As AV system designers we are always looking for “the perfect product”. Something versatile, powerful, intuitive, and budget friendly. Something that we can deploy across various applications from lecture theatres to church’s, tourist attractions to meeting rooms. Having a go-to product for multiple applications not only introduces consistency across our installations but it reduces time with labour costs as our integrators and commissioning engineers are familiar and therefore faster in completing an install.
With Allen and Heaths latest matrix mixer AHM, all of the above applies. It comes in three models a 16×16, 32×32 and 64×64 with various quantities of local IO, a full suite of additional scalable IO and a variety of control protocols to suit the needs of just about any installation type. This allows us to quickly build a system that is perfectly tailored to the space rather then a system where the client must accept compromises and limitations.
Another note is the impressive audio processors with their next generation FPGA technology and 96kHz sample rate, bringing a fantastic transparent sound at ultra low latency of less than 1 millisecond. The level of processing available is also unprecedented from a unit of this size and price point with 8-band PEQ, gate, compressor and delay on all input channels, and 8-band PEQ, 30-band GEQ, compressor, ANC (ambient noise compensation), source selector, limiter and delay on all zone outputs.
At TruCru we have had the chance to put this powerful product through its paces multiple times since its release in 2020 with future installations already in the pipeline.
How have we used AHM?
Our first outing with AHM was at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall where we used the AHM-64, maxing out the local inputs and outputs as well as integrating it with a dante network via the optional dante card. This gave us the ability to add more flexible IO for the client while keeping the signal flow for some units, such as the Sennheiser receiver, in the digital domain. We also took full advantage of the ability for third party control of the device using the Kramer Control Platform.
Read more about our install at the NMMC
We have also deployed the AHM as a system processor at Holy Trinity Church St Austell. This was a church that needed the flexibility to have a simple setup made up of a small selection of radio mics and band inputs for very simple operation. Controlled via an IP-6 controller with scene recall of different configurations based on the service. When they need control of a full band they plug in their QU-24 which also receives the radio mics from the ahm as direct outputs, so the engineer still has control of the simple system inputs. From the AHM we also have DSP for all the system outputs, such as main L+R speakers, subs, fill speakers, delay speakers, sub room relays and hearing loop.
Most recently we have also used the AHM for a background music system at The Eden Project for their Ice Rink. The system utilises a IP-1 for the stewards to have quick and easy control of the music level but then the ability to trigger a page microphone for announcements. For this install we opted for the AHM-16 as there are programable buttons on the front panel allowing for two different points of level control. The unit also acted as the system processor for Eden’s own CDD speakers.
Overall we have been really impressed with the AHM and you will continue to see them on our AV system designs.
Contact us today to hear how we can help you with your next install.
