Allen & Heath has launched the new ME Personal Mixing System, a next
generation personal monitoring solution, universally compatible with Allen
& Heath and other pro digital mixers. Central to the ME system is the
small, easy to use and fully-customisable ME-1 personal mixer, powered and
connected via CAT5 and capable of managing up to 42 sources. The accompanying
ME-U hub enables star connection of multiple ME-1 mixers and interconnection to
other professional digital mixers via MADI, Dante or EtherSound.
ME-1 receives 40 sources via CAT5
(either mono or linked as stereo), and has a built-in ambient mic and local
stereo aux input. The mixer’s flexible grouping function enables any
combination of sources to be mixed and laid out on the surface from a simple 2
button ‘Me and Everything else’ set up to a full mix of 16 buttons, allowing
the user to control the whole mix
with just 16 or fewer keys. The configuration and up to 16 presets can
also be stored, recalled and transferred via USB key for quick set ups or
archiving.
ME-1’s
layout incorporates backlit keys, soft rotary control, separate mic and mix
levels, and an OLED display for custom channel naming (it is possible for names
to automatically load when the mixer is connected to an A&H digital
console). The mixer uses Power
Over Ethernet (POE) or can be mains powered using the included power supply. A
mounting bracket for easy attachment to mic stands and a convenient headphone
holder are also supplied. There are headphones and earpiece sockets, and a mono
output for connection to powered monitors. Two locking EtherCon connectors
allow daisy-chaining or star topology connection using the ME-U or off-the-shelf
Ethernet hubs.
The ME-U is a touring grade, 10 port PoE hub providing power and audio to
connect multiple ME-1 mixers. It comes with a standard input card to interface
with GLD, iLive ACE or Aviom A-Net, which can be replaced with a MADI, Dante or
EtherSound card to take a digital feed of up to 40 sources from third party
systems.
“Our new ME System balances sophisticated
set up and simple operation, adaptable for use on stage or in any rehearsal
room, house of worship or recording studio. We have listened to requests from
engineers and installers for tools to create a truly bespoke mix for each
artist without burning precious buses on the main mixer but at the same time we
wanted to make the performer experience as effortless as possible using just a
few simple controls. The end result should be quicker sound checks, lower sound
levels on stage and happy musicians!” comments A&H product specialist,
Nicola Beretta.
To watch an introductory video about the ME
system, please visit A&H’s YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/allenandheathUK
