iLive AP7141 User Manual
iLive Fixed Format Systems
Getting Started Guide
Publication AP7141
This guide is intended to help the new user quickly learn to configure
and operate the fixed format iLive audio mixing system. Fixed format
and modular iLive components are fully compatible with each other
letting you mix and match any combination of MixRack and Surface
according to application and budget.
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 feature set of the iLive is determined by the firmware (operating software) that runs
it. Firmware is updated regularly as new features are added and improvements made,
and is available for download from the Allen & Heath web site. This guide relates to
Version 1.6 firmware. Some of the details shown in this guide may differ from those in
the current release of firmware. Refer to the web site for the latest version and read the
Release Notes that come with each version of firmware for further details.
Further information
For further information, refer to the iLive Reference Guide and the user guides
associated with each system component.
Refer also to the iDR MixRack Getting Started Guide AP7445 which presents further
information on the DSP architecture and Port B audio networking options.
Use the HELP MANUAL available from the iLive Surface TouchScreen UTILITY menu
and the Editor software.
Refer to the Allen & Heath web site for the latest information on iLive and additional
resources for download.
iLive Fixed Format Systems Getting Started Guide AP7141 Issue 2
Copyright © 2010 Allen & Heath. All rights reserved
ALLEN&HEATH
Manufactured in the United Kingdom by Allen & Heath Limited, Kernick Industrial Estate, Penryn,
Cornwall, TR10 9LU, UK
http://www.allen-heath.com
iLive Fixed Format Getting Started Guide 2 AP7141 iss.2
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 5
System components.............................................................................................................................. 6
T Series control layout ......................................................................................................................... 7
R Series control layout......................................................................................................................... 8
Step 1 – Connect and power up....................................................................................................... 9
ACE audio/control link between MixRack and Surface
Network settings
Booting the system up and powering down, the Status screen
Step 2 - Load a Template Show as a starting point..............................................................11
Choose your console application
Load a Template Show and choose your surface type
Identify the socket patching and connect the audio
Step 3 – A few things to know before starting ........................................................................12
Become familiar with the operating principles
Step 4 – Name and colour channels ............................................................................................14
Using the virtual write-on strip
Step 5 – Work with the channel processing
One button access to the preamp, dynamics, EQ, delay
Preamp Gain Sharing using Trims
GEQ on faders
.............................................................................15
Step 6 - Work with the mix................................................................................................................16
One button access to the assignments, pre/post settings and levels
The Routing screen
Work with the FX
DCAs and mute groups
Channel Ganging
COPY / PASTE /RESET
Step 7 – Patching signals .................................................................................................................19
Input, output and insert patching
Step 8 – Customise your configuration......................................................................................22
Change the strip layout
Change the mix bus configuration
Step 9 - Save your settings ..............................................................................................................23
The memories – User Profiles, Libraries, Scenes, Shows
System Example....................................................................................................................................26
FOH/Monitor dual system using digital mic split
Default Template Show Layout ......................................................................................................27
Format, strip layout and socket patching of the FOH_LRSub Show
iLive Fixed Format Getting Started Guide 3 AP7141 iss.2
Systems
Basic system The MixRack (mix
engine and most of the I/O) can be
positioned on stage, and the Surface
(control and local I/O) at the FOH mix
position. A single CAT5 cable up to
120m long transports control and local
audio between them using the ACE
port.
Adding more control Plug into a Network port
at the MixRack or Surface to add simultaneous
control using one or more laptops running iLive
Editor software. Use wired or plug in a router
for wireless connection. Add the assignable PL
Series devices for distributed control, for
example personal monitoring. One or more
can be daisy chained from the MixRack PL-Anet
port, or distributed via a PL-9 hub. Further
control is possible via MIDI.
Linked FOH/Monitor system Use the MixRack Port B
audio network slot to create a digital mic split between
two systems over a single cable, for example using the
ACE or EtherSound card option. Add a network link if
the two systems are to be accessed over the same
network using your laptop. The network link can be
tunnelled via the single cable ACE connection.
