System Reference Guide January 2008 Publication AP6526 iLive and T Series System Reference Guide March 2009 Firmware Version 1.
Limited Two Year Warranty This product has been manufactured in the UK by ALLEN & HEATH and is warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for a period of two years from the date of purchase by the original owner. To ensure a high level of performance and reliability for which this equipment has been designed and manufactured, read this User Guide before operating.
Important Safety Instructions WARNINGS - Read the following before proceeding : CAUTION ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE – NE PAS OUVRIR Read instructions: Retain these safety and operating instructions for future reference. Adhere to all warnings printed here and on the equipment. Follow the operating instructions printed in this User Guide. Do not remove covers: Operate the equipment with its covers correctly fitted. Refer any service work on the equipment to competent technical personnel only.
Important Mains plug wiring instructions. The equipment is supplied with a moulded mains plug fitted to the AC mains power lead. Follow the instructions below if the mains plug has to be replaced.
This is the iLive System Reference Guide relating to Version 1.4 Firmware. The system firmware is updated on a regular basis as new features and improvements are added. Some of the screen shots and details in this guide may differ from those in the current release of firmware. Please refer to the Release Notes that come with each version of firmware for details of new features. Table of Contents Introduction .................................................................................................
Assigning SoftKeys ................................................................................... 70 Assigning PL devices ................................................................................ 71 The Surface ALT VIEW key ....................................................................... 72 Setting Surface preferences...................................................................... 73 NAME and COLOUR .................................................................................
Welcome Thank you for investing in the Allen & Heath iLive digital mixing system. To get the most from your iLive please read the Getting Started Guide that comes with your system and refer to this reference guide for further information. The Allen & Heath web site provides the latest version of firmware and additional downloadable information on iLive. To benefit from the latest features and improvements please check that you are running up to date firmware.
iLive System components iDR10 MixRack The MixRack is the heart of the digital audio processing system. It houses the DSP mix engine together with control and audio networking interfaces. The 64 input x 32 bus architecture is fully configurable for mono/stereo and type of mix. It is known as the iDR10 because it has 10 card slots for fitting any combination of input and output modules.
DSP ‘RackExtra’ module The DSP mix engine, the heart of the iLive mixing system. 64x32 mix architecture plus 8x internal effects. REMOTE AUDIO module With system clock, headphones and remote audio distribution. Fit up to 2 audio network option cards. EtherSound interface is available here. CPU module Manages the MixRack system and allows remote control via Ethernet, MIDI and PL-Anet. Also provides a lamp socket.
Lamp connectors Accept standard 12V console lamps. We recommend using the Allen & Heath dimmable LEDlamp. iLive Surface Backup PSU input For connection to the Allen & Heath iPS10 redundant backup power supply. DC and temperature sense Audio connections XLR sockets for surface Talkback mic output, PAFL input and local monitor output. Provides an analogue alternative for connection to the MixRack when a digital audio network option is not fitted.
T Series System components The T Series MixRack is the heart of the digital audio processing system, housing the DSP mix engine together with control and audio networking interfaces. The 64x32 architecture can be configured for mono/stereo and type of mix (group, aux, mains, matrix). The system provides full dynamics, EQ and delay processing for all inputs and masters, 8 built-in ‘RackExtra’ effects and 16 DCA groups. The 8 stereo FX returns add to the 64 input channels to allow up to 72 sources to the mix.
T Series Control layout Channel Processing Strip Analogue style control section with dedicated rotary controls, switches and meters for the channel or mix preamp, HPF, gate, PEQ, compressor and limiter/de-esser. Press the strip SEL key to access the processing of the channel or master assigned to it. The controls illuminate when they are available. TouchScreen For status display, system setup and memory management.
Connecting the iLive MixRack and Surface The iLive has two main system connections between the Surface and MixRack, both using CAT5 cables. NETWORK is the control interface to the MixRack. ESA primarily connects audio to and from the Surface and other EtherSound equipped break in/out devices. The optional ESB port can be used to connect audio between systems such as FOH/Monitor, broadcast or recording. iLive systems are shipped with 1.
An IEC mains power cord with moulded plug suitable for your territory is provided for each power supply module within the system. The iLive system uses universal voltage power supplies that accept world wide mains sources from 100 to 240V.AC 47 to 63Hz. Make sure the IEC plugs are pressed fully into their panel sockets and the cables are clipped into the retaining clips to protect them from accidental disconnection.
Connecting the T Series MixRack and Surface The Control Surface Network settings Connect Surface to MixRack iLive-T communicates over a TCP/IP network. There are 3 main components – the MixRack, Surface and TouchScreen (built into the surface). These and any other network devices such as a wireless router and laptop need compatible network addresses. Factory defaults are: Plug a CAT5 cable up to 120m (400 feet) between the Surface and MixRack ACE ports.
Booting up the system Turning on the system Note: Always turn the MixRack on first, then the iLive Surface. The iLive system remembers its last settings on power up. 1. 2. 3. First, plug in the mains and CAT5 cables. Next, switch on the MixRack power. Then switch on the Surface power. While searching for the network connection between the MixRack and Surface after power up, the NETWORK Lnk/Act indicators flash at a slow rate for a few seconds.
