Allen & Heath Avantis User Manual
Getting Started Guide
Avantis
i Before starting please check www.allen-heath.com for the latest
Avantis firmware and documentation.
AP11558 Issue 3
Avantis Getting Started Guide
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AP11558 Issue 3
Limited One Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
Allen & Heath warrants the Allen &Heath -branded hardware product and accessories contained in the
original packaging ("Allen & Heath Product”) against defects in materials and workmanship when used
in accordance with Allen & Heath's user manuals, technical specifications and other Allen & Heath
product published guidelines for a period of ONE (1) YEAR from the date of original purchase by the
end-user purchaser ("Warranty Period").
This warranty does not apply to any non-Allen & Heath branded hardware products or any software,
even if packaged or sold with Allen & Heath hardware.
Please refer to the licensing agreement accompanying the software for details of your rights with respect
to the use of software/firmware (“EULA”).
Details of the EULA, warranty policy and other useful information can be found on the Allen & Heath
website: www.allen-heath.com/legal.
Repair or replacement under the terms of the warranty does not provide right to extension or renewal of
the warranty period. Repair or direct replacement of the product under the terms of this warranty may be
fulfilled with functionally equivalent service exchange units.
This warranty is not transferable. This warranty will be the purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy and
neither Allen & Heath nor its approved service centres shall be liable for any incidental or consequential
damages or breach of any express or implied warranty of this product.
Conditions Of Warranty
The equipment has not been subject to misuse either intended or accidental, neglect, or alteration other
than as described in the User Guide or Service Manual, or approved by Allen & Heath. The warranty
does not cover fader wear and tear.
Any necessary adjustment, alteration or repair has been carried out by an authorised Allen & Heath
distributor or agent.
The defective unit is to be returned carriage prepaid to the place of purchase, an authorised Allen &
Heath distributor or agent with proof of purchase. Please discuss this with the distributor or the agent
before shipping. Units returned should be packed in the original carton to avoid transit damage.
DISCLAIMER: Allen & Heath shall not be liable for the loss of any saved/stored data in products that are
either repaired or replaced.
Check with your Allen & Heath distributor or agent for any additional warranty information which may
apply. If further assistance is required please contact Allen & Heath Ltd.
ALLEN&HEATH
Copyright © 2019 Allen & Heath. All rights reserved.
Allen & Heath Limited, Kernick Industrial Estate, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9LU, UK
Avantis Getting Started Guide
www.allen-heath.com
Avantis Getting Started Guide
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AP11558 Issue 3
IMPORTANT - Read before starting
Safety instructions
Before starting, read the Important Safety Instructions printed on the sheet supplied with the equipment.
For your own safety and that of the operator, technical crew and performers, follow all instructions and heed
all warnings printed on the sheet and on the equipment panels.
System operating firmware
The function of Avantis is determined by the firmware (operating software) that runs it. Firmware is updated
regularly as new features are added and improvements made.
i Check www.allen-heath.com for the latest version of Avantis firmware.
Software licence agreement
By using this Allen & Heath product and the software within it you agree to be bound by the terms of the
relevant End User Licence Agreement (EULA), a copy of which can be found at www.allen-
heath.com/legal. You agree to be bound by the terms of the EULA by installing, copying, or using the
software.
Further information
Please refer to the Allen & Heath website for further information, knowledgebase and technical support.
For more information on Avantis setup and mixing functions please refer to the Avantis Firmware Reference
Guide available for download at www.allen-heath.com.
i Check for the latest version of this Getting Started Guide.
You can also join our Allen & Heath Digital Community to share knowledge and information with other
Avantis users.
General precautions
•
Protect the equipment from damage through liquid or dust contamination. Cover the mixer when it
is not being used for a long period.
•
If the equipment has been stored in sub-zero temperatures allow time for it to reach normal
operating temperature before use at the venue. Recommended operating temperature is 0 to 40
degrees Celsius.
•
Avoid using the equipment in extreme heat and direct sunlight. Make sure the ventilation slots and
fans underneath the unit are not obstructed and that there is adequate air movement around the
equipment.
•
Clean the equipment with a soft brush and dry lint-free cloth. Do not use chemicals, abrasives or
solvents. Do not use lubricant or contact cleaner on the faders.
•
It is recommended that servicing is carried out only by an authorised Allen & Heath agent. Contact
details for your local distributor can be found on the Allen & Heath website. Allen & Heath do not
accept liability for damage caused by maintenance, repair or modification by unauthorised
personnel.
•
To prevent damage to the controls and cosmetics, avoid placing heavy objects on the control
Register your product
Register your product online at www.allen-heath.com/register.
surface, scratching the surface or touchscreen with sharp objects, or rough handling and vibration.