Operating without a Surface Leave your Surface at
home and control iLive using just your laptop for
compact or discreet mixing situations. You could add
one or more PL Series controllers if you want to assign
some physical control, for example important channels,
DCAs or master levels.
iLive Fixed Format Getting Started Guide 4 AP7141 iss.2
Introduction
The fixed format iLive is an evolution of the flagship modular iLive digital live mixing range with all the
performance and power of its bigger brother in a compact and affordable, easy to use package. It
separates the DSP mix engine from the control surface allowing the rack to be positioned on stage and
the surface at the FOH (front of house) mix position, linked by a single long distance CAT5 cable carrying
control and local FOH audio between them. The fixed format iLive Series comprises 3 sizes of rack and 3
surfaces with non-modular audio I/O giving the user a choice of system according to budget or
application. The iLive-R72 Surface can be rack mounted providing all the power of a much bigger system
in a compact package. These are also compatible with the modular rack and surface options available
within the standard iLive range, perfect for rental companies who may stock both.
Ethernet allows additional or alternative control using wired or wireless laptops running the iLive Editor
software. An audio networking slot provides the option to interface with industry standard networks such
as EtherSound or MADI, create a digital mic splitter to link FOH/Monitor systems, connect to digital
multitrack recorders, personal monitor systems and more. Further control possibilities include MIDI and
the Allen & Heath range of PL Series remote controllers. iLive is fully configurable – the 64x32 mix
architecture can be assigned as any combination of mono or stereo groups / auxes / FX / main mix / and
matrix, the surface fader strips arranged with any channel or master assigned anywhere to suit your way
of mixing, channels and masters named and coloured, physical and network sockets patched, soft keys
and PL remote devices assigned… In fact, you can design your own mixer! Settings can be stored in
various memory types, and transferred between systems or archived to computer using a USB key.
The iLive is the perfect introduction to digital mixing for new users or operators familiar with analogue
consoles. Its analogue style control interface and extensive visual feedback make it quick to learn,
reduce operator errors, and allow the fast access most important to live sound mixing.
This guide takes you through the quick first steps in learning to use iLive. A little time spent during a quiet
moment pressing buttons and navigating through the various screens should help you become familiar
with its more advanced features and capabilities. Refer also to our web site and the other user guides
and resources available for the iLive family.
Big Surface - iLive-T112 Small Surface - iLive-T80
Big MixRack - iDR-48
Rack mount Surface – iLive-R72
iLive Series
The fixed format iLive is compatible with
its bigger brother the fully modular iLive
Series. Both run the same operating
firmware and their Show data is
interchangeable meaning files can be
loaded on any system combination using a
USB key. Systems and components from
each can be interconnected via the
network.
iLive Fixed Format Getting Started Guide 5 AP7141 iss.2
Small MixRack - iDR-32
System components
The MixRack is the heart of the digital audio processing
system, housing the 64x32 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 FX returns add to the 64 input channels to allow up to 72
sources to the mix. All racks provide the full 64x32 DSP
processing and differ only in the number of Mic/Line inputs
and XLR line outputs available. The Port B option allows
digital mic splitting and system expansion from a choice of
audio networking cards.
iDR-48 Biggest rack: 48 Mic/Line inputs 8U
24 XLR line outputs
iDR-32 Mid sized rack: 32 Mic/Line inputs 6U
16 XLR line outputs
iDR-16 Smallest rack: 16 Mic/Line inputs 3U
8 XLR line outputs
The Surface is simply a network controller for the
MixRack. It has a built-in interface for local audio
which is transported to and from the MixRack via the
ACE connection along with the Ethernet control. Each
bank of faders has 4 or 6 layers providing a total of 72,
80 or 112 control strips depending on Surface size.
