Channel Direct Out follow fader operation

[BWF]

Hi

I would like some clarification with regards to the operation of the channel Direct Out follow fader / follow all option.

When either of those options are enabled, which fader moves will actually affect the direct out level? Is it affected when adjusting the level with either mix selected on the channel itself or a bus that the channel is part of?

Unfortunately, as far as I can see, the manual does not clarify this.

Touch the drop-down menu to select the Global Direct Output Source. This
setting affects all channel Direct Outputs and can be set to Post Preamp, Post LPF,
Post Gate, Post Insert A Return, Post PEQ, Post Compressor, Post Insert B Return,
Post Delay.
⚙ Hold down Setup and touch anywhere in the Routing screen to access further
options for the Direct Out including Follow Fader, Follow Mute and Follow All
(DCA/Mutes, Ch Fader/Mute)

dLive firmware reference v1.92 pg41

[KeithJ A&H]

@BWF

‘THE’ fader is the channel send level to the main LR mix.
This is the fader referenced by pre/post fader and for any follow fader options, including the direct out.

With follow ch fader and follow ch mute on, the direct out will be affected by channel fader (send to main LR) and channel mute.
With follow all on, the direct out will affected by these and any DCA or Mute group changes which affect the channel.

Thanks,
Keith.

[BWF]

Hi Keith

Thanks for the info.

If I understand it correctly then, does that mean that if the input channel is unassigned form the main LR bus, then the fader position will have no effect on the direct out send level?

The reason I am asking, is because with an immersive audio system like the L-Acoustics L-ISA system, the input channels need to be sent to the controller directly, to be used as individual objects. In that case there is no need for bus mixing. I would think then, to be able to use the follow options, then leave the input channels assigned to the main LR bus, but just don’t route it to any output.

As a side question to this, do the FX return channels have a direct out option, or would they have to be routed to an input channel to get direct out?

[andia]

LR-assignment does not matter at all.

FX-returns can of course,as everything else, be routed to whereever they may have to.

[Jonathan]

Hi Keith! Is this a global setting?

I am thinking of using this feature for a live stream setup where I could have a DAW adjusting some EQ and compression for each channel specific to the stream, but still rely on my FOH mix moves so that the stream wouldn’t have to be fully mixed separately. But now I’m wondering if this will also ruin my Dante multitrack recordings…?

Would it be better for me to figure out some type of MIDI control using the dLive surface?

[Nicola A&H]

Jonathan, the Direct Out option is indeed global. I would recommend using the Direct Outs with follow fader for your live stream, and the Virtual Soundcheck ‘Record Send’ or tielines for Dante multitrack recording (these would be taken off the preamp, before digital trim, and regardless of Direct Out settings). That is, assuming you have enough Dante I/O to handle both sets of outputs.

[KeithJ A&H]

@Jonathan

Yes, the direct out setting is global.
There are a few other options for recording that might help though
– Virtual Soundcheck or Tie Lines would allow you to record completely clean
– If you’re not using inserts, you can route them but then switch them out to still send (but not return)
– You can double patch inputs, e.g. input sockets 1-64 to input channels 1-64 and 65-128, then use some for FOH and some for recording/streaming

As you suggest, another (more in depth) option would be to use MIDI, if you haven’t looked into this already, you can find the protocol here – https://www.allen-heath.com/content/uploads/2024/06/dLive-MIDI-Over-TCP-Protocol-V2.0.pdf

Thanks,
Keith.

[Jonathan]

Thanks guys! That’s very helpful.

[Author]

Posts