The Status screen The TouchScreen ‘Status’ page is displayed when the fader strip SEL keys and the keys below the screen are all off. It is the default view when nothing is selected. It provides display of a real time clock, system status and access to the user assignable custom meters and the RTA display. For normal operation green ticks should be present. A red cross means a problem has been detected and should be checked. Firmware Displays the current firmware version loaded.
Clock Displays the TouchScreen CPU real time clock. The time may be changed from the UTILITY / Configuration / Date Time page. Current User The current User name is displayed here. To log in as a different user go to the UTILITY / Change User page. Up to 8 User Profiles may be set by the Administrator using the UTILITY / Configuration / Edit User Profiles page. Last Show Recalled Displays the name of the last Show memory recalled.
Surface basics – The TouchScreen The TouchScreen provides a graphical display of the parameters and assignments, allows configuration of the system, and management of the memories and data. Unlike many other digital consoles it is not essential to the live mixing operation. iLive avoids fiddly screen and menu based mixing by providing a large analogue style channel processing interface with dedicated rotary controls, switches and indicators.
All screen keys turned off – STATUS With all the screen keys and strip SEL keys turned off the TouchScreen displays the Status page. This shows system status including firmware, temperature, audio system lock and digital audio network status. A red cross means a problem is detected. The page also displays the time, current user and last Scene recalled name. The lower part of the screen can be used to select one of the four custom user meter views or the RTA display.
FX Access the FX rack. Provides 8 virtual ‘rack positions’ for loading your choice of processing from a library of effects devices including reverbs, delays, modulators and more. A Front Panel view presents a familiar control interface for parameter data entry. A Rear Panel view lets you ‘patch’ the device into the signal path either as a ‘mix>return’ or ‘insert’. Choose the input to the device from a mix or direct output, and its output to an FX (short) return or full channel.
Surface basics - Fader control strip The Fader Control Strip is the primary user interface for mixing with iLive. It provides a familiar analogue console layout and is arranged in banks across the surface. The smallest iLive-80 surface has two banks of faders (12 and 8), the larger models have three (up to 24, 12 and 8). Each fader bank has 4 layers A, B, C, D providing the largest surface with 176 strips, and even the smallest with as much as 80.
Rotary encoder This control lights up when it has a function assigned. It is used as a send level, PAN or image control depending on the type of mix currently selected with the MIX key and whether it is a fader or rotary mix. If the mix has two image functions, for example, PAN and SUB level when configured as an LRSub main mix, or Aux SEND and PAN for a stereo Aux mix on rotaries, then the LCD displays two dials, one for each function.
Fader The fader is motorised and automatically changes position when you select different fader layers or change the mix using the MIX keys. They also change to show the mix master GEQ (graphic EQ) settings when in GEQ FADER FLIP mode.
Surface basics – The SEL key The primary function of the fader control strip SEL keys is to access the signal processing and routing for the channels, FX, mix or DCA masters. These keys are also used while in system setup mode to configure the strip functions, names and colours. They are also used to access different processing blocks when copying or resetting parameters. The CHANNEL PROCESSING BLOCK presents all the live mix processing controls for instant access in a familiar analogue layout.
Using a SEL key to access Input Channel Parameters Input socket patch Insert bypass HPF Preamp Limiter / De-esser Gate PEQ Compressor CHANNEL PARAMETER CONTROLS Delay Name and Colour Insert PROCESSING VIEW ROUTING VIEW Mono Input Stereo Input FX return via Input SEL PAFL MUTE MIX CH fader, pan, mute Main mix assign Group assign Aux sends FX sends DCA assign Direct Out level PARAMETER CONTROLS - Press an IP (Input) channel SEL key to access the parameters for that channel using the analogu
Using a SEL key to access Mix Master Parameters Ext Input preamp Insert bypass Delay Limiter Ext Input Preamp PEQ Compressor CHANNEL PARAMETER CONTROLS Mono, stereo Group Aux Main mix Matrix SEL PAFL MUTE MIX Name and Colour GEQ Insert PROCESSING VIEW Master fader, pan, mute Main mix assign CH Aux sends CH pre/post FX sends DCA assign ROUTING VIEW Sends on faders or rotaries CH send source PARAMETER CONTROLS - Press a GP, AUX, FX, MAIN or MTX (Mix) master SEL key to access the parameters
Using a SEL key to access Short FX Return Parameters PEQ CHANNEL PARAMETER CONTROLS PROCESSING VIEW ROUTING VIEW FX short return SEL PAFL MUTE CH fader, pan, mute Main mix assign Group assign Aux sends FX sends DCA assign The iLive ‘RackExtra’ DSP module provides a virtual rack to load up to 8 effects devices such as reverbs, delays and modulators. An FX ‘short return’ is a stereo input channel that returns the output of the device to the mix.
Using a SEL key to access DCA Settings Assign from: Input channels FX return channels Group masters Aux masters Main mix masters Matrix masters DCA master With all TouchScreen keys off press a DCA master strip SEL key to open its assignment view. Touch the screen buttons to toggle the assignments on or off. The screen provides an alternative to using the MIX keys to view and change DCA assignments. SEL PAFL MUTE MIX ALLEN&HEATH iLive Reference Guide AP6526 iss.
