The D-Show 2 software upgrade for Digidesign’s VENUE live sound environment features extended snapshot automation capabilities, improved workflows developed in response to user requests and expanded signal routing and control possibilities. The upgrade also introduces support for two new digital I/O hardware options: the Digital Stage Input (DSI) and Digital Stage Output (DSO) cards.
Snapshot Preview mode enables operators to take the D-Show console offline from the audio mix and create, modify, manage, store and view snapshots in their entirety without affecting the currently active mix—useful for building cues during a rehearsal or performance and for configuring the console for an upcoming act in a multi-band festival.
Recall Safe allows users to filter the recall of any parameter on any channel or output on a per-scene basis using “scope sets,” allowing for real-time adjustments without losing changes with a subsequent snapshot recall. Absolute and Relative Edit mode enables engineers to make changes to individual controls on the console quickly and apply those changes in an absolute or relative fashion across multiple snapshots without affecting other snapshot data.
Enhanced Propagate mode makes it easier to capture parameter changes after the fact and apply them to one or more snapshots.
Split Fader Banking and Encoder Control enable faders and encoders between the main unit and sidecar(s) to operate independently, which allows users to leave key channels available on one unit while banking channels on another. Channel Strip copy/paste allows operators to copy an entire channel or output and paste it to any desired location.
In terms of new signal routing options, operators can now drive plug-ins from direct outputs (these appear as input assignments in the Plug-in menu), which can dramatically free up the need for auxiliary effects buses by allowing the user to build numerous variable-level parallel-processing paths from a single direct output.
Stereo linking/unlinking of adjacent inputs to the matrix/PQ enables users to discretely control the left and right side of any source (including mains LR) feeding a mono matrix or stereo Personal Q™ mix.
Monitor outputs in the D-Show patchbay allow operators to patch audio digitally from the monitor (solo) bus to physical outputs, as well as to plug-ins.
Additional enhancements include easier snapshot capture, extended snapshot crossfade time, continued crossfade during recall of subsequent snapshot, visual feedback of snapshot edited status, storable and recallable input and output delay settings, non-contiguous selection of snapshots and footswitch recall of selected snapshot.
Finally, D-Show 2.0 software introduces support for Digidesign’s new Digital Stage Input (DSI) and Digital Stage Output (DSO) cards, respectively offering eight channels of digital input or output (either AES/EBU or ADAT digital optical interface standard) for the VENUE Stage Rack. These new hardware options enable a direct digital connection from VENUE to digital speaker processors, format converters, effects processors, playback and record devices, and other ancillary equipment.
The D-Show 2.0 software upgrade retails for $149. Customers must provide the serial number of their FOH Rack to qualify for the upgrade. Customers who purchased a VENUE console on or after January 1, 2006, qualify for a free upgrade.
For more information, visit Digidesign’s website at www.digidesign.com. For more new sound reinforcement products, visit mixonline.com/livesound/products/.
