Hands-On with the Allen & Heath Avantis Solo: First Impressions and In-Depth Review

Hey everyone, Adam here. Today, I’m sharing my experiences using the Allen & Heath Avantis Solo console, a smaller but powerful version of the full-sized Avantis that we’ve had at our church for a while now. Thanks to a busy season filled with integration projects, I’ve had months of hands-on experience with this console, which has given me the chance to see it in various settings and workflows. Here’s what I’ve found about this compact yet versatile console.

Avantis Solo vs. Full-Sized Avantis: What’s Different?

First off, the Avantis Solo keeps all the processing power and features of the full-sized Avantis but comes in a smaller footprint. It’s equipped with 64 channels and 42 buses, which meets the needs of most churches. With 12 faders and one screen instead of two, it’s compact, easier to handle, and slightly less expensive. In terms of design and layout, switching from our Allen & Heath SQ5 to this console felt natural.

Soft Keys and Enhanced Touchscreen Experience

The soft keys on the Avantis Solo offer incredible customization. I was able to program these keys to quickly access essential controls like our wedges, which simplifies things given the smaller fader count. The Solo’s touchscreen is much larger and more responsive compared to the SQ5, making navigation faster and enhancing the overall mixing experience.

Powerful Routing for Broadcast Flexibility

Routing on the Avantis Solo shines, especially if you’re managing a broadcast mix. I’ve set up different channels, groups, and effects sends to go directly to a matrix, allowing us to customize audio for the live stream. Additionally, the DCA and ganging features let us control multiple channels at once. This is super useful for specific inputs, like drums, where I prefer linked channels for some consistency.

Detailed Layout and Mixing Workflow

The 12-fader layout works well for me, even with a larger band. I have my instruments, effects, and main vocal groups easily accessible, and if I need to dive deeper, I can use the mix button to bring up individual channels within a group. It’s a quick process once you’re used to it. Having separate layers and banks makes navigation smooth and allows me to fit everything I need within easy reach. While a few extra faders would be handy, the layout doesn’t hold back my mixing.

A Comparison with the Waves LV1 Classic

When it comes to flexibility and functionality, the Avantis Solo holds its own next to the recently launched Waves LV1 Classic. The LV1 Classic has 17 faders but no option for additional cards, which is something the Avantis Solo provides with two expansion slots. Both consoles pack a punch with 64 channels, but the choice really comes down to whether you’re in the Allen & Heath ecosystem already or looking for something Waves-exclusive.

Is the Avantis Solo Right for You?

If you’re looking for a compact console that doesn’t skimp on power and performance, the Avantis Solo is an excellent option. It’s well-suited for churches and smaller touring setups, especially those needing more routing flexibility. With added perks like a robust build, intuitive layout, and flexible routing, it’s a sound investment for those seeking quality in a manageable package.

I hope this rundown gives you a good sense of what to expect with the Avantis Solo. Let me know in the comments if you’ve used this console or if you’re considering it for your setup. And if you’re interested in finding the right fit for your needs, reach out to us at Churchfront. We’d love to help you explore options and make sure you get the best integration for your system.