Surface basics – The MIX key The primary function of the fader control strip MIX keys is to access the routing and levels for the different mixes, and to assign the DCAs. This is fundamental to mixing with iLive giving you quick access with full fader or rotary encoder control of every mix. The active MIX determines the function of the fader/encoder area of the Surface. You can view the mix from the master (all sources to a mix) or from the channel (sends to all the mixes).
Using the Master MIX key Select mix 1. Press MIX on the mix master strip. View the current settings on the channel strip LCDs and faders/rotaries. 2. To assign individual channels to the mix, hold down the ASSIGN key and then press channel MIX keys to toggle them on or off. The strip LCDs display an ‘ON’ icon when assigned. To assign all channels on or off, hold down ASSIGN and then press the master MIX key to toggle all on or off. 3.
Using the Channel MIX key Select mix - View all sends from one channel. 1. Press MIX on an input channel strip. View the current sends and assignments from that channel on the master strip LCDs and faders/rotaries. 2. To assign to individual groups or sends, hold down the ASSIGN key and then press master MIX keys to toggle them on or off. The master strip LCDs display an ‘ON’ icon when the channel is assigned to it. There is no ‘assign to all’ function. 3.
Channel and Mix processing iLive provides plenty of signal processing for its input channels, effects returns, mix masters and up to 8 internal FX devices. This replaces the large racks of outboard equipment that typically accompany the traditional analogue mixing system. iLive has a huge amount of DSP power to make its processing available to all channels at all times. You do not need to allocate processing from a limited resource of DSP.
PREAMP (DUAL MIC/LINE IN) If the dual input module is detected then the screen includes a touch button to select between the A an B input connections. PREAMP (DIGITAL IN) If a DIGITAL IN source is selected then a +/-24dB level trim control, polarity and source selection for one of AES, SPDIF, optical inputs are provided. If Port A or Port B digital audio network source is selected then a trim and polarity switch are provided. EXT. INPUT (Mix only) You can patch a source as a mix master External Input.
GATE (Channel only) The noise gate provides a full set of controls and signal metering as you would find on a top grade outboard processor. A self keyed side chain filter may be switched in or out. Use the controls or screen to set the threshold (a signal meter displays under the control to help you set this quickly), depth (how much the gate attenuates), hold time (how long the gate remains open after the signal drops below the threshold), and dynamics.
PEQ (Channel, FX return and Mix) The equaliser is 4-band fully parametric with cut/boost, swept frequency and width controls per band. The HF and LF bands may be switched as shelving, bell or pass type filters. The WIDTH control turns off if the band is set as shelving. GAIN turns off if the band is set as a pass type. The TouchScreen gives you a graphical view of the EQ curve and alternative data entry using touch boxes and encoder.
COMPRESSOR (Channel and Mix) The compressor provides a full set of traditional controls and signal metering as you would find on a top grade outboard processor. A self keyed side chain filter may be switched in or out. Use the controls or screen to set the threshold (a signal meter displays under the control to help you set this quickly), ratio (how much the signal is compressed), and make-up gain (to compensate for the lower output level after the signal is compressed).
LIMITER / DE-ESSER (Limiter on Channel and Mix, De-Esser on Channel only) This is the last of three dynamics processors available on every input channel. It can be used either as a ‘brick wall’ limiter to stop the threshold level being exceeded or as a de-esser to filter out the sibilance of a vocal source. In limiter mode, the input signal is superimposed on the threshold display dial for quick setting.
Introducing the FX The iDR-64 ‘RackExtra’ DSP module provides a virtual ‘FX rack’ which can be configured with up to 8 processors including reverbs, delays, modulators and more. It also features a host of new routing possibilities for patching FX inputs and outputs and configuring mix/return or inserted FX types. FX Rack A virtual rack with 8 ‘slots’ for loading different types of effects processor. This emulates loading up a typical 8U analogue system outboard rack.
Back Panel view - Configure the FX routing FX configuration Apply the change Send to the FX (FX input) Return from the FX (FX output) Send/Return masters or Wet/Dry controls depending on configuration Touch the top right Back Panel button to open up the connections view. This emulates patching up a typical outboard effects rack. Configure the FX device as a send/return loop or inserted into a channel or mix signal path.
Front Panel view – Work with the FX parameters Select FX rack slot Adjust parameters Highlight and scroll through effects presets using encoder FX send and return master settings Library of FX presets Access FX parameters SEL PAFL MUTE Access FX sends MIX Access FX parameters from the strips Press an FX send master strip SEL key, or press an FX short return (IP FX) strip SEL key to open up the FX screen.
Choose the FX – The FX preset library Touch the Library button to open up the library list. The presets are grouped into Factory, User and USB. Factory Default presets that cannot be overwritten, and can be used as the starting point for creating your own presets. User Edited settings may be named and stored here for future recall. You can transfer these to or from a USB key using the UTILITY / Configuration / Library Manager screen.
