionally equivalent service exchange units.
This warranty is not transferable. This warranty will be the purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy and neither Allen & Heath nor its approved service centres shall be liable for any incidental or consequential damages or breach of any express or implied warranty of this product.
Conditions Of Warranty
The equipment has not been subject to misuse either intended or accidental, neglect, or alteration other than as described in the User Guide or Service Manual, or approved by Allen & Heath. The warranty does not cover fader wear and tear.
Any necessary adjustment, alteration or repair has been carried out by an authorised Allen & Heath distributor or agent.
The defective unit is to be returned carriage prepaid to the place of purchase, an authorised Allen & Heath distributor or agent with proof of purchase. Please discuss this with the distributor or the agent before shipping. Units returned should be packed in the original carton to avoid transit damage.
DISCLAIMER: Allen & Heath shall not be liable for the loss of any saved/stored data in products that are either repaired or replaced.
Check with your Allen & Heath distributor or agent for any additional warranty information which may apply. If further assistance is required please contact Allen & Heath Ltd.
dLive MixRack Getting Started Guide Issue 5
Copyright © 2021 Allen & Heath. All rights reserved.
ALLEN&HEATH
Allen & Heath Limited, Kernick Industrial Estate, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9LU,
UK
http://www.allen-heath.com
IMPORTANT – Read before starting
Safety instructions
Before starting, read the Important Safety Instructions printed on the sheet supplied with the equipment. For your own safety and that of the operator, technical crew and performers, follow all instructions and heed all warnings printed on the sheet and on the equipment panels.
System operating firmware
The function of the dLive MixRack is determined by the firmware (operating software) that runs it. Firmware is updated regularly as new features are added and improvements made.
Check www.allen-heath.com for the latest version of dLive firmware.
Software licence agreement
By using this Allen & Heath product and the software within it you agree to be bound by the terms of the relevant End User Licence Agreement (EULA), a copy of which can be found at www.allenheath.com/legal. You agree to be bound by the terms of the EULA by installing, copying, or using the software.
Further information
Please refer to the Allen & Heath website for further information, knowledgebase and technical support. For more information on dLive setup and mixing functions please refer to the dLive Firmware Reference Guide available for download at www.allen-heath.com.
Check for the latest version of this Getting Started Guide.
You can also join our Allen & Heath Digital Community to share knowledge and information with other dLive users.
General precautions
- Protect the equipment from damage through liquid or dust contamination. Cover the MixRack when it is not being used for a long period.
- If the equipment has been stored in sub-zero temperatures allow time for it to reach normal operating temperature before use at the venue. Recommended operating temperature is 0 to 35 degrees Celsius.
- Avoid using the equipment in extreme heat and direct sunlight. Make sure the ventilation slots are not obstructed and that there is adequate air movement around the equipment.
- Clean the equipment with a soft brush and dry lint-free cloth. Do not use chemicals, abrasives or solvents.
- It is recommended that servicing is carried out only by an authorised Allen & Heath agent. Contact details for your local distributor can be found on the Allen & Heath website. Allen & Heath do not accept liability for damage caused by maintenance, repair or modification by unauthorised personnel.
Register your product
Register your product online at www.allen-heath.com/register.
Packed items
Check you have received the following:
- DM MixRack
- Getting Started Guide AP9985
- Safety Sheet
- IEC mains lead
1. Introduction
dLive is a distributed digital mixing system providing a uniquely flexible solution for any live sound application. It separates the mix engine from the control surface, putting the audio and processing where it is needed, and offering a host of control and audio networking possibilities. Refer to the Allen & Heath website to find out more about dLive.
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. The system can be expanded by adding up to 3 DX32 modular racks, and is compatible with the ME personal mixing system.
