DiGiCo has announced the release of the Version 3.0 software update for its compact S-Series, designed to increase processing power while offering an optional software expansion that increases the channel count from 48 to 60 flexi channels and 24 flexi buses, turning S-Series consoles into an S21+ or an S31+.
V3.0 also includes two new Master bus configurations: LCR (Left Center Right) or LRM (Left Right Mono), providing additional control on the channels over the LCR blend or the LRM Mono Gain. LCR or LRM are designed to run expanded loudspeaker setups or sending out a mono mix alongside the stereo mix.
Software version 2.2 introduced OSC control of Snapshots, and Version 3.0 extends the OSC control capabilities to channel processing controls. With the ability to control many aspects of channel and bus processing, including EQ and dynamics, this update brings an added amount of flexibility when integrating S-Series consoles with external remote control systems.
Further, Version 3.0 now adds compatibility for MADI Sample Rate Conversion on the DMI-MADI-B and DMI-MADI-C. SRC allows the S21 or S31 to run at a different sample rate to connected MADI devices, providing flexibility when connecting to external MADI devices. This is commonly used for recording and virtual soundchecks, and for maximum compatibility, both Hi-Speed and SMUX 96k MADI modes are supported.
Compatibility for DiGiCo’s Dante-based DQ-Rack, a compact 48-in, 24-out Stage Rack, is also included. When connected to an S-Series console via a DMI-DANTE64@96 card, it provides cost-effective expansion for both touring and installation applications.
In addition, the S-Series now makes use of GPIO (General Purpose Inputs and Outputs), with both the S21 and S31 featuring a 1/4-inch GPI and 1/4-inch GPO on the back for connection to external devices. GPI can be used to fire a specific Snapshot, or to trigger the previous or next Snapshot.
GPOs are commonly used to trigger external devices with a simple contact closure. Adding a GPO message to S-Series Snapshots is designed to provide more simple integration options as the contacts can be programmed to either open or close with each Snapshot. With a Snapshot being fired, users can employ a GPO to trigger a projector being lowered or dim or brighten the house lights.
Dynamic EQ is a processing feature built into the channels and provides the ability to control the amount of EQ being applied to a signal based on the level of the signal. This is often used to solve problems like the proximity effect or to de-ess a signal. Version 3.0 software adds ganging of this function across multiple channels, which can be a time-saver when mixing a lot of similar inputs that all need a similar treatment.
With version 3.0, the Ten Tap Delay effect can now be added to the Global Tap Delay, so no matter what internal delay effect is being employed, users have access to the control they need. Finally, since all channels on the S21 and S31 are flexi channels (meaning they can be either mono or stereo), the optional software expansion allows up to 120 inputs to be processed across the 60 stereo channels, and 48 output processing paths across the 24 stereo groups or auxes. It also includes the previously mentioned Master bus (including the new LCR and LRM configurations) and standard 10 x 8 Matrix.
“Our aim is to always give our consoles a long lifespan and maximize return on investment,” says DiGiCo managing director Austin Freshwater. “Our software upgrades allow our consoles to not only keep pace with what engineers need now, but anticipate what will be needed in the future, meaning your DiGiCo consoles are always a step ahead. This is exactly what we’ve done with Version 3.0 for the S-Series, which not only seriously expands the channel count of the S21 and S31, but adds some really useful features that will take the S-Series into new markets.”