Arena 1 Arena 2 Chamber Large Chamber Mid Chamber Small EMT + Echo EMT 250 EMT HF Vocal EMT Large EMT Live Hall 480 Hall 481 Live Hall 482 Live Hall Barfoot Hall Brass Hall Bright Hall Choral HF Hall Drums Hall Echo Hall Large Hall Massive Hall Natural Small Hall Small Vocal Hall Small Stage Hall Strings Hall Wide Large Hall Wide Small Overheads Plate Big Echo Plate Bright Plate Gold Dly’d Plate Gold US Plate Keys Barfoot Plate Perc Plate Small Space Plate Snare Plate Vocal Plate Vocal F Room KickBox Room L
Modulation FX - ADT ADT 2Trk Vox ADT Choral Dly ADT Classic ADT EkoChorus The ADT DOUBLER is an automatic double tracking module for creating short echo/chorusing effects, classic double tracking and ‘slapback’ tape delay loops. It emulates the classic ADT effects that are popular in enhancing sources such as vocals and guitars in live sound mixing. It can also create a subtle stereo sound field that can help produce ambience in a stereo in-ear monitor or recording mix.
Gated Verb Gate Echo Gate RevPan Gate Short Gated Big Pan Gated Drum Big Gated Drums Sml Gated Kick Gated Rev Gated Snare Gated Vocal ‘Gated Verb’ hosts the classic 80’s emulation plus ‘panned’ and ‘powerbox’ gated reverb presets. The user interface gives instant access to lo-cut hi-cut decay spectrum filters and the gate envelope controls. We depart from the 80’s and provide a visual representation of the gate time domain envelope helping the engineer ‘see’ the sound effect.
Patching the Outputs Press the OUTPUTS key below the TouchScreen to access the output routing patch bays. These virtual patch panels display the physical and digital audio network output sockets recognised by the system and let you route any signal to any output. Choose the signal to send to the socket.
Output Sources The user assigned name is displayed below the channel number. If a channel is not available a red cross appears. Note: If sockets have been assigned as INSERT Sends then they are not available to be assigned using the OUTPUTS page. To re-use the socket, first unassign it using the INSERT screen associated with that input or mix. Choose the Source from: Not Patched The socket is unassigned. No signal present. Mono or Stereo Group Post processing, post fader Group mix output.
Using DCA groups iLive provides 16 DCA groups. These behave in a similar way to conventional analogue console VCA groups. You may assign as many of these as you choose to the Surface strips. The DCA master fader does not physically move the assigned channel faders. Instead, it adjusts the levels at the channel fader point in the same familiar way as traditional VCA mixing. iLive lets you assign any combination of input channels and mix masters to one or more DCA groups.
Channel Ganging Ganging lets you link selected processing and mix parameters between input channels or masters, for example the EQ, gate and compressor of a stereo keyboard, or the GEQ of the L and R main mix. iLive lets you create up to 8 gangs with up to 8 channels in each. Ganging does not include the input Preamp (gain). Note: Although you can configure stereo channels, Ganging is the preferred method for linking channels when mixing live.
Using the COPY / PASTE /RESET edit keys iLive provides a quick and intuitive edit function to copy or reset settings between channels, processing blocks and mixes. This uses dedicated edit keys on the Surface rather than complex screen menus. Information 2 3 1 4 iLive-144 Surface T-80 Surface COPY / PASTE / RESET keys These functions are protected from accidental operation. Pressing one of these keys by itself does nothing.
COPY Hold down COPY then press the SEL or MIX key associated with the parameters you want to copy. This puts the parameters on to a ‘clipboard’ to be pasted later. Hold with: 1 Channel or mix SEL key – Copies all the processing associated with the channel. Note: The input PREAMP gain, pad and 48V settings are not copied. The physical input is independent of the channel and may be associated with other channels too.
The METERS screen Press the METERS key below the TouchScreen to view pages of audio meters. You can configure and view up to 4 ‘User’ meter pages. The RTA frequency analysis display is available within this view. The User meters and RTA are also accessible on the Status page for convenience while mixing live. These meters views are in addition to the extensive physical metering provided on the iLive Surface.
PAFL monitor system iLive features a comprehensive engineer’s monitoring system with headphones and local monitor outputs available at the Surface, and headphones duplicated at the MixRack. The audio anywhere in the signal path can be listened to using these monitor outputs, and checked on the dedicated PAFL meters. Dedicated Surface and TouchScreen controls and user preferences let you configure the monitor system the way you want to work.
PFL/AFL mode keys Master keys to the right of the strips select the function of the PAFL keys to be PFL (pre-fade listen) or AFL (after-fade listen). Signals are monitored in mono or stereo depending on their configuration. AFL is pre-mute so you can check it before sending it, and ‘stereo in-place’ so you can check it after the pan and image controls. The function can be set independently for the input channels and mix master outputs.
PAFL IN sockets This pair of balanced, line level XLR inputs on the rear of the iLive Surface lets you add an external signal to the PAFL mix. Two applications are: iLive Surface No ESA LOCAL MON OUT PAFL IN XLR CABLES LOCAL MONITOR iDR10 ASSIGN AS PAFL OUTPUTS If you are not using Port A (EtherSound) to provide audio at the surface you can use analogue connections to route the PAFL signal from the MixRack to the Surface.
