Aret builds new DSNGs for OBN Ethiopia with Lawo audio consoles

Ethiopia’s public broadcaster Oromia Broadcasting Network (OBN) has chosen Lawo mixing consoles and I/O devices as the basis for new DSNG units with 4K workflow.

Based in Adama, Ethiopia, OBN is Oromia State’s leading media organisation, serving a regional audience of 35 million people, and viewers nationwide, via satellite.

For the technical basis of their OB units, both set to 4K standard, OBN chose self-contained Lawo mc²36 mixing consoles, complemented with compact I/O units for expanded connectivity and use as remote stagebox solutions.

OBN’s first DSNG to be delivered is a versatile 12-camera unit of about 12 metres in length with a full 12G workflow, capable of handling a wide variety of live broadcast situations. This unit, with its 40-fader mc²36 console and compact I/O, features a layout that maximises internal space while enabling interoperability among the different production areas: Technical room, Production and Graphics rooms, and Audio room are all interconnected.

Another DSNG vehicle, suitable for smaller productions and TV reporting assignments, carries four cameras and a 16-fader mc²36. The van features an acoustically insulated audio room — a unique solution, especially given the four-metre overall length of the vehicle.

Concept, design and installation of the new DSNG vehicles has been carried out by Italian systems integrator Aret Video and Audio Engineering, a longtime Lawo partner active globally.

To ensure reliability in unpredictable remote locations, all audio sources are also connected directly via the mc² consoles’ built-in analogue and AES connectivity.

Aret vice president Umberto Asti said that in OBN’s DSNG vehicles, the 4K video workflow is uniquely integrated and extended by Lawo’s audio system. “Our equipment’s audio networking and I/O capabilities extend far beyond standard analogue and AES ports. There is a direct MADI connection with the client’s audio embedder, and also a RAVENNA connection with the stage box to ensure maximum flexibility. With both satellite antennae and Internet streamers, these vehicles should be a match for any live broadcast situation.”