IBC 2014 Perspectives: Ian Cookson, communications manager, Calrec Audio

The Hebden Bridge, UK-based manufacturer arrives at IBC hot on the heels of its integration into the ProAudio Group alongside fellow console makers DiGiCo and Allen & Heath. Inevitably, the creation of this combined force in desk design was a topic of SVG Europe’s first-day conversation with Calrec Audio communications manager Ian Cookson.

New product-wise, what is the main focus for Calrec at IBC 2014?

A new Dante interface card that offers 64 channels in, 64 channels out over Cat 5. Calrec remains agnostic [in terms of networking technologies], but there is certainly a strong demand for Dante and a continuing momentum behind the technology.

There is also a new addition to the Summa console range…

Yes – Summa will now be available with 128 channels as well as the 180 channel version that was announced here last year.

Summa offers a variety of broadcast-focused facilities presented via an intuitive control surface, and we have had a great response to the desk since its introduction in 2013.

Regarding the creation of the ProAudio Group, it’s clear early days for the combined operation, but any intial thoughts about what benefits this might bring? 

The first thing to say is that I don’t think we could have chosen three better console manufacturers to sit together. We are complementary rather than competitive with each other. We will retain separate identities; that is very much part of the plan. As you say, it’s early days, but I think there will be a benefit in terms of R&D, not least in avoiding the need for different teams to do the same work twice.