Hello!
We are looking to replace our old iLve-144. We are currently looking at going with the dLive S5000. However, with the new release of the Avantis Ultra I wanted to know if the Avantis Ultra would make a better cost effective option given the increased channel/buss count and dLive effects upgrade verses the standard Avantis. Thanks!
Hello!
The S-Class is a different beast altogether. You’ve got far more channel strips, channels, mixes and so on.
Multiple surfaces can control a single mix rack.
With the S-Class, you’ve got redundancy for many critical components.
If you don’t need that, the Avantis is a great option.
I’m setting up my own redundancy there (which is still cheaper than one full “S” setup) using a full-size unit and a Solo, as well as two spare stage boxes from the previous generation. That way - just in case, once the latest show file has been loaded, the show would be up and running again relatively quickly.
BR,
HP
I can’t speak to the Advantis, but I will add that we also upgraded from an iLive system 6 months ago and have not been more pleased. It’s one of those ‘should we or shouldn’t we’ decisions. Should we have installed the dLive instead of the iLive years ago, absolutely. However by delaying, our new dLive now has included options that didn’t exist when it was 1st released, and as with any new system, a number of bugs have been resolved.
Another large factor in the decision is this… Are you comfortable to do your own installation.
When we installed the iLive, we paid for installation, which was a big deal for us then as none of on the tech team felt comfortable attempting a self install of something that expensive(and way different technology for us) and involved. The install was an entire refit of the audio system in the room including not just the board, and rack but moving the speakers from the side wall to the ceiling for balanced audio spread.
This time around after using and working with the A&H system for many years I felt way more than comfortable to do a self install as it would be just the board and mix rack. Doing this allowed our budget to get an S class surface instead of a compact unit which I think is more user friendly for our newer volunteers, and other staff that use the system during the week.
I have used both the Avantis and the Dlive systems. Our venue originally had an Avantis, but switched to the DLive system a few years ago.
The Avantis is a great system. With the new RUFX option and the Dpack expansion, it is even better than it was when we used it. However the DLive system is “better” and more flexible than the Avantis in nearly every way. I had no idea the differences were so big and numerous until we made the change. Basically the DLive gives you the flexibility to execute a show like you want (especially when it comes to scene recall filters, routing, FX, etc) while the Avantis always seems to have some built in limitations that cause inconveniences (sometimes minor, sometimes major).
Given the fact that you are use to an iLive (which has the “flagship level” flexibility that the DLive has), I would think the DLive is going to be an easier transition. The Avantis is not going to offer the same level of options, settings, and flexibility as the iLive. Long story short, if you can afford it definitely go with the DLive system. If that is simply not in the cards, an Avantis will work, but you will likely find yourself frustrated at some point due to the limitations.
Both the DLive and Avantis have the free Director software available. They both work in “offline mode” and mimic all the functionality of the consoles which means you can “play around” in the software before committing to a purchase. Go through and compare the routing, channel processing, FX, and especially the scene recall system/filters between the two systems. Make sure that whatever choice you make, it has the features that you need for your situation.