TouchScreen PAFL functions Press the TouchScreen PAFL key to open a page of option settings for the PAFL monitoring system. Set these according to your preferred way of working. These settings are retained on power down. MixRack input Surface input Port A source Port B source Surface Talkback mic Ext IP Talk to PAFL Turns on or off the source assigned for external talkback into the PAFL monitor. Open the Ext Talk to PAFL page to assign the source. Use the drop down menu to choose the source.
Engineer’s Wedge / IEM monitoring The iLive and T Series are capable of being configured for dedicated monitor mixing. It can provide an engineer's dual Wedge/IEM facility for monitor mixing with combinations of stage wedge speakers and inear monitors. This lets you assign mono or stereo Wedge and/or IEM masters strips on the Surface. Mixes sent to the stage wedges can be monitored in just the engineer's Wedge output, and mixes sent to the in-ear systems can be checked using just the IEM output.
Talkback system iLive provides a fully featured engineer’s Talkback system. This uses dedicated Talk keys and is quick to assign to the outputs without the need to access screen menus. The Surface has a built-in Talkback microphone input which can link to the MixRack via the Port A digital audio network or an analogue connection (iLive only). There are several options for setting up the system the way you want to work.
Talkback setup and preferences TALK key action Select either momentary or latching operation. Go to the SURFACE SETUP / Preferences page. Set the Latching Talkback Talk Switch option. Talkback Source Choose the source for the Talkback system from the drop down menu in the MIXRACK SETUP / Talkback / Source page. Unassigned No source. The Talkback system is not used. Surface Talkback Selects the Surface built-in TB MIC input (default).
SoftKeys 8 SoftKeys to the right of the TouchScreen can be assigned to different functions to suit your application. For example, you could use them as MUTE GROUP masters, to recall Scene memories, quickly access processing or mix parameters of a certain channel or master, send a MIDI message and more. Working with Mute Groups Although iLive does not have dedicated Mute Groups it does feature no less than 16 DCA groups.
MIXRACK setup The MixRack is the heart of the system and features a 64 channel x 32 mix bus audio architecture that is fully configurable by the user. Once configured you can map the channels and masters to the Surface strips and layers in any combination. You can also name and colour these so that the Surface strip LCDs provide a visual coding that makes it very quick and easy to work with your mix. This means that you can ‘design’ your own mixer to suit your application and preferred way of working.
Top screen We refer to this as the ‘radar view’ as it provides an overview of the current system configuration. Use the menu buttons to access and change the configuration and other MixRack setup functions. Input Channels view Tabs let you access all 64 input channels and the FX short returns. Input source ‘R-B3’ means MixRack slot B socket 3. ‘EB 6’ means EtherSound ESB channel 6. 48V displays phantom power status. Insert displays if an insert has been assigned. Name User defined 5 character channel name.
Mixer Config page This screen lets you change the mono/stereo configuration of the input channels, and the architecture of the mix buses. Note: Changing these settings reconfigures the DSP architecture and resets parameters. This can take up to 2 minutes to complete and is not intended for ‘on the fly’ changes while live mixing. Set this up before you start preparing for your show. Access to the Mix Configuration can be locked out by setting Permissions for a guest user.
The Main Mix iLive features a choice of many different configurations of main mix from mono to 4way and with different types of image control. Note that due to the DSP architecture the buses are always allocated in pairs. Therefore a main mono ‘M’ mix uses two buses, a 3way LCR mix uses four buses. The main mix masters always use one strip per output. Therefore an LR mix uses two fader strips, a 4way LCRSub mix uses four fader strips.
Mixer Pref / Direct Output page This page lets you set the source to the input channel direct outputs. The setting is global and affects all direct outputs. You can choose the point within the channel signal path and whether or not it follows the main channel mute and/or fader. Global Direct Output Source Open the drop down menu and select the point in the channel signal path to feed the direct outputs. The list is in signal processing order. The setting affects all 64 input channel direct outputs.
Remote B Config Here you configure the way the MixRack Port B EtherSound ESB network (if fitted) is set up to work. This configures the MixRack EtherSound interface cards so that the slave audio is downstream of the master. In a linked iLive system where one MixRack has the mic preamps loaded and another gets its channel sources from the first via ESB, set the first as the MASTER and the second as the MASTER/SLAVE. Note: The ESB config setting remains with the system. It is remembered on power up.
Signal Generator page Provides a comprehensive tone / noise generator which can be used for checking and setting up the system. The generator settings are restored on power up and stored in the system Show memories. They are not stored in Scene memories. Signal type Choose the generator signal source type: Sine Pure sine wave tone. Touch the Frequency box and use the screen encoder to adjust the frequency of the tone. You an sweep from 20Hz to 20kHz.
SURFACE setup Once the MixRack audio architecture has been configured using the MIXRACK SETUP screen, you can assign the channels, mix masters, DCA group masters and Wedge/IEM masters to the Surface strips. These are assigned to the strips within the fader banks and across the 4 layers, either one at a time or across a range of strips. This is a quick process and changes to the strip assignments can be made on the fly during the show.
Assigning the Surface Strips SEL SEL PAFL PAFL MUTE MUTE MIX MIX To assign a Single Strip Touch the Single Assignment button. Press the SEL key on the strip you want to assign. Use the drop down menu to select the Channel Type you wish to assign. Touch the Channel Number box to highlight it and use the screen encoder to scroll to the number required. Touch Apply to accept the change. To assign a Block of Strips Touch the Block Assignment button.
