iLive is a modular
system for live sound mixing. It separates the control surface from the audio processing rack
and allows distributed network control and audio using CAT5 cables. It has a flexible bus
architecture and assignable user interface for easy configuration to match each
application.
The MixRack is the heart of the system, the mixer itself with
a 64x32 DSP mix engine built in, Ethernet control and options for digital audio networking in
a 19” rack frame. Most of the audio is connected at the MixRack near to the sources.
The MixRack can be controlled by a Surface, just a laptop running iLive Editor
software, one or more iPads running the MixPad app, iPhones running the Tweak app, or
combinations of these.
iLive systems may be linked for two console FOH/Monitor operation using a 64 channel digital mic split between the MixRacks.
To expand the system, two MixRacks can be linked together in Dual-Rack mode to allow one Surface to control up to 128 channels. Alternatively, up to two xDR-16 expanders may be added to expand the number of mic/line input and XLR output sockets able to access the DSP.
The Surface is simply a controller that allows remote control of the MixRack. There is no DSP in the Surface. Audio is processed in the MixRack, not the Surface. However, the Surface does have I/O connections built in for local audio at the mix position. This is transported to/from the MixRack via a single cable digital 'snake'.
There are 6 versions of MixRack and 7 versions of Surface to choose from. Any Surface can work with any MixRack. Card options are available for audio networking including ACE, MADI, EtherSound, Dante, MMO (ADAT, Aviom )and more. Operating firmware and data file format is compatible throughout the range. Many system combinations are possible, from a single compact 16 mic MixRack controlled by laptop only, to large format 64 channel systems linked for FOH/Monitor/Recording with digital mic splitting, networked audio distribution and remote control using network, MIDI and Allen & Heath PL Series devices.