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.

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 160x64 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

Installing the MixRack

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.

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.

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.

1. Alternative front panel rack ear mounting

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 128x128 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 64x64 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 32x32 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 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.

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.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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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’.