News

Digidesign Introduces Mix Rack Option for VENUE Live Sound Environment (25/1/2008)

New addition brings award-winning technology to an expanded audience

Digidesign, a division of Avid Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVID), is pleased to introduce Mix Rack, a powerful new hardware option for the Digidesign(r) VENUE systems that combines all stage, local audio I/O, and DSP processing into a single, compact 11-space rack. With its simplified and lower-priced configuration, Mix Rack is ideal for small- to mid-sized venues, houses of worship, and corporate A/V applications.

"VENUE's explosive growth in the pro touring market has led to a growing demand from professionals working in all kinds of live sound applications," said Robert Scovill, Digidesign's market manager for live sound products. "Many users want to access the power and flexibility of VENUE, but may have budget considerations or require a more compact solution. Mix Rack addresses the needs of our growing user base while bringing the unparalleled capabilities of VENUE and Pro Tools to critical new markets."

About VENUE Mix Rack

Fully compatible with both D-Show(r) and D-Show Profile(tm), Mix Rack offers the most affordable entry into the state-of-the-art VENUE family. As an alternative to the VENUE FOH Rack and Stage Rack system, Mix Rack is a one-rack solution that maintains the established hallmarks of the VENUE environment, including excellent sound quality, flexible I/O options, native TDM plug-in processing, Pro Tools(r) integration, and complete show file portability.

The base configuration comes with two Mix Engine cards (expandable to three for additional TDM plug-in processing), D-Show(r) 2.7 software, VENUEPack 3.0 plug-in bundle (see related press release), a built-in ECx Ethernet port for remote control, and a full complement of primary and ancillary audio I/O, including:

* 48 high-quality, fully recallable analog XLR mic/line inputs * 16 analog XLR line outputs (expandable to 32) * 8 analog TRS line-level I/O, assignable as discrete inputs/outputs or insert pairs * 2-track analog and digital (AES or S/PDIF) inputs and outputs * 1x1 MIDI I/O * Word Clock I/O (with active and signal present LEDs) * Com/Aux input (XLR/TRS)

A modular card slot system allows users to choose from a selection of analog or digital outputs and Aviom(r)

A-Net(r) personal monitoring options. Mix Rack supports full integration with Pro Tools via an optional HDx or FWx interface card, allowing recording and playback of up to 64 tracks with Pro Tools|HD(r), or 18 tracks with Pro Tools LE(r), respectively.

Pricing and Availability

Mix Rack is planned for release in the first quarter of 2008 as part of the D-Show Profile Mix Rack System, which offers the most affordable entry into the VENUE family at $39,995 (USD). Mix Rack is compatible with both D-Show and D-Show Profile consoles.

www.digidesign.com  

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