The next stage in live sound
When it comes to live sound mixing, Avid VENUE | S6L stands out as a top contender, trusted by touring professionals and accessible for newcomers alike.
Since its debut over a decade ago, the Avid VENUE platform has been a staple in the world of live sound, powering tours, festivals, and concert venues with the trusted Profile, SC48, and D-Show consoles. The console raises the bar with a next-generation, modular live sound system that blends familiar workflows with cutting-edge performance.
Designed to meet the demands of today’s most complex touring productions, the S6L features a powerful three-part architecture, high channel counts, and advanced plug-in capabilities, all while staying true to the VENUE legacy.
But how does it stack up in the field? In this hands-on review, we explore whether the S6L lives up to its promise as the most powerful and flexible live mixing console Avid has ever built.
Do more with a single solution
When it comes to mixing live sound, efficiency, sound clarity, and reliability are of critical importance. Avid VENUE | S6L is the industry’s only unified live sound platfom that offers 100% software, hardware, and show file compatibility and interoperability across the entire line. It’s also the only system that offers direct Waves and AAX plug-in control from the console to elevate mixes, and 128 tracks of built-in Pro Tools recording/playback with Virtual Soundcheck, saving hours of prep time. Plus, you get three years of 24×7 priority support to ensure the show always goes on.
Seamless Compatibility with Legacy VENUE Show Files
One of the most powerful features of the Avid VENUE S6L is its full compatibility with legacy VENUE show files, a true game-changer for touring professionals and engineers with years of experience on previous VENUE systems.
Whether you’ve worked on a D-Show, Profile, or SC48, your existing show files are not only recognized by the S6L, they’re recreated with exceptional accuracy. From head amp settings, EQ configurations, and aux sends, to snapshots, VCA groups, and output routing, the S6L faithfully loads your previous setups, allowing for instant recall and further customization on the new control surface.
This level of backward compatibility speaks volumes about Avid’s commitment to long-term users and ensures a smooth transition for engineers upgrading to the S6L platform without losing their valuable workflow history.
Meet any live sound challenge
S6L delivers unrelenting performance and reliability through its advanced engine design and intelligent workflows to handle any live production. Its modularity and unmatched flexibility make it easy to scale a system with your choice of five control surfaces, three engines, and four I/O racks, plus the networking options you need—including Ethernet AVB, Dante, and MADI—to meet the demands of any live sound application, on almost any budget. You can even share I/O across multiple networked systems, providing more workflow possibilities while cutting costs.
Mix and record high-quality audio
With its premium-grade architecture, audio engine, and high-performance preamps, S6L delivers incredible clarity, warmth, and presence throughout the signal path. It also provides the most integrated and cost-effective Pro Tools recording workflow, eliminating the need for expensive audio interfaces. And it supports the same audio plug-ins and emulations of prized outboard gear used in countless recordings, so you can easily re-create the sound of the studio—live.
Pump up performances with massive power
From large concert tours and Broadway shows, to smaller club and corporate events, today’s stage productions are bigger and more complex than ever. That’s why Avid designed a groundbreaking engine for S6L—the VENUE | E6L—which combines two powerhouse technologies that work in concert together. With a state-of-the-art real-time processing engine and dedicated DSP plug-in processing, you get unrivaled processing capabilities to handle an extraordinary number of channels—without the complication or stress.
Product Highlights
| Specifications | S6L-48D | S6L-32D | S6L-24D | S6L-24C | S6L-16C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12″ daylight-visible touchscreens | 1 Master Touchscreen, 5 Channel Touch Modules | 1 Master Touchscreen, 3 Channel Touch Modules | 1 Master Touchscreen, 2 Channel Touch Modules | 1 Master Touchscreen | None (requires user-provided external touchscreen) |
| Faders | 48 + 2 | 32 + 2 | 24 + 2 | 24 + 2 | 16 + 2 |