Assigning the Soft Keys 8 SoftKeys to the right of the TouchScreen can be assigned to different functions to suit your application. For example, you could use them as MUTE GROUP masters, to recall Scene memories, quickly access processing or mix parameters of a certain channel or master, send a MIDI message and more.
Assigning PL Devices Allen & Heath PL remote control device may be plugged into either the MixRack or the Surface. These provide controls such as faders, rotary encoders, switches, indicators and logic GPIO which may be assigned by the user to suit the application. These controllers interface to the iLive using CAT5 cable via the RS485 based PL-Anet port. To find out more about the range of PL devices available visit the Allen & Heath web site.
The Surface ALT VIEW key The Surface fader strip LCDs normally display the channel names. Hold down the ALT VIEW key to display alternative information such as channel or socket number, or dB value. Choosing the function of the ALT VIEW key Go to the SURFACE SETUP / Alt View Setup page and use the drop down menu to select the ALT VIEW key function. DSP Channel Displays the MixRack channel number 1 to 64. dB Value Displays the value in dB associated with the current function of the associated fader.
Setting the Surface Preferences You can set user preferences for how the iLive Surface functions. Go to the SURFACE SETUP / Preferences page. Link Fader Banks Set the Surface fader banks for independent or linked layer operation across all banks. Display Parameter Values Display dB readings in the strip LCDs when the faders or encoders are moved. LCD Contrast Set the strip LCD contrast. Note: The LCD contrast is reset to ‘10’ when the firmware is updated to a new version.
Name and Colour Each Input channel, mix master and DCA master can have a 5 character name and one of 6 colours or no backlight applied. The names appear on the strip LCDs and TouchScreen pages, and the colour affects the strip LCD backlights. The LCDs form a virtual write-on strip that makes mixing with iLive a very visual and intuitive experience.
User Profiles iLive lets you set up and work with up to 8 'User Profiles'. You can set permissions and a password for each to restrict operator access to certain functions. The 'Admin' user (Administrator) has access to all functions and can set permissions and allocate passwords if required for the other users. Up to 7 guest users may be configured and activated. To set up User Profiles go to the TouchScreen UTILITY / Configuration / Edit User Profiles page. Touch a User button.
Library memories You can name, store and recall parameter settings as User libraries, or recall factory presets from the Library pane in each processing screen. Library types: PEQ GEQ Noise Gate Compressor Limiter/De-esser Full input channel processing Full mix channel processing FX emulations PL-Anet setup Touch the Library button to open up the library view. Select a Factory, User or USB item and touch Recall to recall its settings.
Scene memories iLive has 250 Scene memories. These are 'snapshots' of all or a selection of the live mixing parameters. They do not store the DSP bus configuration and user preferences. Before starting go to the SURFACE / Preferences screen and set the options to enable or disable the Scene Up/Down/Go keys, and turn on or off the Scene Editing Confirmation popup box. For the most secure operation we recommend that you disable these keys and turn on the confirmation popups. Select the SCENE screen.
Using the Edit SCENE CONTENTS page Add selected items to a 'partial' scene Add selected parameters to a Scene You can store ‘partial’ Scenes. Select items from the list in the left hand window to add to the scene. Expand and collapse the tree list using the + and – buttons. Touch the Multiple Select button to select more than one item at a time. Now touch the Add button to add the items to the Scene. If they already exist in the Scene their values will be updated.
Scene parameters The diagram below lists the items that may be selected and added to the Scene memories. It also illustrates where the different parameters exist in the signal chain. The items are arranged as a tree view. You can expand and collapse tree items, and view it by Processing type or Channel number. Note: Scenes do not include the Mix Configuration, EtherSound Configuration, and some User Preferences. Note: The Mic Preamps are not part of the Input Channel Processing.
Show memories You can archive your configuration as a Show memory. Show memories overwrite all the settings. These include all current parameters, system DSP and control configuration, all 250 Scenes and the user preferences. Shows are stored on the TouchScreen computer within the Surface and can be transferred between systems using a USB key. iLive provides two types of Show memory: Template Shows These are factory defaults to give you a quick starting point for standard applications.
Factory default Template shows Archive existing settings To archive your configuration go to the UTILITY / Configuration / Show Manager screen. Touch the Archive Show button. Type in a name using the onscreen keypad. Press Enter to archive the show. This takes a few seconds to complete. Use the + button to Expand the list of Shows currently stored. Template Shows are factory defaults that cannot be deleted.
Using TEMPLATE Shows The iLive has a fully configurable audio architecture, control layout and socket patching letting you customise the way you work. It would be a daunting task for the new user if we gave them a ‘blank canvas’ to start from scratch. Instead we have provided a set of ‘Template’ Show memories which give you a choice of classic console format to load in as a quick starting point. These emulate the familiar architecture and logical layout of well equipped analogue consoles.
USB Scene Transfer Recalling a Show completely overwrites all system settings and the system configuration. This may not be ideal in a festival situation where several guest engineers arrive with their settings stored as Shows on their USB keys. You may not want important settings such as output processing and patching overwritten. The USB Scene transfer function lets you select Scenes or 'last settings', and transfer these to Scenes within the iLive.
