Q: What’s new?
Avantis dPack users get more channels, buses, and Dyn8s. New RackUltraFX upgrade gets you studio-quality effects in the console. Mix faster and smarter with new workflow options.
Q: What is dPack?
dPack is an optional upgrade for your console. With Avantis dPack you get additional dLive processing including Dyn8 (up to 24 instances) and DEEP processors, plus more models as they’re added.
Q: What is DEEP Processing?
DEEP Processing was first introduced in the dLive range. It comprises a suite of embedded plugins which can be inserted in-line on channels without adding latency or using up FX engine slots. These include Preamp, Graphic EQ and Compressor models, some of which are instantly recognisable as industry classics. Avantis is DEEP Processing ready.
Q: What are the DEEP Processing plugins included with dPack?
With the optional dPack upgrade, you get a large suite of phase-compensated DEEP Processing plugins that can be used on any channel or bus.
DEEP Compressors:
- PeakLimiter 76
- 16T
- 16VU
- Mighty
- Opto
- OptTronik
- Bus
- Compstortion
DEEP Expanders:
- Source Expander
- Dual Threshold Expander
DEEP Preamp:
- Dual Stage Valve Preamp
- Tube Stage Preamp
DEEP EQ:
- NEQ12
- Proportional Q
- Digi-EQ
-
Hybrid
Q: What else is included with dPack?
In addition to the suite of DEEP Processing plugins, dPack adds other useful tools to your console to give you the most advanced onboard processing available. These include:
Channel Expansion:
- Input processing channels increase from 64 to 96
- Bus Expansion
- Configurable bus count increases from 42 to 64
Dyn Engines which can be loaded into insert points on any channel or bus:
- 24x Dyn8 instances
RackExtra FX which are loaded into the standard FX slots run by onboard processing:
- Hypabass
- Transient Controller
Q: How do I know if I already have dPack installed on my Avantis or Solo?
You can check whether you have dPack installed by checking in the menu of your console. Go to Setup -> Config -> Add-Ons to see the status of available add-ons.
Q: Can I still get an Avantis with dPack, even if I don’t need the RackUltraFX?
Yes, you can order an Avantis or Solo without the RackUltraFX, then purchase the dPack upgrade from the Allen & Heath Online Shop. https://www.allen-heath.com/product/avantis-dpack/
Alternatively, a voucher can be purchased from an authorised reseller in your country/region.
Q: What are the models now available for sale for Avantis?
Avantis – 64 channel / 42 bus mixing console. Dual screen, 24 faders
Solo – 64 channel / 42 bus mixing console. Single screen, 12 faders
dPack – Software upgrade for Avantis and Solo
Avantis-U – 96 channel / 56 bus mixing console with RackUltraFX and dPack. Dual screen, 24 faders
Solo-U - 96 channel / 56 bus mixing console with RackUltraFX and dPack. Single screen, 12 faders
Avantis-RUFX – RackUltraFX module for Avantis. Does not include dPack (required).
Solo-RUFX - RackUltraFX module for Solo. Does not include dPack (required).
Q: Is there a trial version of dPack?
No, there is no trial version of dPack, but you can enable some DEEP Processing elements of the dPack for free by registering your console to receive the Avantis Freepack. Just visit the Allen & Heath Online Shop to receive a code to unlock the items for your Avantis or Solo: https://www.allen-heath.com/product/avantis-free-pack/
DEEP Processing plugins included in the Avantis Freepack are:
DEEP Preamp:
- Tube Stage Preamp
DEEP EQ:
- Proportional Q
- Digi-EQ
-
Hybrid
Q: What are RackUltraFX?
The RackUltra FX suite, powered by the new RackUltra FX module, brings together a collection of 11 new algorithms that rival the most advanced plug-ins on the market.
Q: What’s included with the RackUltraFX package?
With the new RackUltraFX module installed, you can load eight (8) instances of RackUltraFX engines in addition to the standard twelve (12) FX engines. This means a total of twenty (20) FX units can be run at once. At launch, the UltraFX algorithms available are:
- Spaces Reverb
- Plate Reverb
- Vocal Shifter
- Vocal Tuner
- Vocal Gridder
- Quad Voice Harmoniser
- Dual Auto Key Harmoniser
- Midi Harmoniser
- Saturator
- Amp + Cab Distortion
-
Rhythm Delay
Q: How do I get the RackUltraFX package?
