A Complete Live Sound Environment

The UMX.96 digital mixing console re-defines performance benchmarks, offering more power, control, and integration than any digital live console on the market today. With open-ended architecture and next-generation processing, it’s nothing less than an integrated live sound environment, providing end-to-end control of the signal chain - from microphone inputs to the onboard DSP for system tuning.

Yet the UMX.96 retains the ergonomics and feel of the most comfortable analog boards, with a very natural interface presenting ease of use in even the most hectic live sound situations. Highlights of this approach include 48 input channel faders as well as the unique master section, which brings together a very large 15-inch touch-sensitive color LCD display with a tactically dynamic rotary encoder that is able to change its “feel” depending on the specific parameter selected via the touch screen.

The 24-bit, 96-kHz performance is combined with expandable 56 x 44 analog I/O, with 3 × 12 system processing and open architecture that will facilitate the addition of recent cutting-edge EAW developments like Gunness Focusing™ custom loudspeaker algorithms, EAWPilot control software and U-Net digital audio. Topping it off is the first console integration of EAW Smaart, the industry standard analysis platform.

The 48 Penny+Giles™ touch-sensitive faders in the channel section are arranged in stacked rows of 24. These faders provide dedicated control of all 48 input channels simultaneously or can be assigned in master groups of 8 to specific sections, resulting in far less bank switching. The master section also incorporates 8 touch-sensitive Penny+Giles VCA faders that bring the VCAs or desired channels to the center of the mixer for convenient access.

Tri-color channel assign buttons provide at-a-glance indication of current channel assign functions for Mute Groups, VCAs, Aux/Groups, internal effects, and more. Each group of 8 channels has an associated scribble strip that displays the custom channel name and V-Pot (virtual potentiometer) information using black text on a brightly backlit white background for maximum contrast.

The 3 x 12 system processor offers EAW-designed EQ, crossover, delay and limiter algorithms, allowing multi-way loudspeaker alignment, audio distribution and zoning directly from the mixer. Further, recallable presets allow the user to optimize crossover, EQ, and alignment settings. Powerful internal hard drive memory provides virtually unlimited snapshot, venue, and preset storage.

The Smaart measurement capabilities provide instant system measurement and calibration. When selected, an input or output feeds Smaart, which in turn provides measurement data on the EQ screen of any channel post EQ in order to show the instant effects of the EQ on the signal. The user can choose to view this information in RTA or Spectrograph form. An on-board LCD SPL meter provides constant dB-SPL display from the supplied measurement mic.

The standard UMX.96 configuration includes 48 digitally controlled mic preamps with balanced TRS send and return inserts and a TRS direct output. Each input channel has a gate, compressor, and 4-band EQ with dedicated HPF and LPF. Eight stereo line inputs on dual XLR connectors feed a stereo compressor and EQ, while the 24 Aux/Groups can be individually configured as an Aux Send with variable level or as a Group. Each of these outputs feeds a 4-band EQ, compressor/limiter, and 31-band graphic EQ which can also display Smaart information for the user.

The 16 x 8 Matrix Plus is one of the largest matrix mixers found on any console in this price range, and digital patching of any input or output signal into the matrix also makes it the most flexible. The system processor outputs are typically fed by the Left, Right and Center outputs, but these offer flexible routing of any output signal to any system processor input or output leg.

The module design of the UMX.96 has been conceived with easy field serviceability in mind, and the console’s external power supply offers standard redundant operation. And as always, EAW’s renowned Application Support Group (ASG) and service department stand ready to provide complete support.

Indeed, the UMX.96 goes far beyond being “just” a superior digital console, truly bringing together mixing, processing, measurement and control within a single seamless – and intuitive – environment.