Background and context
Allen & Heath has announced a substantial firmware update for its Avantis and Avantis Solo digital mixers, aiming to extend their use in touring, festival, and installed live sound environments.
The V2.0 release focuses on increasing core processing capacity for systems equipped with the optional dPack, while also introducing new effects, wider RF integration, and workflow refinements that target everyday use in professional audio and event production.
Avantis sits between Allen & Heath’s SQ and dLive platforms and is widely used in rental, house-of-worship, corporate, and concert applications. The V2.0 update appears designed to bring elements of the higher-end dLive processing architecture into the mid-tier console range.
Key announcement
For owners of the dPack add-on, Avantis firmware V2.0 significantly raises channel and processing counts. Input channels increase from 64 to 96, and the number of configurable mix busses grows from 42 to 56. The number of available Dyn8 dynamic processing instances also rises from 16 to 24.
The update introduces CompStortion, a new DEEP processing plug-in that emulates a well-known hardware compressor. It offers adjustable attack and release times, multiple distortion options, and additional “Smash” and “Brit” modes intended for a range of sources, from vocals and guitars to drums and mix bus applications.
V2.0 also adds support for the new RackUltra FX module. This hardware option combines FPGA and ARM processing and is designed to bring Allen & Heath’s dLive effects architecture to dPack-enabled Avantis consoles. The module provides eight dedicated RackUltra FX engines, offering reverbs, vocal processors, distortion, saturation, and harmoniser-type effects. It is available factory-fitted on new units or as a service-centre upgrade for existing consoles.
Beyond dPack-related changes, the firmware expands RF integration to include Shure’s SLX-D wireless microphone range, adding to the console’s existing support for several Shure and Sennheiser systems.
Workflow enhancements include new Smart Rotaries, which can be assigned via SoftKeys to provide contextual control of preamps, effects, Dyn8, and parametric EQ. Channel Libraries now store additional parameters and mix contributions, Dyn8 units can be ganged, and channels and busses can be unmuted even when assigned to mute groups or DCAs.
Industry impact
By lifting Avantis to 96 input channels and 56 mix busses in dPack configurations, Allen & Heath is positioning the console more firmly for larger-format events where higher channel counts are standard. This moves the mixer into scenarios that might previously have required a higher-tier system.
The RackUltra FX option brings more sophisticated onboard processing to mid-market consoles, potentially reducing the need for external plug-in servers or outboard processors on many productions. For rental companies and venues, this can simplify system design and reduce setup complexity.
Expanded RF integration is also significant for event operators who rely heavily on wireless microphones. Having SLX-D support directly in the console’s interface can streamline coordination and monitoring on busy show days.
Why this matters
For production companies, venues, and engineers already invested in Avantis, the V2.0 firmware offers a path to handle larger shows and more complex channel layouts without changing hardware. The combination of increased processing capacity, enhanced effects, and workflow tweaks is likely to appeal to teams managing festivals, multi-stage events, or dense corporate productions.
The update also continues a broader trend in live sound: bringing high-end processing, such as advanced dynamics and premium effects, into more compact and cost-conscious mixing platforms. As expectations rise for studio-quality sound at live events, these kinds of firmware-driven upgrades can extend the working life and flexibility of existing consoles.
Allen & Heath states that Avantis firmware V2.0 will be available as a free download via its resources section at allen-heath.com, with dPack and the RackUltra FX hardware available through its usual sales channels.