Allen & Heath Launches Avantis

Allen & Heath has revealed a new 96kHz digital mixer, Avantis, the third to be based on the company’s XCVI FPGA engine. Avantis is a 64 channel/42 configurable bus console, with twin Full HD touchscreens, extensive I/O options and processing from the company’s flagship dLive mixing system.

Encased in its alloy shell and tubular frame, the Avantis control surface is centred on the two 15.6” touchscreens and their corresponding rotary controls. The two screens have unlocked a new seamless workflow across physical controls and on-screen software that Allen & Heath has called Continuity UI.

Gains and pans can be worked on rotaries, then at the touch of a soft key switch to EQ or dynamics across the whole strip. The console also provides a highly configurable FastGrab tab on the right-hand side of each screen, offering another way to quickly and easily access control of aux sends, EQ, compressor and FX on the currently selected channel or spot channel. The ultimate aim of Continuity UI is to enable engineers to decide how they’d like to work.

While many users will choose to pair Avantis with the 48 in/16 out GX4816 audio expander, Avantis is part of Allen & Heath’s Everything I/O ecosystem, which means whether you’re an owner/operator looking to build a compact system, or a rental company with existing Allen & Heath stock, Avantis allows true flexibility by connecting to a huge range of audio expander hardware. Avantis is also compatible with Allen & Heath’s range of ME Personal Mixers and IP hardware remote controllers.

For local I/O, Avantis is well equipped with 12 XLR analogue inputs, 12 XLR analogue outputs, plus AES. Two additional I/O Ports accommodate the full range of current dLive option cards, including Dante (64×64 and 128×128), Waves, gigaACE, MADI and more, expanding the scope for system integration, FoH / monitor splits and multitrack recording.

Avantis is loaded with processing tools designed to meet the demands of most users and applications, including compressors, EQs and Allen & Heath’s acclaimed RackExtra FX units (12 slots). Upgrading to dPack expands Avantis further with additional dLive processing including the Dyn8 dynamics engine (up to 16 instances), DEEP Compressors, and the Dual-Stage Valve preamp.

Avantis surfaces will retail for $19,999 with the GX4816 audio expander $6,999. Allen & Heath is distributed in Australia by Technical Audio Group, 43-53 Bridge Road, Stanmore, NSW, 2048.  Ph. (02) 9519 0900.  info@tag.com.au  www.tag.com.au  www.allen-heath.com