| Knob Modules (with OLEDs & tri-color indicators) | 160 assignable knobs (5 Channel Knob Modules) | 96 assignable knobs (3 Channel Knob Modules) | 64 assignable knobs (2 Channel Knob Modules) | 32 assignable knobs (1 Channel Knob Module) | 32 assignable knobs (1 Channel Knob Module) |
| Master Live Module | – Graphic TFTs with soft buttons- Touch & Turn assignable encoder- 2 assignable faders- Monitoring, layout & snapshot controls- Transport controls & function buttons | Same | Same | Same | Same |
| Metering | 30-segment meters per channel, with pre/post-fade options; Nominal indicator; Expander/Gate status; Compressor/Limiter gain reduction meters | Same | Same | Same | Same |
| Analog Inputs | 8 XLR mic/line (48V & signal LEDs) | 1 XLR mic/line | 1 XLR mic/line | 1 XLR mic/line | 1 XLR mic/line |
| Analog Outputs | 8 XLR (mute & signal LEDs) | 2 XLR outputs | 2 XLR outputs | 2 XLR outputs | 2 XLR outputs |
| Digital Inputs | 4 pairs XLR stereo AES/EBU (8 ch total) | None | None | None | None |
| Digital Outputs | 4 pairs XLR stereo AES/EBU (8 ch total) | None | None | None | None |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 × 1/4″ TRS stereo (independent) | 1 × 1/4″ TRS stereo | 1 × 1/4″ TRS stereo | 1 × 1/4″ TRS stereo | 1 × 1/4″ TRS stereo |
| Ancillary I/O | DVI-D video out, 5 × USB 2.0 (2 rear, 2 front, 1 internal), ECx Ethernet port, GPIO (8 in/8 out), 2 footswitch, Linear Time Code input, MIDI I/O | Same | Same | Same | Same |
| Ethernet AVB Ports | 2 × etherCON (copper), 2 × selectable etherCON/SFP (fiber); redundant ring topology; supports Luminex GigaCore 26i/10 AVB switches | Same | Same | Same | Same |
| Power Supply | Dual redundant, internal hot-swappable PSUs | Dual redundant, internal ** | Dual redundant, internal ** | Dual redundant, internal ** | Dual redundant, internal ** |
| Height (front/rear) | 3.6 / 15.3 in (91 / 388 mm) | 3.6 / 8 in (91 / 205 mm) | 3.6 / 8 in (91 / 205 mm) | 3.6 / 8 in (91 / 205 mm) | 3.6 / 8 in (91 / 205 mm) |
| Width | 76.1 in (1,934 mm) | 51.3 in (1,304 mm) | 38.9 in (989 mm) | 38.9 in (989 mm) | 26.4 in (671 mm) |
| Depth | 31 in (787 mm) | 31 in (787 mm) | 31 in (787 mm) | 31 in (787 mm) | 31 in (787 mm) |
| Weight | 212 lbs (96 kg) | 155 lbs (70 kg) | 119 lbs (54 kg) | 84 lbs (38 kg) | 72 lbs (33 kg) |
Engine
| ENGINE | E6LX-256 | E6L-192 | E6L-144 | E6L-112 | ||
Sample rates | 96 kHz | 96 kHz | 96 kHz | 96 kHz | ||
Input channels | 256 | 192 | 144 | 112 | ||
Input processing | HEAT, HPF, LPF, 4-band PEQ, Expander/Gate, Compressor/Limiter, Delay, 8 plugin inserts, hardware insert (4x Pre-fade, 4x Post-fade) | |||||
Mix busses | 192 + LCR | 96 + LCR | 64 + LCR | 48 + LCR | ||
Output processing | 7-band PEQ, Compressor/Limiter, Delay, 8 plugin inserts, hardware insert (4x Pre-fade, 4x Post-fade) | |||||
Matrix | 64×64 | 24 x 24 | 16 x 16 | 16 x 16 | ||
VCAs | 48 | |||||
Stereo solo busses | 2, with independent control | |||||
Graphic EQs (31-band) | All Outputs and Matrixs | |||||
Digital signal processing | Supports up to 4 HDX-192 DSP Expansion Cards for plugin processing; includes one card | Supports up to 2 HDX-192 DSP Expansion Cards for plugin processing; includes one card | ||||
Plugin support | 64-bit AAX DSP; also supports Waves SoundGrid systems through the WSG-HD Option Card for full integration with S6L, or over MADI | |||||
Plugin slots | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | ||
Pro Tools integration | Record/play back up to 128 audio tracks via Ethernet AVB | |||||
Expansion Option Card slots | 8 | 8 | 8 | 2 | ||
Ethernet AVB ports | Includes two AVB-192 Ethernet AVB Network Cards with two ports (per card), selectable as etherCON (copper) or SFP (fiber), with redundant ring topology; supports Luminex GigaCore 26i and GigaCore 10 AVB switches for redundant star configuration | |||||
I/O sharing | Supports up to three S6L systems, up to 192 inputs total (requires two AVB-192 Ethernet AVB Network Cards to share I/O) | |||||
Word Clock I/O | Clock I/O BNC, 75 Ohm coaxial | |||||
USB ports | 5 USB 2.0 ports (2 front, 2 back, 1 internal) | |||||
Power supply | Dual redundant, internal | N+1 redundant, internal hot-swappable PSUs | Dual redundant, internal* | |||
Dimensions (H x W x D) | 8.6 x 21.2 x 19 inches (218 x 537 x 483 mm) | 8.6 x 16.9 x 19 inches (218 x 430 x 483 mm) | ||||
Rack spaces | 5U | |||||
Weight | 63 lbs (28.6 kg) | 74 lbs (33 kg) | ||||
