Calrec prepares for IBC 2022 with long line-up of new audio technologies

Calrec’s ImPulse is coming to IBC 2022

As the sports broadcasting industry adapts to new viewing habits and evolving commercial environments, Calrec is continuing to help broadcasters stay ahead of the game as they switch to IP infrastructures, achieve efficiency with remote broadcasting and to save money with virtualised production.

At IBC this year, the company has a long line-up of technologies that will be on show for visitors. Here are some of the highlights:

At IBC 2022, Calrec will run multiple independent consoles from a fully redundant pair of ImPulse IP cores, including physical control surfaces and headless consoles running Calrec Assist on a PC. Calrec’s radio-focussed and flexible Type R console can adapt to a variety of requirements including virtualised workflows, and Calrec has expanded its range of consoles, from the cost-effective Brio consoles, to the IP-enabled ImPulse core.

ImPulse is the most powerful DSP engine on the planet and has native SMPTE 2110 connectivity. It is compatible with the Calrec Assist web interface as well as Calrec’s Apollo and Artemis consoles to provide a simple upgrade path for existing Calrec customers moving to an IP domain. It provides 3D immersive path widths and panning for next-generation audio with height and 3D pan controls, flexible panning and downmixing built-in. ImPulse allows up to four independent mixing environments to run from a single core, wherever in the world it’s located, and each independent mixer can access up to 1458 paths.

Calrec Assist is a browser-based interface that creates a virtual console environment allowing operators to mix directly from a computer or laptop. It’s compatible with a range of Calrec products to help broadcasters streamline workflows, improve cost efficiency, and expand the variety of coverage.

Calrec’s flexible Type R will sit on the same IP network, as will the rugged Brio console, connected via an IP Gateway. Calrec’s Gateway boxes enable Calrec users on a Hydra2 network to merge onto an IP network to continue to get value from their original investment while tapping into the benefits of IP workflows. Gateway technology also lessens the learning curve for operators and allows broadcasters to transition at their own pace.

For the first time at IBC Calrec will be showcasing its Type R console. Calrec’s Type R is a mixing console designed to allow customers to take advantage of distributed production and flexible workflows. Its integrated native IP core provides virtual working practices and integration with station automation systems like Ross Overdrive, Sony ELC and Grass Valley Ignite. Type R can provide fully automated programming with real time adjustment of external factors via a standard web browser, and its small and highly portable hardware elements can be quickly added if required.

Powered by standard POE switches, Type R has just three panel options; banks of six x faders can be added, as well as user definable soft panels like Calrec’s Large Soft Panel (LSP) and Small Soft Panel (SSP).

Also new at IBC 2022, Calrec is adding a compact Talent Panel to the mix. This slimline unit allows guests to switch between multiple sources via its integrated hi-res TFT and adjust headphone volume with a dedicated rotary control. Four switches allow for the panel to be customised to the user with common functions like talkback and cough switches; this ensures only essential controls are close to hand. Easily mounted into furniture and with connections over standard cat5, the Talent Panel acts as an AoIP endpoint and can be quickly configured, and multiple devices can be added quickly wherever they are required.

The final new product for Amsterdam is Calrec’s GPIO unit for Type R. This is a 1U box which delivers an additional 32 x GPOs and 32 GPIs for interfacing with external systems such as playout, phone systems, codecs and more. Functionality can be added onto physical buttons on Type R fader panels, soft panels or web UIs, and configured via Calrec’s user-friendly Connect application.

Calrec will be on stand 8.B57 at IBC 2022.