Working with USB data iLive can transfer its Show memories, libraries and log files between the onboard computer and an external PC or another iLive system via a USB memory key. You can also recall a show directly from the key without the need to copy it to the Surface first. Use a good quality, non-partitioned USB key. Shows are saved as xml files. USB directory structure iLive sets up its directory structure in the root directory of the key.
The UTILITY screen The UTILITY screen provides access to many setup, diagnostic and user preference functions. They are grouped into pages according to function type , for example, managing the memories and User Profiles, checking system status and diagnostics, setting up the network, or updating the operating firmware. Some of these functions may not be available if the current User Profile has functions deactivated.
Configuration page Provides access to the memory management, time setup and MIDI settings. Date / Time View the current day and clock settings for the MixRack, Surface and TouchScreen. These are stored separately and may differ, for example if you are using a different MixRack with your Surface. Touch the Setup button to change the date and time settings. Note: Accepting the changes reboots the TouchScreen computer. The operation of the Surface is not affected while the screen computer is booting.
Firmware page Lets you check the current system firmware versions and load in new firmware using a USB key. Firmware Versions Displays the current firmware versions for the TouchScreen, Surface and MixRack. They should all be the same version. If not the system would fail to connect and would prompt you to view and update its firmware during the boot up process. Note: Check the Allen & Heath web site for the latest version of iLive firmware. A download and instructions are provided.
Network page Lets you view and change the system unit names and network settings. Network Connections This page displays the names, network addresses and connection status of the devices currently connected via Ethernet to the onboard TouchScreen computer. You can change which MixRack to connect to here. Network Setup This page lets you view and edit the names and network settings of the three devices on the network, the TouchScreen, Surface and MixRack.
iLive Module options – Analogue inputs and outputs MIC/LINE Input part M-MICIN-A This is the main audio input module for the iLive system. It provides 8x high performance analogue input preamps for microphone and line level signals. The front end gain, pad and phantom power are remote controlled via the network connection from the Surface or PC. The settings may be recalled as part of the iLive system memories. CHK Yellow indicator follows the PAFL function.
Module options – Digital inputs and outputs DIGITAL INPUT part M-DIGIN-A This module provides 8 digital inputs arranged as four pairs. Each offers a choice of digital format - AES, SPDIF or optical (TOSLINK). For each pair, one format is chosen and used at a time. The selection is made using the iLive Surface or PC application channel SEL function. One of 3 yellow LED indicators lights to show which input format is selected.
Module options – Digital outputs DIGITAL MULTI OUT part M-MULTI-OUT-A This module provides 16 outputs and therefore uses two slots at the MixRack or Surface. Use the iLive OUTPUTS patch bay to map any signal to any output socket. The module presents these outputs simultaneously to a variety of different multi-channel digital formats: ADAT There are two ADAT optical light pipe outputs, each carrying 8 audio channels. Use these to connect to ADAT equipped devices such as multitrack recorders.
Module options - System iDR-64 RackExtra DSP This is the DSP mix engine, the ‘brains’ of the iLive system. The DSP (Digital Signal Processing) handles the audio signal processing such as EQ, dynamics, delays and mixing. The ‘RackExtra’ version includes additional DSP to handle up to 8 internal stereo effects ‘racks’. Note: The DSP is in the MixRack not the Surface.
Module options - System CPU module Provides the control interface to the MixRack. This module is identified as the ‘iDR RACK CPU’. It is not interchangeable with the iLive Surface CPU module. Power ON Blue LEDs display the power supply status. One or two power supply modules may be fitted to the MixRack. The second provides dual supply redundancy. 12V LAMP Plug in a standard 4-pin XLR gooseneck console lamp to illuminate the rack while plugging up in a dark environment.
MIDI Specification Scene number Input Channel number SS Hex 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 0A 0B 0C 0D 0E 0F 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 1A 1B 1C 1D 1E 1F 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 2A 2B 2C 2D 2E 2F 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 3A 3B 3C 3D 3E 3F SS Hex 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 7
Technical specification Format: Distributed dual network audio and TCP/IP control Separate DSP and control surface iLive = 4x surface sizes T Series = 2x surface sizes Up to 64x input channels Up to 8x additional stereo FX returns Up to 32x assignable mix buses 16 DCA groups iLive iDR10 up to 10x 8 channel I/O modules in (80x sockets) iLive Surface up to 4x 8 channel I/O modules in surface (32x sockets) T Series has fixed I/O connections Surface strips assignable as: Channels, mix masters, DCA masters, PAFL
iLive Digital inputs (8x channel = 4x stereo pairs): Select one of three formats per pair: AES3, SPDIF, Optical. Sample rate conversion selectable on each pair.
Audio monitoring: 2x PAFL headphone amps (MixRack and Surface) 2x sockets on surface - standard 1/4" and 3.