* The E6L-112 power supply is not compatible/swappable with S6L-48D, 32D, and 24D control surface power supplies, or with E6L-192 and 144 engine power supplies
Input/Output
| I/O | STAGE 64 | STAGE 48 | STAGE 32 | STAGE 16 | LOCAL 16 |
Maximum I/O | 64 input channels, 32 output channels @ 96 kHz with one Stage 64 rack; up to 192 inputs/96 outputs supported (depending on the E6L engine in use) with three Stage 64 racks (64 ins/32 outs each) | 48 analog input channels and 24 analog output channels @ 96 kHz with one Stage 48 rack | Total of 32 input/output channels @ 96 kHz with one Stage 32 rack | 16 XLR mic inputs/preamps, 8 XLR line outputs, 4 channels of AES3 output | 8 XLR mic/line inputs, 8 XLR outputs, 4 pairs of XLR stereo AES/EBU inputs (8 channels total), 4 pairs of XLR stereo AES/EBU outputs (8 channels total) |
I/O card slots | 12 | n/a | 4 | n/a | n/a |
Sample rates | 96 kHz | 96 kHz | 96 kHz | 96 kHz** | 96 kHz |
Ethernet AVB ports | 2, selectable as etherCON (copper) or SFP (fiber), with redundant ring topology; supports Luminex GigaCore 26i and GigaCore 10 AVB switches for redundant star configuration | 2 Gigabit Ethernet AVB ports, etherCON (copper), with redundant ring topology; supports Luminex GigaCore 26i and GigaCore 10 AVB switches for redundant star configuration | 2, each providing etherCON (copper) or SFP (fiber optic) connections | ||
Maximum cable length | Copper: 100 meters (328 feet); Fiber: 500 meters (1,640.4 feet) | 100 meters (328 feet) | Copper: 100 meters (328 feet); Fiber: 500 meters (1,640.4 feet) for Multi-Mode, 10,000 meters (32,808 feet) for Single Mode Fiber | ||
MADI | Dual MADI output offers direct split of all 64 inputs | Dual MADI output offers direct split of all 48 inputs | Single MADI output offers direct split of up to 32 inputs | n/a | n/a |
Headphone confidence monitor | 1/4″ TRS stereo headphone jack with volume control; display for channel selection | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Word Clock I/O | BNC, 75 Ohm coaxial | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Power supply | Dual redundant internal PSUs | Single internal PSU | Dual redundant internal PSUs | ||
Rack spaces | 10U | 8U | 5U | 4U | 3U |
Dimensions (H x W x D) | 17.5 x 17 x 12.2 inches (445 x 432 x 310 mm) | 14 x 16.9 x 22.4 inches (355 x 430 x 568 mm) | 8.7 x 18.5 x 18.9 inches (220 x 470 x 480 mm) | 6.9 x 19 x 8.1 inches (175 x 483 x 206 mm) with ears/handles out (rackmount configuration) | 5.2 x 17.4 x 11 inches (132 x 442 x 278 mm) |
Weight | 69 lbs (31 kg) | 80.2 lbs (36.4 kg) | 49 lbs (22 kg) | 15.8 lbs (7.1 kg) | 13.2 lbs (6 kg) |
The specifications listed above are provided for informational purposes only and subject to change without notice.
* Option cards are available as separate purchases and not included with core systems.
** When connected to Avid VENUE | S6L—operates at 48 kHz when connected to Avid VENUE | S3L-X.
Tackle big productions with dual operators - just added
With the latest VENUE software, you can now designate up to two fader zones on a VENUE | S6L-48D, 32D, or 24D control surface, enabling dual-operator mixing. It’s ideal for theater sound, live broadcast events, and other complex productions. And it offers a cost-effective way to divide and conquer FOH and monitor mixing on a single S6L surface.
Open Layouts in any system with ease
Moving from a 32-fader surface to 24 faders? Layouts can now include up to 48 channel strips on all S6L control surfaces, enabling all Layout assignments and fader settings to be preserved when moving show files from a larger S6L surface to a smaller one. You can also create and store up to 48 Layouts per show file.
Get better insight into your mix
With the Meters view on the Master Touchscreen, you can now get an uninterrupted continuous view of your channel metering across all of your S6L console screens. This view provides all of the same functionality as the Meters view on your Channel Touch Modules.
System features build your perfect system
VENUE | S6L offers a variety of component options to configure and scale a system to meet any production, space, or budget requirement. Take control of your mix with a choice of five surfaces that offer from 16–48 faders. Power performances and integrate studio processing with a choice of three engines. Get all the ins and outs you need by mixing and matching any combination of four I/O rack options. And scale up or down to meet changing control, processing, I/O, and connectivity requirements, with 100% hardware, software, and show file compatibility across all components.
