DiGiCo announces v3 software update for S-Series consoles

Digico announces the release of its latest Version 3.0 software update, increasing the processing power of its small footprint S-Series consoles. Version 3.0 offers an optional software expansion that increases the channel count from 48 to 60 flexi channels and 24 flexi busses, turning S-Series consoles into an S21+ or an S31+.

V3.0 includes two new Master Buss configurations: LCR (Left Centre Right) or LRM (Left Right Mono), providing additional control on the channels over the LCR blend or the LRM Mono Gain. LCR or LRM targeted at for running an expanded speaker setup or sending out a mono mix alongside your stereo mix.

Software version 2.2 introduced OSC Control of Snapshots. Version 3.0 extends the OSC control capabilities to channel processing controls. With the ability to control many aspects of channel and buss processing including EQ and dynamics, this update reportedly adds flexibility when integrating your S series console with external remote control systems.

Version 3.0 now adds compatibility for MADI Sample Rate Conversion on the DMI-MADI-B and DMI-MADI-C. SRC allows the S21 or S31 to run at a different sample rate to connected MADI devices, providing flexibility when connecting to external MADI devices. This is commonly used for recording and virtual soundchecks, and for compatibility, both Hi-Speed and SMUX 96k MADI modes are supported.

Compatibility for DiGiCo’s Dante based DQ Rack, a compact 48 in, 24 out high-performance Stage Rack, is also included. When connected to your S Series console via a Dante64@96 DMI Card, this provides expansion for both touring and installation applications. The support of the expanding Dante Rack range with the S21 and S31 consoles is an important step and opens the consoles up to more markets and opportunities, says the company.

The S-Series now makes use of GPIO (General Purpose Inputs and Outputs), with both the S21 and S31 featuring a ¼” GPI and ¼” GPO on the back for connection to external devices. GPI can be used to fire a specific Snapshot, or to trigger the previous or next Snapshot.

GPOs are commonly used to trigger external devices with a simple contact closure. Adding a GPO message to your S-Series Snapshots provides simple integration options as the contacts can be programmed to either open or close with each Snapshot. With a Snapshot being fired you could use GPO to trigger a projector being lowered, or dim or brighten the house lights.

Finally, since channels on the S21 and S31 can be either mono or stereo, the optional software expansion allows 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 Master buss (including the new LCR and LRM configurations) and standard 10 x 8 Matrix.

Version 3.0 is free to all S-Series owners. The S21+ or S31+ channel expansion packs can be purchased now from the Digico shop at £364.00 ($495.04, €419.93 as of today).