By Full Compass LiveA common distinction in the world of audio matrixDefinition:
1. (mixers) A crosspoint of controls for creating different mixes simultaneously. 2.(video) A crosspoint for switching a number of video input signals to different outputs. Also called Audio Follow Video Matrix. processors is drawn between those that are "open" architecture and units that are "fixed" architecture. One benefit of selecting an open architecture unit is the ability to design complex audio signal flows and create a system that is aligned to your audio needs without being locked into any particular system design. Of course, this flexibility comes at a cost—as you add more channels or effects or complex routing options you use up more and more of the internal processing power and will eventually hit a hard limit. With a fixed system you don’t need to be so concerned with tallying up processing power along the way through the programming phaseDefinition:
Sound waves are variations in air pressure that, like water waves, have peaks and troughs. Phase is the waveform's position in its current cycle. For example, if two versions of the same waveform are both at their peak, or at their trough, they're considered in phase. If one is at its peak and one is at its trough, they are considered out of phase. If one is at its peak and the other is at zero (between the peak and trough), then the two waveforms are 90 degrees out of phase. See also: Polarity, but what you do get power-wise is often underwhelming. What if there was a hybrid system in the middle that offered lots of flexibility and customization and power without having to worry about running out of processing along the way? Enter the Allen & Heath AHM Series.
AHM processors (AHM-16, AHM-32, AHM-64) deploy next-generation FPGA technology and a 96kHz sample rateDefinition:
The number of times per second that an analog signal is sampled prior to conversion into digital via an analog-to-digital converter. See Nyquist Frequency, Analog-to-Digital Converter., bringing Allen & Heath sound quality and sub-millisecond latencyDefinition:
The amount of delay a signal, data, sound, video, or control signal acquires within a device, system, or long-distance connection. to installation. The audio engines have the power to deliver far more processing than the usual open architecture platforms, including 8-bandDefinition:
A grouped range of frequencies, usually with a commonly used designation. PEQDefinition:
(Parametric Equalizer). See: Parametric EQ., gateDefinition:
1. (noun) An infinite ratio expander that mutes sound below a set threshold. 2. (noun) An on/off signal typically generated by a keyboard controller. Pressing down a key turns on the gate signal; releasing the key turns it off. 3. (verb) To cut a signal rapidly in and out of a signal path., compressorDefinition:
A device that reduces dynamic range by a certain ratio, and used primarily for audio signals. and delayDefinition:
A device that outputs and input signal some time later. This can be short for echo effects, longer for matching speaker stacks, or aligning sound and video. on all input channels, and 8-band PEQ, 30-band GEQDefinition:
See: Graphic Equalizer or EQ., compressor, ANCDefinition:
(Active Noise Control): Uses speakers and amplifiers to cancel out noise in industrial settings, automotive and communications. See also: ANR (Active Noise Reduction)., source selector, limiterDefinition:
A form of compressor with a ratio of infinity:1 above the threshold for both overload protection, or as a sound effect to normalize volume. Some engineers consider a compressor with a ratio of 20:1 or higher above the threshold for a limiter., and delay on all zone outputs. Importantly, there are no processing sacrifices to be made, as every process you see as an option is already being done under the hood. This is a great "have your cake and eat it, too" sort of combination.
