The Penn Group 
How do you choose between dLive or DM7? Our in depth blog helps you understand the differences.
Touring-Grade System vs Self-Contained Console
When selecting a flagship digital mixing platform for church, touring, broadcast, or large-format production, system design and long-term flexibility matter more than ever.
Below, we compare the Allen & Heath dLive S7000 paired with the DM64 MixRack against the Yamaha DM7, and explain why dLive is the superior choice for professionals who need modular architecture, tour-class DSP/I/O, rugged reliability, and future-proof expansion.
Comparison Table
| Feature / Capability | Allen & Heath dLive S7000 + DM64 | Yamaha DM7 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| System Architecture | Modular (Separate surface + engine) with proprietary GigaACE protocol. Multiple I/O expansion options well beyond Yamaha. | Console with Dante based Stage Boxes | dLive System |
| DSP Channels | 128 input channels | 120 input channels | dLive |
| Mix Buses | 64 configurable mix buses | 48 mixes, 12 matrixes, 2 stereo buses, and 2 cue mixes | dLive |
| Expansion Options | DX expanders, digital splits, multiple surfaces | Dante based Tios and Rios | dLive |
| Redundancy | Dual hot-swap PSU + redundant links | Dual PSU (console) | Comparable |
| Latency / Performance | 96 kHz / ultra-low latency | 96 kHz / ultra-low latency | Comparable |
| Surface Flexibility | Works with multiple surfaces | Single console form | dLive |
| Best Use Cases | Touring, festival, broadcast, rental, Churches, etc. | Venues, installs, corporate, theater | Tie by use case |
Modular by Design: Engine + Surface Architecture
Allen & Heath dLive S7000 + DM64
- Modular system: Engine and I/O live in the DM64 MixRack; S7000 is a control surface.
- Audio and control travel over redundant GigaACE, reducing risk and increasing uptime.
- Perfect for Churches, tours, festivals, monitor + FOH splits, and shared stages.
- Exceptional DSP with DYN8 Multiband and Dynamic EQ, group to group routing and group processing.
Yamaha DM7
- All-in-one console with Dante Stage boxes for expansion.
- Great for venue installs and corporate setups.
- Less flexible when shows scale or split workflows are needed and old school operation.
Tour-Ready DSP Power That Scales
DM64 MixRack
- 128 input channels
- 64 mix buses
- Ultra-low latency even under heavy loads
- Proprietary GigaACE protocol for 128 X 128 processing at 96kHz.
- Exceptional expandability.
Built for demanding shows with high channel counts, complex routing, and extensive bus needs.
Yamaha DM7
All I/O options are Dante based with TIO and RIOs being the primary options for expansion. While I/O slots for external expansion cards like waves do exist, the I/O capabilities aren’t as extensive as Allen and Heath’s solution.
Built for Touring Reliability
dLive S7000 + DM64
- Dual hot-swappable power supplies
- Redundant connection between surface and engine
- Engine isolated from the control surface
- Rugged construction built for flight cases
If a surface issue arises, the MixRack engine continues running — a major advantage in live environments. Allen & Heath’s extensive Authorized Service network also offers on site repair solutions to avoid lengthy downtimes should a repair be required.
DM7
Solid, reliable design with Yamaha’s legendary reliability. The downfall of any Yamaha system is the clunky and unreliable Dante system for which the system depends on. If you’re not a certified network expert, steer clear. Yamaha’s product support is also severely lacking, with their corporate team being completely unwilling to support their customers, in our experience.
Best Fit Recommendations
Choose Allen & Heath dLive S7000 + DM64 if you want:
✔ A modular touring system built for scalability
✔ High DSP and mix bus counts
✔ Native high-density analog I/O
✔ Expansion and upgrade pathways
✔ Redundancy built into power + signal paths
Choose Yamaha DM7 if you want:
✔ A powerful, all-in-one console with Dante expandability
✔ Good for venue installs and corporate shows
✔ Old school workflows
Final Recommendation
When the priorities are tour-class performance, future-proof flexibility, rugged reliability, and real system scalability, the Allen & Heath dLive S7000 with DM64 MixRack stands clearly ahead of the Yamaha DM7.
The dLive platform isn’t just a console — it’s a professional live sound system built to adapt, expand, and deliver rock-solid performance show after show.