1.1 dLive MixRacks
There are 3 sizes of dLive MixRack available. All feature the same mix engine and differ only in the number of analogue I/O. All models can work with the full 128 channels by adding DX expanders or patching digital sources.
dLive MixRack features at a glance:
- XCVI 160×64 FPGA core
- 96kHz sample rate, 96bit accumulator
- Class leading, ultra-low latency 0.7ms
- 128 Input Channels with full processing
- 64 Mix Outputs with full processing
- DEEP processing embedded channel plugins
- Configurable 64 bus architecture (group, FX, aux, matrix, mains)
- LR, LCR and up to 5.1 mains mode
- 16 RackFX with dedicated stereo returns
- Multiple PFLs
- 16 DCAs
- Built-in signal generator, RTA and spectrogram
- Dual redundant, hot swappable power supply
- Flush front panel with ultra quiet fan
- Reversible rack ears design
DM32 32 mic/line in 16 XLR out 7U
DM48 48 mic/line in 24 XLR out 8U
DM64 64 mic/line in 32 XLR out 10U
2. Installing the MixRack
2.1 Free standing
The MixRack can be operated as a freestanding unit for shelf or floor operation. Check that its plastic feet are fitted. Ensure adequate air flow around the unit. It must not be covered in any way. Always stand the unit on a firm flat surface away from any soft furnishings or carpet.
2.2 Rack mounting and flight casing
The DM32, DM48 and DM64 are designed as 19 inch rack mount units and occupy 7U, 8U, 10U of rack space respectively. The plastic feet may need to be removed before rack mounting; retain them for future use.
For rental, touring and other portable use, we recommend that you use a professional grade flight case with shock mounted internal rack frame.
Ensure natural convection of airflow around the unit by allowing good ventilation below, in front of and behind the unit. Rack equipment known to produce a significant amount of heat should not be mounted directly below the unit. Forced convection by means of a rack mounted fan-tray may be desirable in situations where space is restricted and the ambient air temperature is high.
2.3 Rack ears
The rack ears can be mounted facing either the front or rear panel to suit the application. They are secured to the sides of the MixRack with 3 screws each as indicated below. Remove these screws using a Pozidriv screwdriver to remove or reposition the rack ears.
A Alternative front panel rack ear mounting
3. Rear Panel
1 Mic/Line inputs – Recallable preamps for balanced or unbalanced microphone and line level signals. Gain, Pad and 48V are digitally controlled within the preamp.
The PP indicator lights up when phantom power voltage is detected at the socket, whether internally or externally sourced.
Any socket can be patched to any Input Channel using the I/O or Processing / Preamp screen.
2 Line outputs – Line level, balanced XLR outputs. Nominal level +4dBu. The outputs are relay protected to prevent power on or off thumps.
Signals can be patched to any output socket using the I/O screen.
3 I/O Ports - 3x audio interface ports 128×128 channels each, independently assigned. Fit one of the option cards available for system expansion, digital mic splitting, recording or distributed audio networking. Refer to www.allen-heath.com for a list of available option cards.
iLive / GLD option cards (M-Dante, M-Waves, M-ES-V2, M-ACE, M-MADI) can be used with dLive when fitted with the M-DL-ADAPT ‘letter-box’ adapter. This provides a 64×64 48kHz interface with built-in Sample Rate Conversion.
Use the I/O screen to patch signals from or to the I/O Ports.
4 Network – 2x RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet ports. Connect a laptop or a wireless router to use with dLive Editor or iOS apps. All devices on the network must have compatible IP addresses.
A recessed switch lets you reset the network settings to factory default. To reset, turn the MixRack off, insert a pointed object to press and hold the switch whilst turning the MixRack back on. Hold the switch in for at least 15 seconds.
5 gigaACE link - MixRack to Surface link over Gigabit Ethernet (IEEE 802.3 Layer 2 compliant). A single Cat5e (or higher) cable carries bidirectional 96kHz audio and control. Use two cables for redundancy the system will seamlessly switch cable in case of failures, without any audio dropout.
6 DX links – Dual redundant EtherCon ports for connection of up to 2 DX expanders over Fast Ethernet (IEEE 802.3 Layer 2 compliant). A single Cat5e (or higher) cable carries 32×32 channels of 96kHz audio and control. Connect the first expander to DX1 & DX2, the second expander to DX3 & DX4.
