DiGiGrid DLS

DiGiGrid products are sold by Waves in the US and Canada. For other regions, please visit: www.digigrid.net.

StudioRack V11 is not supported in SoundGrid mode in Pro Tools HDX, HD or HD Native. The supported StudioRack V9 is available via an offline installer.

The perfect upgrade for your Pro Tools system, the DiGiGrid DLS interface is a comprehensive, all-in-one processing and networking hub. With two DigiLink ports delivering up to 64 inputs and outputs, a built-in SoundGrid DSP server and a network switch, the DLS is designed to give you more processing power by bridging Pro Tools systems with SoundGrid.

DLS works in one of two modes, I/O and SGP:

In I/O mode, the DLS is designed to act as a bridge between Pro Tools systems and the DLS's built-in DSP server. In this mode, the HD/HDX or HD Native system remains your playback engine, while the DLS appears as individual I/O units from which you can expand your studio by offloading your plugin processing to the built-in server and by connecting to additional SoundGrid I/Os.
In SGP mode, the DLS enables you to control a variety of DigiLink enabled I/Os, bridge your favorite DAW (Logic, Cubase, Nuendo, Ableton, Pro Tools Native, etc.) with SoundGrid applications and ASIO/Core Audio drivers, and offload your plugin processing to the built-in DSP server.

In both modes, you can connect additional SoundGrid-compatible components to your system with a single Cat 5e/Cat 6 Ethernet cable.

DiGiGrid DLS comes with the complete SoundGrid Studio System software (the SoundGrid Studio Application, StudioRack, and the eMotion ST mixer).

Built-in SoundGrid DSP server and network switch
Dual DigiLink ports providing up to 64 digital inputs/outputs
Bridges Pro Tools HD/HDX and HD Native systems with SoundGrid
Enables convenient and seamless use of a variety of DigiLink-compliant I/O devices with any native DAW
Compliant with the SoundGrid ASIO/Core Audio driver
Compatible with SuperRack, MultiRack, eMotion LV1, SoundGrid Studio
Connects via a single Ethernet cable (Cat 5e/Cat 6)

Please note: Using any HD interface with Pro Tools 12.6 software requires a Pro Tools DigiLink I/O license.

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Specs

Using Pro Tools HDX, HD or HD Native StudioRack SoundGrid is supported only with version 9.7. Download SoundGrid Studio and StudioRack 9.7.
StudioRack V11 is not supported in SoundGrid mode in Pro Tools HDX, HD or HD Native.
Internal SoundGrid DSP server (SoundGrid Server One equivalent – see benchmarks)
2 DigiLink ports; 64 channels in either SGP or I/O mode (32 channels per port). Compatible with the following DigiLink-enabled I/Os: Digidesign 192, Digidesign 96 (Digidesign 96i not supported), Avid HD Omni, Avid HD I/O, Apogee Symphony Marks I and II, Lynx Aurora 8, Lynx Aurora 16 (32 channel mode on DL port 1 only).
- I/O mode: DLS acts as an interface connected to HD Core, HD Accel, HDX or HD Native cards; supports Pro Tools TDM 10.x and 11.x
- SGP mode: DLS acts as a controller for DigiLink-enabled I/Os
2 operation mode switches
2 SoundGrid RJ45 Ethernet ports
1 AC input
1 Word Clock/Loop Sync I/O
1 USB port
2U rackmount
Supported sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz (176.4 and 192 kHz will be supported in the future)
Recovery switch
Clocking options: Word Clock/Loop Sync, SoundGrid (Sync over Ethernet) or DigiLink

Dimensions

Width: 48.26 cm / 19 inches
Height: 8.81 cm / 2U
Depth: 35.6 cm / 14.01 inches
Device Weight: 5 kg / 11 lbs

Package Contents

DiGiGrid DLS unit
Power cord: 1 US, 1 EU, 1 UK
Ethernet cable: Cat 5e (2 meters)
Registration card

Benchmarks

DiGiGrid DLS has a built-in SoundGrid DSP server that provides unequaled offload capabilities.

The table below indicates the number of plugins that can be inserted into StudioRacks and loaded to the SoundGrid servers inside our DiGiGrid DLS interface before the system fails to play audio fluently (clicks, dropouts, corruption).