You can purchase an Avantis or Solo with RackUltraFX and dPack included at the time of the Avantis 2.0 launch. If you already have an Avantis or Solo, an upgrade package is available that can be installed by an Allen & Heath Authorised Service Center. For more details on this, please contact the Allen & Heath distributor in your country/region.
Q: Do I need dPack to run the RackUltraFX package?
Yes, the dPack software is required to run the RackUltraFX in addition to the installed hardware module. The dPack software expansion is the license to access the RackUltra FX processing.
Q: I have a console without dPack, what do I need to get RackUltraFX?
You can purchase a bundle that includes a dPack and the RackUltraFX module. These need to be installed and tested at an Allen & Heath Authorised Service Centre. Contact the Allen & Heath distributor in your country/region for more details and upgrade options.
Q: I have a console and I already have dPack, what do I need to get RackUltraFX?
You can purchase the RackUltraFX module. This needs to be installed and tested at an Allen & Heath Authorised Service Centre. Contact the Allen & Heath distributor in your country/region for more details and upgrade options.
Q: What happens to the warranty on my console when I upgrade to RackUltraFX?
If your console is within the 3-year warranty period, the remainder of your warranty will remain unchanged. For example, if there are 2 years remaining on your warranty, you will have two years remaining after the RackUltraFX module is installed.
Q: Does the RackUltraFX module consume an I/O card slot on my Avantis or Solo?
No, the RackUltraFX module is installed internally in the console, which does not affect the I/O card slots. This installation must be done by an Allen & Heath Authorised Service Centre to avoid any damage to internal components.
Q: Can I install the RackUltraFX module myself?
The RackUltraFX module must be installed by a qualified professional at an Allen & Heath Authorised Service Centre. If your console is outside of the warranty period, the RackUltraFX module can be purchased as a separate part from a service centre. Any damage to the console incurred during installation is the responsibility of the owner when installation is attempted by any persons not officially authorised by Allen & Heath. Contact the Allen & Heath distributor in your country/region for more details and other installation options.
Q: Are the Avantis and Solo RackUltraFX modules interchangeable?
No, the parts and installation are different for an Avantis and a Solo. Be sure to specify the correct console when purchasing the RackUltraFX upgrade.
Q: Do I need to update my firmware?
Yes, please update your console to the newest version of firmware to access all the updates. This is required for the dPack expansion, the RackUltraFX module installation, and the new workflow updates.
Q: What are the new features included in Avantis 2.0 firmware?
With Avantis 2.0 firmware, there are new options and workflow enhancements. These are independent of the dPack and RackUltraFX upgrade, so are available to all users.
- Expanded existing rotary options to include PEQ, Source Expander, and Dyn8.
- Smart Rotaries - contextual control for processing units (Preamp, FX, UFX, gates, compressors, and PEQs) This can be enabled via a Softkey.
- Reset pan on bank view – Added option to reset pan from bank view when holding Reset button.
- Mute override – Added option to unmute a channel or bus currently muted by a DCA or Mute Group by holding Reset button and pressing the associated channel button.
- Shure SLX-D integration - Shure wireless integration allows users of Shure’s SLX-D microphones and receivers to monitor transmitter battery level, RF signal strength and receiver audio signal level as well as offering control of receiver gain and mute from the Avantis user interface.
- Dyn8 ganging – Use the Ganging function to control multiple Dyn8 units simultaneously. Changes are absolute values.
- Extended channel Libraries – Save and recall more channel parameters including Name and Colour, and contributions to a Mix with the ability to only recall certain parameters for a Channel Library if preferred.
- Show manager bulk import/export - Copy all Show Files between USB drive and console memory at once.
- Diagnostic mode - Manually test surface LEDs, buttons, rotary encoders, and faders.
Q: How do I update my firmware?
To find the latest firmware version and instructions on how to install, please visit the Avantis resources page at the Allen & Heath website. https://www.allen-heath.com/hardware/avantis/avantis-dual-screen/resources/