Use the I/O screen to patch signals from or to the DX expanders.
7 ME – Dedicated EtherCon port for the Allen & Heath ME personal mixing system. A single Cat5e (or higher) carries 40 channels of 48kHz audio, channel names and stereo links. Connect a ME-1 mixer for daisy chaining or ME-U hub for power and audio distribution.
Use the I/O screen to patch signals to the ME system.
8 Word Clock I/O – BNC connectors for syncing from an external audio clock or providing a clock to other devices. Use the MixRack / Audio / Audio Sync screen to select the clock source.
9 Audio Sync Lock – Indicates that the audio is sync locked to a valid clock source. If this does not light up then check that the correct clock source is selected in the MixRack / Audio / Audio Sync screen.
10 Phones – Standard 1/4″ jack socket and level control for the built-in headphone amplifier. The output follows the PAFL selection.
11 Power Supply – Hot swappable power supply with mains IEC socket and On/Off rocker switch. To remove or replace, loosen the 4 screws indicated below and slide the PSU out of the slot.
dLive MixRacks ship with one PSU fitted. A second PSU can be fitted for redundancy (part number MPS-16). Loosen the 4 captive thumb screws securing the blank panel*, slide the PSU into the slot, and tighten the 4 captive thumb screws indicated above. The MixRack will automatically switch between the supplies without interruption to the audio should one fail.
- On early dLive units, remove the 4 screws securing the blank panel using a star Torx T8 screwdriver.
Heed the safety warnings printed on the panel.
A plastic P-clip cable clamp is provided to secure the mains cable. Slot the
cable in or lock it in place using a star Torx T20 screwdriver to refit the
clamp around the cable.
4. Front Panel
1 Fan – Ultra-quiet fan. Make sure the ventilation opening is not
obstructed.
2 Kensington Lock – A slot for fitting standard Kensington anti-theft
security devices.
3 Status indicators - Power ON indicators for the 2 power supplies. The
Ready indicator lights up when the output sockets are ready to pass audio
after power up.
5. Connect and power up
Switch on the MixRack. It takes around 15s for the mix engine to start passing audio. You should hear the relays click as they connect the outputs once the boot-up is completed. The Ready indicator on the front panel will light up at this point.
5.1 Surface connection
Plug a touring grade CAT5e (or higher specification) cable up to 100m long between the dLive Surface and MixRack gigaACE ports. Use two cables for redundancy if required.
Refer to www.allen-heath.com for cable requirements, recommendations, and a list of CAT5 cables available to order.
Switch on the Surface. The gigaACE Lnk/Err indicators flash
at a steady rate when the link is established. The red error indicator lights
if a communication error is detected. Check that the cables are correctly
plugged in and are not faulty.
It takes around 30s for the Surface to take control and the touchscreen to be responsive.
5.2 Expander connection
Plug a touring grade CAT5e (or higher specification) cable up to 100m long between the DX Expander and MixRack DX ports. Use two cables for redundancy if required.
Refer to www.allen-heath.com for cable requirements, recommendations, and a list of CAT5 cables available to order.
Switch on the DX Expander. The DX port Lnk/Err indicators flash at a steady rate when the link is established. The red error indicator lights if a communication error is detected. Check that the cables are correctly plugged in and are not faulty.
5.3 ME system connection
Plug a touring grade CAT5e (or higher specification) cable up to 100m long between the MixRack ME port and the ME-1 or ME-U.
Refer to www.allen-heath.com for cable requirements, recommendations, and a list of CAT5 cables available to order.
5.4 Connect a laptop or wireless router
Connect a laptop, router or access point to either of the Network ports to use with dLive Editor or iOS apps. Read the Release Notes and Help Files accompanying the software or apps for further information.
dLive communicates over TCP/IP. All devices on the network including the MixRack and Surface must have compatible IP addresses. Factory defaults are:
MixRack 192.168.1.70
Surface 192.168.1.71
Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0
Gateway 192.168.1.254
For direct, wired laptop connections, set your laptop to a static, compatible IP address, for example 192.168.1.10.
