Allen & Heath has introduced the new Chrome Edition models of its popular GLD series mixers, which add new features and FX. The new GLD Chrome consoles' firmware adds the new Auto Mic Mixing (AMM) function and many more new features to its already extensive palette of processing tools, including new, carefully designed FX and compressor emulations for the channels. Aesthetically, the Chrome Edition GLD-80 and GLD-112 mixers have been redesigned with new metallic finishes, while the AR84 and AR2412 AudioRacks now come in a black finish.
The automatic microphone mixer (AMM) can be configured to work with up to 44 microphone sources, letting the user select which inputs should be automixed without the usual restrictions of a system based on 16 channel inserts. The AMM can be set to work in two different modes: 'D-Classic' shared dynamic gain for quick setup, and 'Number of Open Microphones' (NOM) gating technology for more flexible and sophisticated automixing. The Best Mic Lock system detects crosstalk between different sources and limits the number of open microphones. The new GLD Chrome firmware includes the new and exclusive DEEP plug-in architecture, which lets the user choose between various processing units on each input and mix channel. Two new compressor models inspired by RMS-VCA designs, plus the 16T and 16VU, have been included. Built into the mixer's channel processing, the six compressor models can be selected on any of the input and mix channels on the fly, without taking up valuable FX slots or adding latency.
The new Chrome firmware 1.5 also brings a major expansion of its acclaimed built-in FX suite, including a new Stereo Tap Delay with a maximum delay time of 2.7 seconds, Split LR fractional tempo control, a Milliseconds mode and extensive Tap Tempo functions. Also included are a new Bucket Brigade delay emulation that emulates the nonlinearity of solid-state delay units, and an Echo that beautifully emulates the classic tape echo systems popularized in the '70s; a distinctive, easily recognizable sound that models the nonlinear and filtering characteristics of tape.
Some of the most notable features of the new GLD Chrome consoles are:
• Compact digital mixer with scalable remote I/O
• System configurable from 4 to 48 microphones
• Analog-style interface, very easy to use and quick to access
• dSNAKE Cat5 digital snake, up to 120 meters long
• 8.4" color touchscreen for graphical display and setup
• 20 faders, 4 layers, 80 channel strips, in a fully customizable layout
• 48 input channels into 30 assignable buses (Aux, Group, Matrix, Main, FX Send) to 20 mix outputs
• 8 RackFX stereo engines with dedicated 'short' returns with 4-band PEQ
• Full processing on all inputs, including trim, polarity, HPF, insert, gate, 4-band PEQ, compressor and delay
• Full processing on all outputs, including insert, PEQ, GEQ, compressor and delay
• Embedded deep processing plug-ins, including GEQ and compressor models • Automatic mic mixer with up to 44 mic sources • Main mix modes: LR, None (monitors), LR+M (sum), LR+M (bus), LCR
• USB stereo recording and playback
• 16 DCAs / mute groups
• Built-in talkback, RTA and signal generator
• I/O module options for FOH/monitor split, multitrack recording, iLive link and much more • MIDI In/Out ports and Ethernet network • Compatible with the ME personal mixing system
• High-end mic/line preamps with recallable 1 dB steps
• User-definable channel names and colors
• Mono wedge for the engineer and stereo IEM strips
• Soft patchbays for input, output and insert
• Quick copy, paste and reset of mixes and parameters
• Libraries, scenes and Show memories with USB transfer
• Scene filters, crossfades and automated recalls
• Quick start with Show Templates
• Password-protected user profiles
About the GLD series:
It's a scalable digital live mixing system that's cost-effective and very easy to use and is conceptually based on the successful iLive series. A standard 32-input GLD system offers 28 mic inputs via XLR connectors, while plug-and-play I/O expansion units make it very simple to expand the system's capacity up to 48 inputs (44 mic inputs via XLR connectors). GLD consoles feature a fully analog-style channel processing control section, complemented by an 8.4-inch touchscreen. Its fully customizable drag-and-drop layout makes it extremely quick to assign inputs and mixes to channel strips. It has 20 fader strips in 4 layers, each equipped with a motorized fader, a channel LCD display that can be assigned a name and color, plus a rotary control with direct access to gain, pan and aux/FX send control. The mixer's local I/O includes 4 mic/line inputs via XLR, 4 line outputs via XLR, 4 inputs via RCA, 2 RCA outputs, and digital outputs in SPDIF and AES3 formats. The console can be connected to several plug-and-play I/O racks to configure systems with 28, 36 or 44 mic inputs.
