Digidesign Mix Rack Blasts off in Europe

News

Andy Wood Mar 20 2008, 9:00am

Venues and touring companies back all-in-one digital rack

The introduction of the Digidesign Mix Rack at the recent Winter NAMM Show has had an immediate impact on both the rental and medium install market. Now available in Europe, this powerful new hardware option for the VENUE live sound environment combines all stage, local audio I/O, and DSP into a single, compact 11-space rack.

In the UK, Wigwam Acoustics ordered nine Mix Racks, which will be divided between hire stock and resale, and the company’s hire director, Chris Hill, claims that this is just the beginning.

“With all the DSP and I/O in one rack, this is a product that we expect to do really well,” Hill says. “A lot of customers will be first time users, while hire companies will note other economies, such as the ease of transport, since they can use existing multicores.”

Following its initial purchase, Wigwam ordered another six Mix Racks to boost the hire stock, and anticipate firm orders for ten more. Initial customers include the City Hall in Glasgow and a house of worship in Bradford; Wigwam also sent a Mix Rack to its partner company in Dubai (3db Audio) to complement its Digidesign D-Show Profile console.

Mike Case, Digidesign’s European live sound sales manager, is not surprised at the rapid adoption of Mix Rack, following the explosive growth of VENUE systems in the pro touring market over the past two years.

“Many users want to access the power and flexibility of VENUE but may have budget considerations, or require a more compact solution,” Case explains. “Mix Rack addresses the needs of our growing user base while bringing the unparalleled capabilities of VENUE and Pro Tools to critical new markets.

“You’re really getting a lot for your money — a high quality, state-of-the-art mixing system, including plug-ins and options for Pro Tools integration—all at a price point that will allow many more users to enjoy the benefits of the VENUE system.”

Several multiple live venue operators have been quick to jump on board, among them the Mama Group. The company has already installed a Mix Rack in one of London’s landmark venues, the newly upgraded Forum in Kentish Town, and can see huge potential to take advantage of the Pro Tools|HD recording opportunities. Luca Rosa, the Forum's technical manager is pictured with the new system.

Archie McIntosh of VMS Live, who manages Mama Group’s venue portfolio and masterminded the recent upgrade, had this to say: “Having been told that this was the future, we were really just looking for the right opportunity to use it. With Mix Rack, Digidesign has really cracked it with a user-friendly, highly affordable system.”

Looking at the wider picture, McIntosh observes, “Lots of young sound engineers today are familiar with Pro Tools — in fact, Pro Tools is second nature to a lot of people from a very young age, while the plug-ins provide added simplicity.”

When publishing the Forum’s technical rider, McIntosh likes to give band production the equipment they are familiar with. “Although this is quite cutting edge, at the same time it’s an established platform. In fact, I’m thinking of placing a sticker on the system saying, ‘Learn it or become a dinosaur’.”

VMS Live’s future use for Mix Rack will include live recordings of unsigned and indie label bands, while McIntosh says the direct connection to Pro Tools will be “perfect” for Mama Group’s next venture — fitting out the well-known Digbeth Institute in Birmingham, which it recently acquired. This will not only give the venue a 1,500–1,700 capacity main room and auxiliary performance spaces, but the ability to put in a recording studio and create a music hub.

Now available in Europe, Mix Rack is currently only being offered as part of the D-Show Profile Mix Rack System, which includes a D-Show Profile, Mix Rack, VENUEPack 3.0, video monitor mounting bracket (monitor not included), trackball mounting bracket (trackball not included), iLok USB Smart Key (pre-authorized with all factory-installed and VENUEPack 3.0 plug-ins), FOH Link cable, and all necessary software (including D-Show 2.7 software) and user guides.

digidesign.com/venue