The umx.96 from EAW (www.eaw.com) is a 24-bit, 96kHz digital live console with expandable 56×44 analog I/O and 3×12 integrated system processor — all for a projected list price of less than $50,000. The master section has a 15-inch touch-sensitive LCD with a dynamic rotary encoder that can change its “feel” depending on the selected parameter. The channel section has 48 P&G touch-sensitive faders in stacked rows of 24 for simultaneous control of all 48 input channels or assignment in master groups of eight to specific sections. The umx.96 is the first console to fully integrate all of SIA SmaartLive's measurement capabilities for instant system measurement and calibration. Additionally, onboard EQ, crossovers, filters and limiters allow loudspeaker alignment, audio distribution and zoning to be done directly from the mixer. EAW's revolutionary new Gunness Focusing^™ technology will be incorporated through an optional processing card.

The ICONYX Series of digitally controlled column loudspeakers from Renkus-Heinz (www.renkus-heinz.com) uses advanced technology to provide intelligible speech and musical sound in highly reverberant environments. Their slender “thin-stick” vertical profile mounts flat to the wall, blending easily with both classical and contemporary architecture. Systems are available in 8, 16, 24 and 32-channel sizes to suit different needs. All are constructed from the basic IC8 8-channel module to simplify shipping and transportation. Modules easily join in the field to form larger systems. Advanced DSP software and digital amplification enable the user to define the shape and aim of the vertical beam without moving the columns from their installed position.

New from Allen & Heath (www.ilive-digital.com) is the iLive digital console. The iDR-64 mix engine holds 8-channel cards for 64 inputs and 32 outputs, which can be groups, auxes, matrixes or mains, and can be used as a stand-alone mixer. Available control surfaces have 28, 36 or 44 faders, and house four additional cards for eight assignable and eight mix inserts. Custom-color backlit displays over each fader provide good visual cueing. The selected channel section has an analog feel and is placed at eye-level alongside an LCD touchscreen.

Designed to solve audio distribution problems in a wide variety of contexts, Aviom (www.aviom.com) offers a line of second-generation A-Net Pro64 audio networking products. The products include the 6416i Analog Input Module, 6416m Mic Input Module, 6432dio Digital I/O Module, 6416o Output Module, 6488io Analog I/O Module and MH10 Merger Hub — all featuring variable sample rates up to 192 kHz, a high channel count, unlimited system expansion and cable runs of up to 500 feet.

Glyph's (www.glyphtech.com) GPM-216 Personal Monitor is a 16-channel digital mixer with two local inputs split to feed a main mixer, while being digitally mixed over standard Cat-5 cable to other units for onstage or studio monitoring. It runs on Linux, and has a built-in reverb and instrument tuner. Rear connections include inserts for the two local inputs and the mix, plus speaker outputs. The two-rackspace front panel has a large LCD, bass/treble/volume controls and 16 illuminated channel-select buttons.