Observe drives into UK OB with Calrec

Observe Outside Broadcasting has installed a Calrec Artemis digital audio console in a new OB truck — the first truck at its new London operation, OBSTV. OBSTV will use the console to mix and route audio signals for a variety of live programming focused on sports, music, and special events.

“In an OB truck, space is always an issue, and the design of the Artemis console gives us a huge amount of firepower in a compact space. We were surprised by how the functions could be laid out so well within a very ergonomic console design,” said Alan Burns, managing director of Observe and OBSTV. “Also, Calrec has surged ahead of the competition in terms of developing the technology, and that is one of the main reasons we chose the Artemis console over our incumbent brand.”

OBSTV installed a 48-fader Artemis Light desk with a complement of Hydra I/O, which includes a ruggedised remote stagebox with mic splits designed specifically for Observe’s requirements for large events. The console is also equipped with high-density Hydra I/O containing 3G de-embedders and Dolby E decoders.

One important benefit of the Artemis Light console is that it communicates directly with the truck’s video router and communications system via bidirectional MADI. The fibre optic connections allow Observe operators to move a significant amount of data between the router and the Artemis Light console without loss of quality.

The fully integrated 3G HD truck, OBS 1, is the first 3G truck in Observe’s fleet. The 45-foot single-expander truck rolled out just after Christmas 2013 to cover rugby’s Heineken Cup and RBS 6 Nations matches.