These strips are freely assignable as inputs, mix
masters or DCAs in any combination. The Surfaces
offer the same control, the difference being a reduced
rotary control section for the smaller models. All
processing is available using the TouchScreen.
iLive-T112 Biggest surface:
28 faders, 4 layers = 112 strips
16 local line in = 8 TRS, 4 RCA, 2 SPDIF (digital)
14 local out = 8 TRS, 2 RCA, 1 SPDIF, Monitor
iLive-T80 Mid sized surface:
20 faders, 4 layers = 80 strips
8 local line in = 4 TRS, 2 RCA, 1 SPDIF
10 local out = 4 TRS, 2 RCA, 1 SPDIF, Monitor
iLive-T80 Smallest surface:
12 faders, 6 layers = 72 strips
8 local line in = 4 TRS, 2 RCA, 1 SPDIF
10 local out = 4 TRS, 2 RCA, 1 SPDIF, Monitor
PL Series controllers A range of remote controllers
is available with assignable switches, LEDs, encoders
PL-3 PL-4
PL-10
PL-6
iLive Fixed Format Getting Started Guide 6 AP7141 iss.2
PL-5
PL-9
Hub
and faders. A PL-8 4in/4out GPIO controller is also
available. These connect to the MixRack via the PLAnet serial port using CAT5 cable and can be
configured using the Surface or laptop. The PL-9 hub
is allows star point instead of daisy chain connection.
More information on the PL Series is available on the
Allen & Heath web site.
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.
Virtual write-on strip
Name and colour
TouchScreen For status display,
system setup and memory management.
To see an alternative graphical view of
the processing for the channel or master
currently selected make sure none of the
keys below the screen is selected.
Soft Keys 8 user assignable keys
Dimmer
Talkback. Hold
down TB ASSIGN
and press the
master MIX keys
to assign.
PAFL
monitor
and SIP
Fader Banks Independent groups
of fader strips with 4 layers each.
Provides control of the Input
channel, FX return, Mix master or
DCA assigned to it.
SEL opens the channel processing
for the selected strip.
MIX presents the sends for the
selected strip on faders (or
encoders) and assignments and
pre/post settings in the strip LCD
windows.
Lamp
sockets
For future
use…
VGA port for
external monitor
(same view as
TouchScreen).
2x USB
ports.
Plug your
USB key
in here.
Copy/Paste/Reset edit keys
ASSIGN and PRE/POST access
keys for the selected mix.
While a MIX is active
Hold down ASSIGN and press
strip MIX keys to toggle the
assignments on or off.
Hold down PRE/POST and
press strip SEL keys to toggle
pre or post fade.
Hold down ROTARY SHIFT to
access the second encoder
function if it has one.
Local
PAFL
monitor
output
Assignable local audio
inputs and outputs.
Rows A, C = inputs
Rows B, D = outputs.
Balanced TRS jack
RCA phono
RCA digital (SPDIF)
Hold down ALT VIEW to
view the channel or
socket numbers in place
of the name in the LCD
:
Surface to MixRack link
ACE (audio and control over
Ethernet) CAT5 cable up to
120m (400 feet)
windows.
GEQ FADER FLIP to
present the GEQ across
the faders.
FREEZE IN LAYERS to
keep a channel visible
across all layers. Hold
down and press strip
MIX keys.
Scene GO recall
keys. These can be
disabled.
SCENE SAFES to
prevent selected
channels being
overwritten by the
memories. Hold
down SAFES and
press MIX keys to
toggle on or off.
MIDI in and out
Additional Ethernet ports
for connecting laptops
and wireless router.
IEC
mains
power
input
iLive Fixed Format Getting Started Guide 7 AP7141 iss.2
R Series Control layout
Soft Keys 8 user assignable keys
Channel Processing Select Press this
key to access the processing for the
selected channel using the
TouchScreen. Controls for the preamp,
EQ, dynamics, delay and insert setup are
presented. Use the touch controls and
screen rotary to adjust the parameters.
Copy/Paste/Reset edit keys
Hold down then press a SEL or MIX
key to copy or reset parameters.
Virtual write-on strip Name,
colour and mix status
Fader Banks Two
independent groups of fader
strips with 6 layers each.
Provides control of the Input
channel, FX return, Mix master
or DCA assigned to it.
SEL opens the channel
processing for the selected strip
in the TouchScreen.
MIX presents the sends for the
selected strip on faders (or
encoders) and assignments
and pre/post settings in the
strip LCD windows.
ASSIGN and PRE/POST access
keys for the selected mix.