	DiGiGrid DLS (StudioRack – v9.7.90.10)
Plugin	44.1kHz	96kHz
API 2500 (Mono)	369	123
API 550 (Mono)	512	250
API 560 (Mono)	68	55
AudioTrack(Mono)	512	359
C6 Multiband Compressor (Mono)	126	57
CLA-2A Compressor / Limiter(Mono)	244	91
CLA-3A Compressor / Limiter(Mono)	256	88
CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter(Mono)	512	182
dbx® 160 Compressor / Limiter (Mono)	55	59
DeEsser(Mono)	512	448
Dorrough Stereo (Stereo)	256	256
H-Comp Hybrid Compressor(Mono)	512	228
H-Delay Hybrid Delay(Mono)	328	101
H-EQ Hybrid Equalizer(Mono)	101	98
H-Reverb Hybrid Reverb* (Stereo)	10	7
IR1 Convolution Reverb*(Stereo)	56	16
IR-Live Convolution Reverb*(Stereo)	50	28
InPhase**(Mono)	512	246
J37 Tape(Mono)	50	52
Kramer HLS Channel(Mono)	142	58
Kramer Master Tape(Mono)	64	34
L2 Ultramaximizer(Mono)	456	187
LoAir(Mono)	350	130
MaxxVolume(Mono)	512	256
NLS Non-Linear Summer(Mono)	268	108
PuigChild Compressor(Mono)	254	102
PuigTec EQP1A(Mono)	186	72
REDD 17(Mono)	80	38
Renaissance Bass(Mono)	403	185
Renaissance Channel(Mono)	393	192
Renaissance Compressor(Mono)	512	428
Renaissance Equalizer (REQ6)(Mono)	512	512
Renaissance Reverb(Stereo)	111	37
Renaissance Vox(Mono)	512	460
Scheps 73(Mono)	110	92
SSL E-Channel(Mono)	512	165
SSL G-Channel(Mono)	482	173
SSL G-Equalizer(Mono)	512	296
SSL G-Master Buss Comp(Mono)	464	185
TG 12345(Mono)	38	39
TransX Multi(Mono)	286	122
TransX Wide(Mono)	512	438
Vitamin Sonic Enhancer(Mono)	176	75

The maximum number of plugins that can be tested given system limitations is 512 mono or 256 stereo (64 or 32 StudioRacks, respectively). Plugin benchmark results may vary slightly from one system setup to another. While most plugins perform most efficiently at 44.1 kHz, a few perform as or even more efficiently at 96 kHz thanks to their upsampling or to algorithms that do not depend on sample rates.

* Plugin's peak DSP usage level is much higher than its average level. Make sure to monitor peak levels on the DSP meter in the eMotion ST mixer.

** Plugin introduces high latency. Click here for a latency chart of all Waves plugins.

Comparison with Avid HDX

The benchmarks below illustrate the processing power of the DLS’s built-in SoundGrid DSP server compared with Avid HDX.

Plugin	DiGiGrid DLS	Avid HDX
Waves SSL G-Channel mono instances @ 44.1 kHz	Over 400	Less than 160
Waves SSL G-Channel mono instances @ 96 kHz	Over 170	Less than 70

Comparison with UAD Apollo

The benchmarks below illustrate the processing power of DiGiGrid DLS’s built-in SoundGrid DSP server, compared with Universal Audio’s UAD-2 quad core DSP card. UAD benchmarks are taken from UAD’s website. The numbers in the chart refer to mono instances @ 44.1 kHz.

Waves Plugin	DiGiGrid DLS	UAD Plugin	Apollo (UAD-2 QUAD)
API 550	512	API 550A EQ	52
API 560	68	API 560 EQ	40
CLA-2A Compressor/Limiter	244	Teletronix LA-2A Gray/Silver	24
CLA-76 Compressor/Limiter	512	UA 1176 Rev A/Rev E/AE	28–32
InPhase	512	Little Labs IBP Phase Alignment Tool	116
Kramer Master Tape	64	Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder	20
PuigTec EQP1A	186	Pultec EQP-1A (Passive EQ Collection)	52
Scheps 73	110	Neve 1073 (Preamp and EQ)	8
SSL E-Channel	512	SSL E Channel Strip	68
SSL G-Master Buss Comp	464	SSL G Bus Compressor	140

Apr 28, 2015

Behind the DiGiGrid DLS Audio Interface for Pro Tools

Read this Sonic Scoop interview with Waves VP Mick Olesh for an inside look at DiGiGrid DLS, an audio interface that lets Pro Tools users connect to the Waves SoundGrid system in the studio and live.