Avantis Getting Started Guide
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AP11558 Issue 3
Packed items
Check you have received the following:
•
Avantis Digital Mixing Console
•
Getting Started Guide AP11558
•
Safety Sheet
•
IEC mains lead
Contents
IMPORTANT - Read before starting .............................................................................................................. 3
Safety instructions .................................................................................................................................... 3
System operating firmware ...................................................................................................................... 3
Software licence agreement ..................................................................................................................... 3
Further information ................................................................................................................................... 3
General precautions ................................................................................................................................. 3
Register your product ............................................................................................................................... 3
Packed items ................................................................................................................................................... 4
Contents ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 5
2. Connect and power up ....................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Power Up ................................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Calibrate Touch Faders ............................................................................................................. 6
2.3 Recall a Template Show ............................................................................................................ 6
2.4 Expander Connection ................................................................................................................ 6
2.5 Power Down .............................................................................................................................. 6
3. Rear Panel .......................................................................................................................................... 7
4. Front Panel ......................................................................................................................................... 8
5. Top Panel ........................................................................................................................................... 9
5.1 Fader strip ................................................................................................................................ 10
5.2 Screens .................................................................................................................................... 11
6. Mix Basics ......................................................................................................................................... 12
6.1 Working with the Main Mix ...................................................................................................... 12
6.2 Working with Sends – Master Mix Mode ................................................................................. 13
6.3 Working with Sends – Channel Mix Mode .............................................................................. 13
6.4 Assigning and un-assigning a channel to a Mix, Group or DCA ............................................ 14
6.5 Changing between Sends on Faders and Sends on Rotaries ............................................... 14
6.6 Setting Pre/Post fader send status .......................................................................................... 14
7. Dimensions ....................................................................................................................................... 15
8. Flightcase Information ...................................................................................................................... 16
9. Technical Specifications .................................................................................................................. 17
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1. Introduction
Avantis is a 64 channel 96kHz digital mixing console providing a powerful solution for any live sound
application. Pristine audio quality is delivered at ultra-low latency, and comprehensive signal routing and
processing options are easily accessible via the dual 15.6” Full HD touchscreens.
Avantis is DEEP Processing ready, enabling the use of our world-class hardware emulations with no added
latency or need for additional hardware. Visit allen-heath.com/avantis for more information.
The integrated SLink port offers Plug’n’Play operation with the GX, DX, AB and AR ranges of remote I/O
expanders plus the DX Hub remote hub. Additionally, SLink can be used for digital split applications with a
second Avantis mixer or a dLive/SQ system.
Compatibility with the ME Personal Monitoring System allows performers to take control of their own
monitor mixes via the ME-1 and ME-500 personal mixers.
Digital audio networking cards are available to enable integration with other digital audio systems via
protocols such as gigaACE, Dante, MADI and Waves SoundGrid.
Avantis features at a glance:
•
XCVI FPGA core
•
96kHz sample rate, 96bit accumulator
•
Ultra-low latency (0.7ms)
•
64 Input Channels with full processing (filter, gate, PEQ, compressor, inserts)
•
42 configurable Mix outputs
•
DEEP Processing - embedded channel plugins
•
12 RackFX with dedicated returns
•
16 DCAs
•
Twin 15.6” Full HD capacitive touchscreens
•
Fully assignable layout
•
144 fader strips (24 faders, 6 layers) with optional dedicated master section
•
SLink port for connection to Remote I/O Expanders and the ME Personal Monitoring System
•
12 analogue XLR Inputs / 12 analogue XLR Outputs
•
1 Stereo AES In / 2 Stereo AES Out
•
2 I/O Ports, both capable of 128x128 operation at 96kHz
•
Gesture control – pinch, swipe, drag ‘n drop
•
User configurable rotary controls
•
24 assignable SoftKeys
•
Comprehensive multipoint metering with peak detection
•
USB stereo recording and playback
•
BNC Word Clock
Refer to the Allen & Heath website to learn more about Avantis.
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AP11558 Issue 3
2. Connect and power up
Remote Expander
Sample Rate
Protocol
GX4816
96kHz
GX
DX32, DX168, DX164-W, DX012, DX Hub
96kHz
DX
AR2412, AR84
48kHz
dSnake
AB168
48kHz
dSnake
2.1 Power Up
Ensure the rocker switch is in the off position. Plug in the IEC mains power lead supplied with the mixer. If
required, secure the lead by hooking it into the plastic clip using a T20 Torx to remove the fixing screw.
Power on the mixer using the rocker switch.
2.2 Calibrate Touch Faders
To calibrate the fader touch sensitivity, go to Utility / Utility / Calibration and select Calibrate Fader Touch,
select Left Bank and All and follow the onscreen instructions. Once completed, repeat this process for the
Right Bank.
2.3 Recall a Template Show
Avantis has a fully configurable audio architecture, control layout, and socket patching. We have provided
a set of Template Shows to give a choice of classic console formats to load as a quick starting point with a
familiar architecture and logical layout.
To load a Template Show go to the Utility / Memory / Show Manager screen, select one of the available
Template Shows, touch Recall and confirm.
i Recalling a Show overwrites all the system settings including the bus configuration,
control layout, current parameters, all Scenes, and Library presets. If you want to
save the current settings then first Store them as a User Show.
i For more information please refer to the Avantis Firmware Reference Guide available
for download at www.allen-heath.com.
2.4 Expander Connection
Plug a touring grade CAT5e (or higher specification) cable up to 100m long between the Remote Expander
and SLink port.
i Refer to www.allen-heath.com for cable requirements, recommendations, and a list
of CAT5 cables available to order.
Switch on the Remote Expander. The SLink 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
the correct type, plugged in correctly, and are not faulty.
The following Remote Expanders are compatible with the Avantis SLink port:
i For more information on our range of I/O expanders please visit
www.allen-heath.com/everything-io/
2.5 Power Down
The system must be powered down correctly. Navigate to Utility / Utility / System and touch the Power
Down button. Confirm the action and then turn the mixer and expanders off using their power switches.
i If the system is not powered down correctly there is a possibility recent changes
may be lost.
i If the system was not powered down as described above, then a “Not Shut Down
Correctly” screen appears the next time the system is turned on.
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