Week 1 – CLT






Creative Live Technologies: Week 1 Tutorial


Creative Live Technologies: Week 1 Tutorial

Introduction

Welcome to Week 1 of the Creative Live Technologies module! This tutorial covers the Allen & Heath Avantis digital mixer, foundational concepts of live sound signal flow, and essential safety procedures. By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

  • Identify the Avantis console layout and functions
  • Understand basic signal flow in a live venue environment
  • Demonstrate proper safety and equipment handling practices

1. Avantis Console Layout & Functions

1.1 Overview

The Allen & Heath Avantis is a 64-channel, 42-bus digital mixing console powered by a 96kHz XCVI FPGA engine, delivering ultra-low latency of 0.7ms. It features dual 15.6-inch Full HD touchscreens with Continuity UI, seamlessly integrating physical controls and touch interaction for an intuitive mixing experience.

1.2 Key Features

  • 12 analog XLR inputs and outputs, along with AES (Stereo In, Stereo Out) for local I/O.
  • Two I/O ports supporting audio networking options like Dante, Waves, gigaACE, and MADI.
  • Support for the dPack upgrade with dLive processing capabilities, including Dyn8 dynamic EQ, multiband compression, DEEP Compressors, and Dual Stage Valve Preamp.
  • Remote Control: Compatibility with the Avantis MixPad app for wireless mixing, and the OneMix app for personal monitor control.
    Avantis MixPad
    Avantis Remote Control
    Custom Control App
  • Integration with Allen & Heath’s remote controllers and the Custom Control app for bespoke solutions.

1.3 Avantis Solo Variant

The Avantis Solo variant condenses features into a single 15.6-inch touchscreen interface, maintaining the same processing power and flexibility in a more compact form factor.

Avantis Solo Variant

2. Basic Signal Flow in a Live Venue

2.1 Why Signal Flow Matters

Signal flow is the path audio takes from the source (microphone/instrument) to the final output (speakers or monitors). A solid grasp of this prevents issues like feedback, phase cancellation, or silent channels.

2.2 Typical Audio Path

  1. Input Source: Microphones, instruments, or playback devices.
    Signal Input Path
    2. Avantis Rear Panel
  2. Console Input & Channel Strip: Preamp gain, EQ, dynamics.
  3. Aux / FX Sends: Routes signal to monitors, in-ear mixes, or effects processors.
  4. Master Bus: Final stereo or mono bus feeding the main FOH speakers.
  5. Amplifier / Powered Speakers: Delivers sound to the audience.
  6. Monitoring: Separate feeds to wedges or IEM systems for performers on stage.

2.3 Common Pitfalls

  • Feedback Loops: Occur when a mic hears its own amplified signal.
  • Overload & Clipping: Excessive gain results in distorted signals.

3. Safety & Equipment Handling

IMPORTANT: The venue of the ICMP should already be set up for use. If it is not, contact facilities to ensure everything is turned on. Under no circumstances should students attempt to turn the equipment on or off themselves.

3.1 Power-On & Power-Off Sequences

  • Power On
    1. Console First
    2. Then outboard gear (effects, wireless)
    3. Amplifiers last (or powered speakers)
  • Power Off: Reverse order: Amps off first, then outboard gear, then console.

3.2 Cable Management

  • Coil Cables Properly: Over-under coiling extends cable life.

3.3 Venue Safety

  • Know Emergency Exits: Always locate fire extinguishers and exits.
  • Keep Drinks & Food Away: Liquids can cause electrical shorts or equipment damage.
  • Heavy Lifting: Use proper technique or request help to avoid injury.

4. Practice Activities

  1. Console Familiarization: Spend 10–15 minutes exploring the Avantis fader layers, touchscreen menus, and channel processing. Label a few channels to practice naming conventions.
  2. Signal Flow Trace: Connect a microphone to Input 1 and route it to both the main L/R bus and a monitor (aux) send. Adjust gain, EQ, and monitor levels to see how each step affects the output.
  3. Safety Drill: Demonstrate correct power-on sequence (console -> outboard gear -> amps). Power off in reverse, coiling any used cables neatly afterward.
  4. Troubleshooting Exercise: Mute the channel or misroute it intentionally, then locate and fix the issue (unmute, fix gain, etc.).

5. Key Takeaways

  • Avantis Layout: Familiarity with the channel strips, touchscreen, and master section allows efficient mixing.
  • Signal Flow Mastery: Understanding the audio path helps prevent feedback, distortion, and routing errors.
  • Safety & Care: Proper equipment handling and power sequencing protect both gear and people.
  • Recommended Reading
    • Live Audio: The Art of Mixing a Show by Dave Swallow
    • The Sound Reinforcement Handbook by Gary Davis & Ralph Jones

    • 7. Homework / Next Steps

    1. Review the “Getting Started” section of the Avantis manual.
    2. Watch at least one brief tutorial on digital console operation or EQ basics.
    3. Plan a simple stage plot with 3–4 channels (vocals, guitar, bass, etc.), noting which channels go to monitors vs. FOH.

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