For wireless connections, set your router / access point to a compatible IP address, for example 192.168.1.254, and its DHCP range to a compatible range of addresses, for example 192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.200. Set any wireless laptop or mobile device to DHCP / ‘obtain an IP address automatically’.
6. Dimensions
A
DM32 – 310mm/12.2″
DM48 – 354mm/13.9″
DM64 – 443mm/17.4″
7. Technical specs
Inputs
Mic/Line XLR Inputs| Balanced XLR, +48V phantom power
Mic/Line Preamp| Fully recallable
Input Sensitivity| -60 to +15dBu
Analogue Gain| +5 to +60dB, 1dB steps
Pad| -20dB Active PAD
Maximum Input Level| +30dBu (PAD in)
Input Impedance| >4kΩ (Pad out), >10kΩ (Pad in)
Mic EIN| -127dB with 150Ω source
Phantom Power indication| Per socket, internal or external phantom power
sensing, triggered at 24V
Outputs
Analogue XLR Outputs| Balanced, Relay protected
Output Impedance| <75Ω
Nominal Output| +4dBu = 0dB meter reading
Maximum Output Level| +22dBu
Residual Output Noise| -92dBu (muted, 20-20kHz)
-90dBu (muted, 20-40kHz)
Dimensions and Weights| Width x Depth x Height x Weight
DM32| 482.6 x 313 x 325 mm x 15kg
(19″ x 12.3″ x 12.8″ x 33lbs)
DM48| 482.6 x 313 x 369 mm x 17.5kg
(19″ x 12.3″ x 14.5″ x 39lbs)
DM64| 482.6 x 313 x 458 mm x 21kg
(19″ x 12.3″ x 18″ x 46lbs)
Boxed
DM32| 590 x 420 x 470 mm x 17.5kg
(23.2″ x 16.5″ x 18.5″ x 38.6lbs)
DM48| 590 x 420 x 510 mm x 20kg
(23.2″ x 16.5″ x 20.1″ x 44.1lbs)
DM64| 590 x 420 x 585 mm x 24kg
(23.2″ x 16.5″x 23″ x 52.9lbs)
System
Measured balanced XLR in to XLR out, 20-20kHz, minimum Gain, Pad out, signal @
0dB (meter)
Dynamic Range| 110dB
System Signal to Noise| -92dB
Frequency Response| 20Hz – 30kHz +0/-0.8dB
THD+N (analogue in to out)| 0.0015% @ +16dBu output, 1kHz 0dB gain
Headroom| +18dB
Internal operating Level| 0dBu
dBFS Alignment| +18dBu = 0dBFS (+22dBu at XLR output)
Meter Calibration| 0dB meter = -18dBFS (+4dBu at XLR out)
Meter Peak indication| -3dBFS (+19dBu at XLR out)
Sampling Rate| 96kHz +/- 20 PPM
ADC| 24-bit Delta-Sigma
DAC| 24-bit Delta-Sigma
Latency| 0.7 ms (MixRack XLR in to XLR out, Input to Mix)
+ 5 samples, Surface to Mixrack (GigaACE hop)
+ 8 samples, DX32 to Mixrack (DX hop)
Power
Mains Voltage Operating Range| 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz
Mains Power| 300W max (MPS16 V1 300W)
Consumption| 250W max (MPS16 V2 250W)
MPS16 power consumption is printed under AC inlet
Temperature
Operating Temperature Range
Fitted with MPS16 V1 300w| 0°C to 35°C (32°F to 95°F)
Fitted with MPS16 V2 250w| 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
MixRack Getting Started Guide
AP9985 Issue 5
References
- heath.com domain name may be for sale
- Allen & Heath - Heard Everywhere
- Allen & Heath - Heard Everywhere
- Legal - Allen & Heath
- Register a Product - Allen & Heath