Any audio matrix processorDefinition:
A device that modifies signals. In audio, this typically affect dynamics, frequency response, harmonics, or time. In video, processors typically affect color, intensity, and special effects. is only as good as its ecosystem since these types of devices are meant to function as audio and control hubs. To that point, an AHM system can be controlled using a range of remote controllers, GPIO, and third-party devices. With up to 96 IPDefinition:
1. IP (Internet Protocol): A digital data standard over Ethernet. 2. IP (Ingress Protection): A rating of an electrical device, such as a lighting fixture, regarding protection from foreign objects or water. 3. IP (Intellectual Property): Refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce. Intellectual Property is protected in law by, for example, patents, copyright and trademarks, etc.. remote controllers over a standard TCP/IP network, every room can enjoy local volume control, source select and presetDefinition:
1. (verb) Ability to set parameters in advance, and recall those parameter values as desired. 2. (noun) A collection of parameter values stored within a device, or externally. recall. From a single push and turn rotary PoEDefinition:
(Power over Ethernet): Voltage over Ethernet cables to power remote equipment without needing a separate power supply, up to a maximum output of 15.4 Watts. controller (IP1) up through motorized faderDefinition:
A mixer fader whose position is driven by a motor, so that the fader position can be recalled, or linked to a software mixing program or control surface. See also: Moving Fader. control surfaces (IP8), dedicatedDefinition:
Designed or used to do a specific task or set of tasks. remote controllers offer options for a wide range of applications. The AHM series even offers Touch Panels for Custom Control, the CC-7 and CC-10, a cool alternative to IP remote controllers for applications where a touchscreen interfaceDefinition:
A device that adds I/O capability to another device. Common would be a MIDI, audio or video interface for a computer. is preferred.
From an audio I/ODefinition:
(Input/Output): 1. A pair of connections that provide input(s) and output(s). 2. The connections that link a computer to devices outside the computer. standpoint, the company offers one of the widest ranges of audio expanders in the business. Their "Everything I/O" product range allows for easy expansion beyond the local analogDefinition:
A signal that is continuous in nature, as opposed to being defined as a series of discrete numbers (or elements) as found in digital signals; electrically "analogous" to an acoustical signal in the air. connections on each AHM unit—with wall/floor mount options, portable "stage box" form factors, rackmount frames, etc. up to a 48 XLR input/16 XLR output unit (GX4816). With hundreds of routable system inputs and outputs, AHM can easily cater to projects ranging from a single room to large, distributed spaces.
Rather than require system programmers to grab a Windows PC or limit users to only iOSDefinition:
Apple proprietary operating system, primarily for mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Apple Watch). Current Apple TVs run on tvOS, which is similar to, and based on, iOS. devices for control, the AHM System Manager app is available for free for macOS and Windows and the free BYOD-friendly Allen & Heath Custom Control app is iOS/Android/macOS/Windows compatibleDefinition:
Capable of operating with a particular selection of hardware or software.. Again, AHM covers all the bases and offers a fresh take on the installed matrix audio space which often leans either Mac-only or PC-only for program and control options.
I was pleased to find all the expected features like Crestron, AMX, and Extron drivers, an Event Scheduler, integrated stereoDefinition:
A two channel signal simulating a sound space, typically played through two speakers. track playback, and Automatic Mic Mixing. There were even a few bonus features that often only exist at the very high end (read: very expensive) end of this market like 96kHz Dante™Definition:
Dante™ (Digital Audio Network Through Ethernet): The audio-over-IP standard created by Audinate (layer 3). options, AECDefinition:
(Acoustic Echo Cancellation): Reduces echo between multiple locations in a conference. (Acoustic Echo Cancelling) options, and advanced x-over filterDefinition:
1. (audio) A circuit that reduces certain frequencies, e.g., a low-pass or high-pass filter for audio. See also: Equalizer. 2. (optics) reduces certain color wavelengths or polarizations., delay, limiter and PEQ controls.
All in all, AHM does seem to break new ground here in the use of FPGA processing to offer powerful processing and flexibility without having to worry about tapping out the system resources as you get fancier and more complex in your system designs. Running at 96kHz and having the ability to utilize the same acclaimed preamps that are known for outfitting some of the biggest concert tours on the sceneDefinition:
1. A subdivision of an event that may have preset settings for sound and lighting equipment. 2. A pre-programmed setting for lights, sound or mechanical device that can be recalled individually or in sequence. today is also a wonderful bonus. The AHM Series warrants a serious look if your go-to matrix brand is feeling a bit long in the tech tooth or your projects require a fresh approach.
