Allen & Heath has announced the release of Avantis firmware V1.2, a major update delivering new features including a next-generation RTA engine, Sennheiser wireless integration and a trio of new additions to the dPack bundle of DEEP processors.
Front and centre in V1.2 is Allen & Heath’s new RTA engine, built around a comprehensive 61-band bar or line display which can be displayed behind the PEQ curve to enable swift and accurate EQ decisions. Additionally, a sonogram view is provided making it simple to identify room resonances or mix imbalances. With all RTA views also visible on iPad and Director, engineers can rely on accurate visual feedback anywhere in the venue.
The dPack bundle has been expanded to include three new DEEP processors from the flagship dLive system: Bus is modelled on a legendary hardware compressor renowned for its ability to glue together mixes; Source Expander offers quick and easy control of threshold and depth for set-and-forget operation; while Dual Threshold Expander is perfect for challenging environments where expert control is required. Additionally, the existing OptTronik compressor has been updated to include “Model B” for a new flavour of classic 2A style optical compression. Existing dPack owners receive all new dPack updates and models for free.
Avantis’ wireless integration has been extended to include Sennheiser’s 300/500, 2000 and 2050 wireless microphones, which can be monitored from both the mixer and Director. Key wireless information, including mutes, signal level and battery bars, is visible from the Bank view, with detailed information and control accessible via the Preamp page. “Following very positive feedback on the recent dLive integration, we are excited to see this expand to the stunning Avantis console” says Simon Beesley, Manager Strategic Alliances at Sennheiser. “Engineers and technicians will be able to remotely monitor and control our most successful wireless microphone series – the evolution wireless G3/G4 300 and 500 as well as 2000.” 
Source Expander, a new addition to dPack, offers quick and easy control of threshold and depth for set-and-forget operation.
The release is rounded off with multiple workflow improvements including extended functionality for the iOS apps, enhanced DCA spill functionality and new SoftKey options.
“V1.2 delivers a powerful suite of tools which minimises the need for extra devices running measurement software, external processing and wireless monitoring,” says Jack Kenyon, Avantis Product Specialist at Allen & Heath. “This gives Avantis users a quicker and smarter workflow in all live sound applications.”
