This lesson explains the configuration of the MixRack, the DSP ‘mix engine’. The 64 input channels may be configured as mono or stereo. This emulates the design of a traditional analogue console where a certain number of stereo channels are provided for sources such as CD and sound effects players, effects returns and audio for video. You can choose how many stereo channels you want. The 32 mix buses may be configured into a traditional and very familiar architecture of mono or stereo Groups, Auxes, Main mix and Matrix. The advantage offered by iLive is that you can choose how many of each type of mix you configure as long as the total number does not exceed 32. You can even configure the Main mix from a list of different types such as M, LR, LCR, LRSub and more. For example you may want to set the system up for FOH operation one day, and dedicated Monitor the next. The FOH configuration can include a combination of Groups, Auxes, up to 4way Main mix and a large number of Matrix feeds. On the other hand, the Monitor configuration may comprise mostly mono and stereo Auxes and no Main mix or Matrix.

Note – It is not intended that the MixRack configuration is changed ‘on the fly’ during a sound check or performance. Plan and configure this before you start your application. Changing the configuration makes big changes to the DSP architecture of the system and resets the mix parameters. iLive has plenty of buses so you should be able to configure enough in your standard setup to satisfy your most demanding application without the need to reconfigure part way through.

Note – Changing the configuration resets channel and mix parameters. If you want to keep your current settings you should save all parameters to a Scene memory first before changing the configuration. Recall this Scene to restore the parameters after the configuration change.

To access the MixRack audio configuration press the MIXRACK SETUP key below the TouchScreen. A ‘radar view’ is displayed. This provides an overview of the current system configuration, input sources and routing.

• Mixer Config page This screen lets you change the mono/stereo configuration of the input channels, and the architecture of the mix buses. Touch boxes display and let you change the number of each type of mono and stereo mix, the type of Main mix, and whether to provide processing for the engineer’s Wedge or IEM monitor outputs. Up to 30 buses may be configured as mono or stereo Groups, Auxes, FX and Main mix. 2 buses are allocated to the system PAFL monitor. Up to 32 mix outputs may be configured. These are the masters that provide full processing, including Groups, Auxes, Main mix and Matrix but excluding FX sends.
• Mixer Preferences page This page lets you set the Direct Output source globally, the global input channel preamp setting, PEQ frequency ranges and more.
• Audio Sync page Presents the options for the audio system clock source set up. Choose the source of the system digital clock sync from the drop down box list. If the MixRack is a slave getting its channel audio via Port B from a master iLive, for example in a split FOH/Monitor application, then set the source to MixRack Port B.
• Port A/B Setup Presents the status and any options available for the modules fitted into the slots available in the MixRack. A red cross indicates an error detected. The Advanced button gives a
  pop-up window that list key network parameters for the link. Port B can be fitted with one of the many options available.
• Quick Input Source Setup page Allows for the quick changeover between Local physical input channel sources and digital audio network input channel sources for a range of inputs. This
  helps when setting up consoles and switching between single system operation and linked system operation, for example sharing mic inputs using a Port B digital mic split.
• Expander Setup page This page lets you configure the range of ACE channels associated with the output sockets on xDR-16 expanders.
• Signal Generator page Provides a comprehensive tone / noise generator which can be used for checking and setting up the system. The generator settings are restored on power up and stored in the system Show memories. They are not stored in Scene memories.