Weights and dimensions iLive Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth): MixRack iDR10 482mm (19”) x 400mm (15.75”) 9U x 350mm (13.8”) MixRack iDR10 flightcase 643mm (25.3”) x 730mm (28.75”) x 669mm (26.34”) MixRack iDR0 482mm (19”) x 88mm (3.46”) 2U x 310mm (12.2”) Surface iLive-80 753mm (29.6”) x 353mm (13.9”) x 707mm (27.7”) Surface iLive-112 1006mm (39.6”) x 353mm (13.9”) x 707mm (27.7”) Surface iLive-144 1206mm (47.5”) x 353mm (13.9”) x 707mm (27.7”) Surface iLive-176 1406mm (55.35”) x 353mm (13.
iPS10 PSU / iDR0 MINIRACK 643 mm / 25.3" 669 mm / 26.34" 482 mm / 19" 88 mm / 3.46" MIXRACK FLIGHT CASE 730 mm / 28.75" FRONT ALLEN HEATH 443 mm / 17.4" 142 mm / 5.6" 2U REAR 374 mm / 14.7" 310 mm / 12.2" SIDE MIXRACK IN FLIGHTCASE = 68kg / 150lb MIXRACK IN CARTON = 27kg / 60lb iPS10 = 7kg / 15lb iDR0 = 7.3kg / 16lb iPS10 IN CARTON = 8.5kg / 19lb iDR0 IN CARTON = 9.3kg / 21lb 353 mm / 13.9" iLIVE SURFACE ALLEN&HEATH Mains cord clip iLive-80 753mm / 29.
iLive-80 = 860mm / 33.9" iLive-112 = 1109mm / 43.7" iLive-144 = 1309mm / 51.5" iLive-176 = 1509mm / 59.4" SURFACE FLIGHT CASE 452 mm / 17.8" 152 mm / 6" 1017 mm / 40" ALLEN HEATH iLive SURFACE IN FLIGHTCASE = iLive-112 98kg / 216lb SURFACE IN CARTON = iLive-80 39kg / 86lb iLive-144 114kg / 251lb iLive-176 124kg / 273lb ALLEN&HEATH iDR-64 MIX ENGINE SIDE 350 mm / 13.8" FRONT 400 mm / 15.75" 9U iDR10 MIXRACK 482 mm / 19" 113 mm / 4.45" 355 mm / 14" MIXRACK WEIGHT = 26kg / 57lb 44 mm / 1.
ALLEN&HEATH iLive Reference Guide AP6526 iss.
+ - ADC GAIN USER CONTROL ACE SURFACE AUDIO ALLEN&HEATH iLive Reference Guide AP6526 iss.
ALLEN&HEATH iLive Reference Guide AP6526 iss.
Application diagrams These diagrams show how the iLive may be connected and configured to satisfy a variety of applications. Note the connection of the CAT5 cables, the setting of the audio clock source and ESB master / slave configuration. You can load the Template Show indicated as a convenient starting point for getting your system up and running. The audio socket assignments relating to this Show are illustrated. APPLICATION EXAMPLE - STANDARD SINGLE RACK SYSTEM 64 inputs, 32 mixes, 8 effects.
APPLICATION EXAMPLE - FOH / MONITOR (Analogue mic splitter) 56 inputs FOH, 48 way split. Each engineer has gain control. 2 FOH_8fx_LR Load Show iLive Each engineer has their own preamp (gain) control FOH NETWORK ESA IN A B C HEADPHONES and TALKBACK D ETHERNET CAT5 ETHERSOUND CAT5 This shows two iLive systems connected for FOH/Monitor operation using a traditional analogue mic splitter. Each engineer has independent control over their mic preamp gain settings.
APPLICATION EXAMPLE - FOH / MONITOR (Digital mic splitter) 56 inputs FOH, 48 way split. One engineer has gain control affecting both. 3 FOH_8fx_LR Load Show iLive FOH FOH engineer has control of preamp gain and phantom power NETWORK ESA IN A B C HEADPHONES and TALKBACK D ETHERNET CAT5 ETHERSOUND CAT5 This shows two iLive systems connected for FOH/Monitor operation using ESB as a digital mic splitter. The FOH engineer has control over the mic preamp gain and phantom power.
APPLICATION EXAMPLE - FOH / MONITOR (Digital mic splitter. No ESA at Monitor) 48 inputs FOH, 40 way split. One engineer has gain control affecting both. 4 FOH_8fx_LR Load Show iLive FOH FOH engineer has control of preamp gain and phantom power NETWORK ESA IN A B C HEADPHONES and TALKBACK D ETHERNET CAT5 ETHERSOUND CAT5 This is similar to Application 3 but has no audio fitted to the Monitor Surface and uses analogue connections for its PAFL and talkback. ESA is not needed for the Monitor system.
APPLICATION EXAMPLE - iDR0 WITH iLIVE AS A STAND ALONE MIXER 24 inputs, 8 outputs compact system.
APPLICATION EXAMPLE - FOH / MONITOR (iDR0 at Monitors) 64 inputs FOH, 56 way split. FOH engineer has gain control.
APPLICATION EXAMPLE - FOH / MONITOR (iDR0 at FOH) 64 inputs FOH, 56 way split. Monitor engineer has gain control.
APPLICATION EXAMPLE - FOH / MONITOR (iDR0 at FOH, No ESA on Monitor) 56 inputs FOH, 48 way split. No ESA on monitor system. Monitor engineer has gain control.
