The Allen & Heath PRIME Input is a premium 8-channel preamp that designed for audio professionals looking to get the highest levels of audio performance from their dLive, Avantis, or SQ digital mixers.
The PRIME Input Module is installed into a DX32 expansion chassis and utilizes the very latest converter technology and ultra-linear components, which exploits the full potential of Allen & Heath's 96 kHz XCVI FPGA core, delivering next-level audio quality for live, broadcast, and studio applications.
At a Glance
- Next-generation preamp design with DC coupled gain stage
- Use with DX32 for SQ, dLive, and Avantis
- Each individual channel is fine-tuned by hand for optimum common mode performance
- Meticulous design of grounding and power supply to minimize noise and distortion
- Full metal shielding for increased RF rejection throughout
- The very latest 32-bit / 96 kHz ADC for class-leading conversion
- 4 channels of summed ADC per input for extended Dynamic Range and increased SNR
- Optimized for use with the 96 kHz XCVI FPGA core
PRIME Input Technology
- With an ultra-flat frequency response from 1 Hz all the way up to 40 kHz, and an incredibly fast slew rate, PRIME delivers detailed and articulate audio to the mix engine at the highest possible resolution with breath-taking transient response, and full-range linearity.
- While most preamps are based on AC coupled stages, PRIME has a DC coupled gain stage, which eliminates the LF distortion typical of AC coupling, vastly improving low frequency linearity and phase response. This unique design calls for painstaking component choice and layout in addition to intensive per channel component trimming during commissioning.
Ultra-Linear Design and Components
- Because linearity was paramount in the design process, our design team made several innovations to improve high input level handling. A super-matched low-noise quad-transistor package on the front end dramatically reduces thermally induced very low frequency anomalies.
- Audiophile grade Nichicon FG (Fine Gold) electrolytic capacitors—manufactured using state of the art etching techniques—have been utilized in the signal path.
- Naturally, PRIME employs the very latest 32-bit / 96 kHz analogue-to-digital converters, but more importantly, the design team used several devices in parallel on each channel to reduce distortion and optimize noise and dynamic range. 8 channels of analogue-to-digital conversion are employed for every pair of input channels yielding increased headroom and superior SNR compared to standard AD implementations.
- The ADC system can also be user configured for anti-aliasing roll-off characteristics: either fast or slow roll-off and ultra-low latency delay, the sound engineer can pick optimal settings for particular applications or music.
- To further preserve signal integrity, the PRIME circuitry is encased in full metal shielding for increased RF rejection throughout the signal path.
- Finally, before a PRIME Input module leaves the factory, each unit has its individual preamps trimmed by hand to meet the exacting requirements for feedback path and common mode rejection.
Compatibility
Any combination of PRIME Input and Output cards can be installed in a DX32 modular expander. PRIME modules can also be mixed with existing analog and digital DX32 I/O modules.
Maximum PRIME I/O in fully expanded dLive and SQ systems:
- dLive S Class: 92 PRIME I/O modules
- dLive C Class: 44 PRIME I/O modules
- Avantis: 48 PRIME I/O modules
- SQ: 32 PRIME I/O modules