Audio
Allen & Heath Avantis Solo
Check the exact console configuration, expander protocol and audio path.
Start with the information you already have
You can start with connection photos, the event program or a preliminary diagram. You do not need a final model or patch list.
Tell us the expected voices, instruments and playback sources, and what the house, stage, remote guests and recording need to hear. If the program changes, tell us who will operate scene recalls.
We can assess rental, purchase, integration or technical support. Configuration, availability and terms are confirmed in the proposal.
Model and application
- Surface
- 12 faders
- Engine
- 96 kHz
- Local analog I/O
- 6 inputs / 6 outputs
- Expansion
- 2 optional I/O slots + SLink
- Control
- Network / Director
Identify Solo, firmware, dPack and any Ultra hardware. Verify enabled processing capacity on the unit.
Connections and required equipment
SLink connects documented remote I/O; Network serves control. Dante requires the corresponding installed option card. Identical RJ45 sockets do not establish protocol compatibility.
Prepare the system
- Save the current User Show before recalling another Show.
- Record expander models, link sequence and installed cards.
- Check link/error indication, I/O patch and one controlled audio path.
Questions and troubleshooting
The expander has a link: why is there no audio on the channel?
A physical link is only the first check.
- Verify the expander protocol and supported topology.
- Check the input assignment in I/O and compare the preamp and channel meters.
- If preamp metering responds but the assigned channel does not, compare the input crosspoint; if both respond, continue through bus/output. Verify the same source at its destination after the agreed correction; unsupported or unidentified expander chains require Allen & Heath support before rewiring.
Why do faders change monitor levels instead of the main mix?
Check the active Mix.
- Read the active Mix indication and strip function.
- Return to the intended mix before adjusting; verify assignments and send levels.
- In the intended Mix, the strips must control the expected levels. Verify one small agreed change in rehearsal, then restore it and confirm the monitor/main feeds remain correct. If the role is unclear, stop fader moves and have an experienced operator identify the active mix.
Why are expected channels or effects absent?
Check channel placement on a layer separately from the availability of a licensed feature.
- Check strip assignment, firmware and enabled add-ons.
- Compare the matching reference guide; do not load a template or install an update just to see whether it fixes the problem.
- If a channel exists but is absent from the layer, correct only the intended strip assignment. If the feature is not enabled or support is uncertain, record license, firmware and hardware for support; do not load another show to test entitlement.
Choose the next check
| Observation | Next check | What to record |
|---|---|---|
| Link without audio | Protocol and input patch | Expander, source, channel |
| Unexpected level change | Active Mix and strip mode | Selected mix |
| Missing feature | Version, add-on and layout | Enabled capability |
Precautions
- Keep control networks and audio links wired according to their documented roles.
- Shared gain and phantom changes can affect another console.
- Use the documented Power Down procedure; avoid firmware changes during operation.
Official documentation
Match the exact model, version and system before applying settings.
- Allen & Heath — Avantis platform — Product family and variants.
- Allen & Heath — Avantis Solo Getting Started Guide — Official Solo operating and connection guide.
Related help
Case 05: controlled recall between speakers
- Prepare scene order, speaker sources and destinations that must continue. Save User Show and list expected changes per step.
- Review Global Safes and per-scene Recall Filters. Protecting channel processing does not necessarily protect preamp, phantom or patch. Check actual parameters in the installed-version guide.
- Rehearse two consecutive scenes with protected outputs; check local speech, remote and recording. For an unexpected destination change, identify parameter and filter before recalling again.
Case 06: a show file does not enable dPack or change the hardware
A show can request features not enabled on the unit. Record firmware, dPack, cards and Ultra hardware if present; opening a file does not activate add-ons or install processing. Compare used sources/features with enabled capability before offering scope.
Assess scene preparation and alternatives without the add-on, or a suitable unit/configuration. Tell us the date, venue, sources and whether you already have a show file. The proposal can distinguish the mixer, expansion, licenses and operation. Do not change activation or firmware mid-event to recover an effect.
Documentation and preparation
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