Take intelligent control of your mix
When you’re mixing live, there are no do-overs. You have to anticipate and react fast. With Avid VENUE | S6L, you get instant access to every facet of your mix. View detailed information across high-res displays—in even the brightest outdoor conditions. Access and adjust your mix, including plugins and VCA groups, using the touchscreen and surface controls. And gain insight into every input, aux, and more through the Universe screen.
Experience unprecedented power
From Broadway to broadcast, many live shows require hundreds of channels. With the VENUE | E6L engine, you have the power to support over 300 processing channels. The real-time processing engine handles all routing, channel, and mixing functions. The HDX-powered DSP engine manages all plugin processing, with full automatic delay compensation, so you can create bigger, better sounding mixes—with no round trips to external servers. Simply put, it outperforms the competition—hands down.
Achieve pristine sound—live
VENUE systems have always been respected for their unprecedented sound quality. The clarity. The warmth. S6L is no different—yet it totally is. And it starts at the source. Every VENUE | S6L I/O rack features the exact same professional-grade build quality, with a high-performance preamp design, so they deliver the same sound quality and clarity no matter which you choose, enabling you to present even higher quality mixes, with incredible presence.
Expand your creativity
Mix with the same sound processors used in top studios to get the sounds you want. Or re-create an artist’s signature studio sound live. Because all S6L configurations support Avid and third-party 64-bit AAX DSP plugins, you’ll have far more creative choices at your fingertips than any other live mixing system. Plus, you’ll be able to use way more plugins in your mix, thanks to the system’s dedicated, scalable HDX-powered DSP processing.
Directly control Waves plugins
With the WSG-HD Option Card, you can run Waves SoundGrid systems with Avid VENUE | S6L and experience full unrivaled integration, enabling you to access and control Waves plugins directly from the S6L surface and VENUE software. Just as easily as and right alongside your AAX plugins. It’s super-simple to set up, supports Snapshot automation, and provides full system redundancy for the utmost reliability. You can even open older VENUE (TDM) show files that use Waves plugins right in S6L and have all of your settings ready to go.
Choose your ins and outs
With a choice of racks and I/O options available, it’s easy to customize your setup for your stage and local needs, as well as for remote I/O distribution. Connect one or more racks and choose from a variety of analog and digital I/O, including mic/line XLR, AES/EBU, and ADAT connectivity. You also have additional local I/O built into each S6L control surface for added flexibility, including up to 8×8 analog I/O, 8×8 AES I/O (4 pairs), two headphone outputs, MIDI I/O, and GPIO.
Expand the local I/O of your system
Need more inputs and outputs at your local mix position? The Local 16 I/O rack provides you with eight analog ins and outs, as well as eight digital ins and outs in a compact, 3U package—with all I/O conveniently located on the back for easy integration with external processing racks.
Connect with everything
S6L offers extremely reliable Ethernet AVB connectivity across all system components—no matter how long the cable runs. Put an end to expensive, bulky analog snakes. Use lightweight, inexpensive Cat5e cables for runs up to 100 meters. Or use fiber-optic cable for longer runs up to 500 meters. Need to connect to MADI or Dante devices? Just add option cards to integrate S6L into your existing environment.
Share I/O
Forget fussing with bulky analog splits. You can share the same I/O across multiple networked S6L systems—without any loss of audio quality—saving thousands by reducing I/O and cable requirements, set-up time, and transportation costs. True Gain technology automatically manages gain compensation to ensure the proper signal levels in each engineer’s mix. Plus, any engineer on your network can take ownership of shared outputs on a per-option card basis.
Mix monitors with ease
S6L makes it easy to handle dozens of monitor mixes to help artists deliver their best performance. Get one-touch access to any mix on the faders, whether in-ear, a wedge, or backline. Make complex level adjustments with single fader moves. Enable performers to control their own stage mixes with the VENUE | On-Stage app, or integrate Aviom personal monitoring systems over Dante. Monitor two independent stereo solo busses, which can be assigned to a cue belt pack and/or listen wedge. Plus, get two built-in headphone jacks for local monitoring.
Mix theater productions with ease
Stay on top of every performer, act, and scene with new workflow enhancements that take the stress out of mixing live theater. Add any of the 96 aux send levels to a channel’s Custom fader function for faster access. View a channel’s Mute status across all fader banks. Quickly see every channel assigned to a VCA group. And get hands-on with VCA group settings from the control surface—just like a channel strip.
Capture and archive shows
No need to bring extra gear or crews for recording and archiving shows. With the industry’s only true 128-track live recording solution built right into the system, you can capture high-quality multitrack recordings of your shows directly to Pro Tools (or other DAW) over Ethernet AVB or Dante. And because the S6L system is built on the same technology as industry-standard Pro Tools, you can easily play back recordings for virtual soundcheck, archiving, and remixing.
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