DiGiCo have just released a major update to their small footprint S-Series consoles. Version 3.0 of the S-Series software is free to all S-Series owners, and an optional software expansion can now be purchased that substantially increases the channel count from 48 to 60 Flexi Channels and 24 Flexi Busses, transforming S-Series consoles into an S21+ or S31+.
“Our aim is to always give our consoles a long lifespan and maximise return on investment,” says 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 S-Series into new markets.”
Contributing to a dramatic increase in processing power for the S21 and S31, V3.0 includes two new Master Buss configurations: LCR (Left Centre Right: Ideal for running an expanded speaker setup) or LRM (Left Right Mono: Ideal for sending out a mono mix alongside a stereo mix). Impressively, increasing the Master Buss size has not come at any price with regards to processing power, as all busses and channels are unaffected and remain accessible.
Version 3.0 extends the OSC Control of Snapshots, previously introduced in version 2.2, with the ability to control many aspects of channel and buss processing, including dynamics and EQ. This update offers a substantial amount of flexibility when integrating external remote control systems with an S-Series console.
Compatibility with MADI Sample Rate Conversion on the DMI-MADI-B and DMI-MADI-C cards has been added, allowing S-Series consoles to run at separate sample rate to connected MADI devices. Commonly used for virtual soundchecks and recording applications, SRC provides additional flexibility when interacting with external MADI devices. For maximum compatibility, both SMUX 96k MADI and Hi-Speed MADI modes are supported.
Version 3.0 also adds compatibly with DiGiCo’s DQ Rack, a compact 48-in / 24-out high-performance DANTE Stage Rack, when connected to either an S21 or S31 console with a Dante64@96 DMI Card. As DANTE is commonly used for fixed AV installations, support for an expanded DANTE Rack range is an important step in offering the S-Series as an ideal solution across more of the installer and integrator markets.
The update allows S-Series consoles the use of GPIO (General Purpose Inputs and Outputs), with both the S21 and S31 featuring a ¼” GPI and ¼” GPO for connection to external devices on the rear of the console. Commonly used to trigger or receive from external devices with a simple contact closure, GPIO capabilities allow for simple yet powerful integration options. GP-Inputs can be used to fire a specific Snapshot, or to trigger the previous or next Snapshot. GP-Outputs can be configured to close or open contacts with each Snapshot- allowing GPO to trigger actions (like a projector being lowered, or dim or brighten house lights etc) when a Snapshot is fired.
Version 3.0 software adds ganging of Dynamic EQ across multiple channels, ideal for saving time when mixing a high number of inputs that all require a similar treatment. The update also allows for the ‘Ten Tap Delay’ effect to be added to the Global Tap Delay feature, ensuring all delay effects can now be globally addressed.
As all channels are on the S-Series consoles can be either mono or stereo (‘Flexi Channels’), DiGiCo’s optional software expansion allows for 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 new Master Buss configurations and the console’s standard 10 x 8 Matrix.
Version 3.0 is free to all S-Series owners and is available here.
To purchase the channel expansion pack, visit the online DiGiCo Shop.