Jack Joseph Puig Producer, Mixer, Engineer

U2, The Black Eyed Peas, Beck, Lady Gaga

“Sessions have become larger in size, and almost everyone is using higher sampling rates. If you also include virtual instruments, the CPU starts reaching its capacity. DiGiGrid DLS helps me solve this issue. It lets me create with as many plugins as I need to use. DiGiGrid has saved me more than once from running out of processing power, and the DLS enables me to create away without a worry.”

Billy Bush Producer, Studio and Mixing Engineer

Garbage, Jake Bugg, Boxer Rebellion

“I’m always looking for more processing power, and I’ve always believed that a DSP server is the way to go when you are recording into a plugin-heavy session. By giving me all the processing power I need, DiGiGrid DLS helps me create an interesting sound that people can react and play to.

“The one thing I was truly surprised about was the system’s networking ability. Since we have multiple computers running a number of different DAWs at any given time, being able to route them via Ethernet through the DiGiGrid DLS interface to the main Pro Tools session is such a timesaver. No more USB keys or emailing .wav files – I can instantly open up eight channels from one system, and we can audition what is happening on another rig right in the session.”

Joe West Songwriter, Producer, Engineer, Performer

Joey + Rory, Keith Urban, Emmylou Harris, Justin Timberlake

“The fact that I can track as many musicians as I want in my barn, all at the same time, all locked together in one pocket – and on top of that, sounding like a finished record with hundreds of plugins running in real time – is absolutely priceless. If this were the only thing DiGiGrid DLS did, I’d have to have it!

I also love the fact that the DLS transitions effortlessly from my studio Pro Tools HDX system to my portable rig, where it serves as my playback engine. I love the connectivity that it brings to my creative world: anyone with an Ethernet connection can join in and have a digital portal into my sessions while writing, recording or mixing! From a workflow perspective, the DLS enables me to template entire plugin chains with just one click! And I am especially impressed with its speed: the DLS has super-low latency, which allows me to capture inspired moments.”

Studio: One Computer, DSP Server, Pro Tools HDX

You may have a Pro Tools HDX system and want to take advantage of the extra power of a SoundGrid network, with real-time plugins processing and access to multiple I/O devices across the network.

Pro Tools HDX system
Avid I/O hardware (96, 192, OMNI, etc.)
SoundGrid network with one or more Native DAWs
DiGiGrid DLS (or DiGiGrid DLI + SoundGrid server)

*Some DigiLink-compatible I/Os cannot connect to the DLI/DLS via their secondary DigiLink port.

HDX Advanced Mixing Room

Pro Tools HDX 2 system (2 HDX PCI cards)
4 Avid HD I/Os (96, 192, Omni, etc.)
DiGiGrid DLS (with built-in SoundGrid DSP server)

This very powerful mixing system utilizes 2 HDX cards and 4 I/O interfaces for analog hardware processors and mixing desks.

By adding the DiGiGrid DLS and SoundGrid Studio System, you enhance your mixing system with additional 64 StudioRacks, each containing up to 8 plugins that are processed on the built-in SoundGrid DSP server. That's an addition of hundreds of plugins that are available for real-time mixing.

*Some DigiLink-compatible I/Os cannot connect to the DLI/DLS via their secondary DigiLink port.

HD 3 Professional Mixing Room

Pro Tools HD 3 system (3 HD PCI cards)
2 Avid HD I/Os (96, 192, Omni, etc.)
DiGiGrid DLS (with built-in SoundGrid DSP server)

This popular professional mixing system utilizes 3 HD cards and 2 I/O interfaces for analog hardware processors and mixing desks.
By adding the DiGiGrid DLS and SoundGrid Studio System, you enhance your mixing system with additional 64 StudioRacks, each containing up to 8 plugins that are processed on the built-in SoundGrid DSP server. That's an addition of hundreds of plugins that are available for real-time mixing.

*Some DigiLink-compatible I/Os cannot connect to the DLI/DLS via their secondary DigiLink port.

Studio: One Computer, DSP Server, Pro Tools HD System with DiGiGrid DLS

Bridging Pro Tools HD with SoundGrid – DiGiGrid DLS in I/O mode

Studio: One Computer, DSP Server, Pro Tools HD System with DiGiGrid DLS

Your solution when you have a Pro Tools HD system and want to take advantage of the extra power of a SoundGrid network, with access to multiple I/O devices across the network, low-latency recording and monitoring, extra plugin power, and more.

Pro Tools HD system
Avid I/O hardware (96, 192, etc.)
SoundGrid network with one or more Native DAWs
DiGiGrid DLS (or DiGiGrid DLI + SoundGrid server)

*Some DigiLink-compatible I/Os cannot connect to the DLI/DLS via their secondary DigiLink port.