While a MIX is active
Hold down ASSIGN and press
strip MIX keys to toggle the
assignments on or off. To assign
all use the master MIX key.
Hold down PRE/POST and press
strip SEL keys to toggle pre or
post fade. To assign all use the
master SEL key.
Hold down ROTARY SHIFT to
access the second encoder
TouchScreen keys When these keys are off the
screen displays system status. When these keys are
off and a strip SEL is active the screen presents the
associated channel processing. Use these keys to
access system setup and memory management.
These override the channel processing view.
Dimmer
Hold down ALT VIEW to
view the channel or
:
socket numbers instead
of name in the LCDs.
You can choose to
access GAIN using the
strip rotaries while the
key is pressed.
GEQ FADER FLIP to
present the GEQ across
the faders.
FREEZE IN LAYERS to
keep a channel visible
across all layers. Hold
down and press strip
MIX keys.
Talkback Mic Input and level trim.
Recessed switch to select 48V
phantom power.
Headphones level control
TouchScreen rotary control.
Illuminates orange when it is active.
CLEAR ALL PAFL Press once to
clear any active Input PAFL. Press
again to clear Output PAFL.
Input PAFL overrides Output PAFL.
Talkback Hold down TB ASSIGN and
press master MIX keys to assign.
Scene GO recall
keys. These are
disabled by default.
Use the SURFACE
Preferences option
to enable.
SCENE SAFES to
prevent selected
channels being
overwritten by the
memories. Hold
down SAFES and
press MIX keys to
toggle on or off.
VGA port for external
monitor (same view as
TouchScreen).
For future use…
2x USB ports.
Plug your USB key in here.
Surface to MixRack link
ACE (audio and control over
Ethernet) CAT5 cable up to
120m (400 feet)
Additional Ethernet ports for connecting
laptops and wireless router.
iLive Fixed Format Getting Started Guide 8 AP7141 iss.2
Local PAFL
monitor output
MIDI in
and out
System hard
reset jumpers
Assignable local audio inputs and outputs.
Row A = inputs. Row B = outputs.
Balanced TRS jack line level
RCA phono line level
SPDIF digital (2 channel)
IEC mains power input.
Plastic clip to secure
power cable.
Lamp socket
Step 1 – Connect and power up
The Control Surface
Connect Surface to MixRack
Plug a CAT5 cable up to 120m * (400 feet)
between the Surface and MixRack ACE ports.
An 80m drum of suitable cable is available from
Allen & Heath (part number AH7000).
Note: You only need one connection between
the Surface and MixRack. The control network
data is transported with the audio via the single
cable ACE link. You do not need a second
cable for the network link.
Note *: Maximum cable length depends on
cable type. Refer to the Allen & Heath web site
for information on recommended cables.
ACE
The Mixer
Network settings
iLive 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:
MixRack 192.168.1.1 Sub mask 255.255.255.0
Surface 192.168.1.2
TouchScreen 192168.1.3
If you use static IP addressing for your laptop we
recommend you set:
Laptop 192.168.1.10 Sub mask 255.255.255.0
Router 192.168.1.245
If the addresses or unit names have been
changed and your system fails to connect, or you
need to reset the settings, refer to the
Troubleshooting page in the TouchScreen HELP.
NETWORK
PL-ANET
IN OUT IN
Termination
Adding PL Series controllers
Use CAT5 cable to connect the MixRack PL-Anet port to
the PL device IN socket. Daisy chain OUT to the next
unit, or use a PL-9 hub for star connection. Make sure
the terminator provided is plugged into OUT of the last
device in the chain.
Note: Once connected, the PL controls need to be
configured. Settings can be saved as library items.
iLive Editor software.
Download from
www.allen-heath.com
Adding laptop control
Check that your laptop meets the system
requirements for running the iLive Editor
software. Read the Release Notes that
come with the software.
Make sure the laptop and wireless router
have network addresses compatible with
the iLive system.
Plug your laptop or wireless router network
connection into any one of the NETWORK
ports at the Surface or MixRack.
Start the iLive Editor program and connect
online.
iLive Fixed Format Getting Started Guide 9 AP7141 iss.2
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