Connectivity Marks New Audio Products at IBC2015
The IBC Show is under way, and new audio products are reflecting deeper connectivity with networking, IP-based live remote production, and automation. Here is a look at a few of the latest releases.
AKG by Harman is expanding its line of reference digital microphone mixers and offering more connectivity options with the new Dante-compatible DMM8 ULD and DMM14 ULD models. On the ULD models, all ins are available as direct outs — suiting it for broadcast applications — and all outs are also available on the Dante stream. The DMM8 ULD provides 14 free assignable Dante outs; the DMM14 ULD, 22. In addition, four Dante streams can be used as inputs with both models. Like the rest of the line, DMM8 ULD and DMM14 ULD feature built-in DSP to ensure precise mixing of up to 80 and 140 channels, respectively, by cascading as many as 10 units. Numerous DSP functions — EQ filters, compressor/limiter, routing — make them suitable for a variety of spoken-word applications.
AKG by Harman is also introducing the MicroLite series ultra-miniature reference microphones for broadcast, theater, and conference applications. The MicroLite series comprises a variety of lavaliere, ear-hook, and head-worn microphones, all designed for comfort and extended use. The LC81 MD, the smallest cardioid lavaliere microphone on the market, is 4.8 mm in diameter and 10 mm long and weighs 2 g. Its sensitive cardioid polar pattern picks up a wide range of frequencies. The LC82 MD reference omnidirectional lavaliere microphone is 3 mm in diameter and 6.5 mm long, making it one of the smallest omnidirectional microphones in the world. Suitable for musicals, theater, churches, broadcast, and large-format presentations, the LC82 MD also ensures that moisture and makeup won’t hamper a performance: its moisture-resistant build is intended to eliminate technical complications due to sweat. Both the LC81 MD and the LC82 MD are available in four colors.
Harman’s Studer is introducing the Vista 1 Black Edition. Based on the patented Vistonics user interface with 40 on-screen rotary knobs, the Vista 1’s look and feel is identical to that of the larger Vista X and Vista V. Such features as true broadcast monitoring, talkback, red-light control, GPIO, N-x (mix-minus) busses, snapshot automation, and DAW control suit the Vista 1 for broadcast, live, and production use. With an integral DSP engine of 96 channels, it can easily handle mono, stereo, and 5.1-surround inputs and is provided with a standard configuration of 32 mic/line inputs, 16 line outputs, and four pairs of AES inputs and outputs on rear-panel connections, which also can be customized.
Lawo is unveiling its newest V__line product, designed specifically for IP-based live remote production and featuring seamless frame-accurate switching of SMPTE 2022-6 video with enhanced “hitless” merging for network operational redundancy. Other new products include a solution for low-latency IP video monitoring, additions to the A__line family of compact 19-in./1RU Audio-to-IP interfaces, a radio-mixing desk, and a cost-efficient IP/MADI hybrid audio router. The new Nova router allows IP networks to instantly be established by adding DALLIS I/O systems, consoles, and devices, providing access to all resources and busses on any integrated console.
Linear Acoustic is launching its AERO.10 DTV audio processor, designed to provide the same quality processing found in other AERO products but at a significantly lower price point. The fully featured AERO.10 supports up to 10 channels of PCM audio via AES, SDI, or stereo analog I/O. It comes equipped with a processing engine identical to those in the AERO.100/1000/2000 products. Such tools as AEROMAX loudness and dynamics control, UPMAX II automatic up/downmixing algorithms, and ITU- and EBU-compliant loudness-metering and logging make the AERO.10 suitable for nearly any application. Downloadable 7.5-day rolling and event-based logs include multiple ITU-R BS.1770-3 loudness measurements as well as True Peak values.
Calrec Audio is revealing its new automation system for the Apollo and Artemis consoles. Designed to record the movements of a console’s channel and bus controls in real time, Calrec’s implementation operates entirely in the background during a live broadcast. The operator is free to mix the show without the distraction of seeing automation controls on the surface. Once the live element is over and the “first pass” has been recorded, the automation controls can be made visible on the console surface with a single button press. An on-screen editor can be operated from the mix position, allowing the user to quickly locate any part of the show, replay the recording, and make adjustments using the surface controls in combination with the comprehensive set of editing tools provided. This feature set simplifies the task of producing an automated mixdown or repurposing the material for quick turnaround. The console setup and automation data can be saved for postproduction at a later date.
TSL’s new MPA1 1RU system monitors established I/O protocols, such as MADI, SDI, AES-3, and analog, as well as Hydra2. These shallow units can be placed anywhere in a network infrastructure to monitor a single channel or a monitoring mix, and the built-in Web server enables all units to be configured, monitored, and controlled remotely via a Web interface.
Riedel Communications is showing its new AES67 client card for Artist digital matrix intercom systems. This add-on card enables users to take advantage of AES67 audio networks. With its existing AVB card and this new development, Artist can now accommodate both AVB and AES67 audio networks. The new AES67 client card is easily installed into the Artist mainframe and is then configurable through Riedel’s Director software. The interface will also allow AES67 connectivity between the Artist and Smartpanels, as well as with other third-party devices. The card features eight independent AES67 connections to service multiple devices.