Studio: One Computer, DSP Server, Pro Tools HD Native System with DiGiGrid DLS

Bridging Pro Tools HD Native with SoundGrid – DiGiGrid DLS in I/O mode

Studio: One Computer, DSP Server, Pro Tools HD Native System with DiGiGrid DLS

You have a Pro Tools HD Native system and you want to add the processing power. Using DiGiGrid DLS with its built-in SoundGrid DSP server along with the SoundGrid Studio System, you can get more processing power for plugins and access multiple I/O devices across the network.

Pro Tools HD Native system
Avid I/O hardware (96, 192, OMNI, etc.)
SoundGrid network with one or more Native DAWs
DiGiGrid DLS (or DiGiGrid DLI + SoundGrid server)

*Some DigiLink-compatible I/Os cannot connect to the DLI/DLS via their secondary DigiLink port.

Large-Facility Pro Tools HDX Mixing Room with Multiple I/Os, a Secondary DAW Computer, and a MADI-Enabled Device

Bridging Pro Tools with SoundGrid – DiGIGrid DLI and DLS in I/O mode – Multiple Studios

Studio: One Computer, DSP Server, Pro Tools HD Native System with DiGiGrid DLS

This configuration adds efficiency to large multifaceted mixing environments.

In this configuration, a SoundGrid network delivers flexibility to a control room equipped with a large Pro Tools HDX system. DiGiGrid DLI and DLS interfaces together provide 112 I/O channels to the HDX system, and the DLS provides a SoundGrid DSP server for plugin processing. An Avid Omni is the I/O for control room mixes.

All these devices are joined via DigiLink and clocked with Sync Lock. Everything else in the network is connected with Ethernet cables.

A DiGiGrid IOX supplies analog inputs with award-winning preamps, plus 4 separate headphone outs. This serves a voice-over booth, a broadcast stage, a live room, and more.

A secondary DAW system can be a backup recorder, an editing room DAW, and a recording station for the voice-over booth. Its DiGiGrid IOC provides many channels of I/O, which can be allocated to the main DAW.

A DiGiGrid MGB/MGO interface connects this network to a MADI source, for instance a console or a MADI distribution system. Audio can be routed to the main or secondary systems.

Inventory

Pro Tools HDX 2 system
Avid HD I/O (96, 192, Omni, etc.)
Secondary host computer with a Native DAW
DiGiGrid DLS
DigiGrid DLI
DiGiGrid IOX
DiGiGrid IOC
DiGiGrid MGB/MGO
1 GB network switch

*Some DigiLink-compatible I/Os cannot connect to the DLI/DLS via their secondary DigiLink port.

Integrating Avid Hardware Devices with Any DAW

Native DAW with a DiGiGrid IOS I/O and SoundGrid Server Interface

You may have some older or unused Avid I/O devices. You can add these devices to a SoundGrid network in order to pick up extra I/O and A/D/A capacity.

In this configuration, a DLS I/O and server is the bridge connecting these interfaces to the SoundGrid network. Avid hardware is used for I/O and A/D/A conversion, while processing takes place on the server.

DigiLink-enabled I/O hardware (96, 192, OMNI, Symphony, etc.)
SoundGrid network with one or more native DAWs
DLI/DLS interface

The DigiLink-enabled I/O will not appear in the DAW hardware device menu. Instead, you will see the SoundGrid ASIO/Core Audio driver. Patching of I/O channels and driver channels is done through the SoundGrid Studio Application. You can control the DigiLink-compatible I/O parameters using the DLS Control Panel which is accessible via the SoundGrid Studio Setup page.

Integrating Multiple Avid Hardware Devices with the SoundGrid Studio System Using Any DAW

DiGiGrid DLS in SGP Mode with Multiple DigiLink Interfaces – No PCI Card

Integrating Multiple Avid Hardware Devices with the SoundGrid Studio System Using Any DAW

You may have some older or unused Avid I/O devices. You can add these devices to a SoundGrid network in order to pick up extra I/O and A/D/A capacity.

In this configuration, DiGiGrid DLS I/O is the bridge connecting Pro Tools HD to the SoundGrid network. Avid hardware is used for I/O and A/D/A conversion, but processing takes place on the DLS’s built-in server. Now you can also add additional DiGiGrid I/O interfaces if necessary.

4 Avid I/O units (96, 192, OMNI, etc.)
SoundGrid network with one or more native DAWs
DiGiGrid DLS (or DiGiGrid DLI + SoundGrid DSP server)