IBC 2024: Riedel Comms Debuts SAME Smart Audio and Mixing Engine and Launches Virtual SmartPanel

The Riedel Communications stand at IBC 2024 (10.A31) is filled with new products, including the all-new Smart Audio & Mixing Engine SAME audio processing software suite, which offers extensive workflow automation and flexibility. In addition, Riedel has launched the Virtual SmartPanel (VSP), a software solution that enables users to leverage their mobile devices for remote intercom connections. Lastly, Riedel Communications has launched two new additions to its Network Stream Adapter (NSA) series: the NSA-003A and NSA-006A.

Riedel SAME Delivers Ultra-Low-Latency Audio Processing and Unmatched Automation

Riedel Communications has launched its Smart Audio & Mixing Engine SAME, an all-new audio processing software suite set to redefine the broadcast audio landscape with unparalleled workflow automation and flexibility.

Designed to meet the evolving demands of modern audio workflows, SAME is based on the latest commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) server cluster technology to deliver unmatched processing capabilities that scale effortlessly with production needs. With an extensive suite of over 30 advanced audio processing tools and mixers — spanning from automatic leveling and dynamic equalization to 5.1 upmixing, loudness meters, or signal analyzers — the solution caters to a wide range of applications such as voice-over, automated mixing, audio monitoring, or in-line process insertion. In combination with the universal inputs of Riedel’s new range of Network Stream Adapters (NSA), users will enjoy a fully automated signal path from mic to ear.

“SAME will open up a whole world of new workflows for the audio production industry,” said Roger Heiniger, Senior Product Manager at Riedel Communications. “With its powerful automation mechanisms and smart processing tools like fingerprint-based dynamic equalization and automatic loudness-based leveling, it allows professionals to focus on creativity and content rather than getting bogged down by technicalities. We’re excited to see how SAME will enhance productions of all sizes.”

SAME’s unique Audio Pilot ensures that audio engineers can always maintain the “big picture” of all running productions, offering a comprehensive view of multilocation productions for centralized monitoring and management. The Audio Pilot also introduces a process- and mixer-independent audio monitoring system with fully automated monitoring path switching, allowing users to select and listen to any running process instantly across the entire system without the need for manual signal routing.

The brand-new management platform Riedel STAGE™ simplifies the mixing and matching of devices, roles, and personnel without the need for protocol or IP knowledge, streamlining operations and reducing setup and training times. This management backend features strong remote assistance capabilities for remote or at-home production scenarios and is compliant with the highest IT security standards. The browser-based tool also features extensive user-rights management with integration to corporate directories and third-party identity providers (LDAP/AD, SAML, etc.). Because processing and I/O routing are not tied to a physical location, SAME enables rapid switching between different workspaces and production areas and avoids processing resource bottlenecks and access rights problems associated with traditional monolithic processing solutions.

“SAME is designed by audio experts for audio experts as a high performance, flexible audio toolkit to solve a variety of live production needs as they arise”, said Jake Dodson, Executive Director Product Management at Riedel Communications. “Together with our new STAGE configuration, management, and operation platform, SAME heralds a new era of server-based solutions, addressing the industry’s need for flexible deployment models with the ability to flexibly scale in capacity.”

Virtual SmartPanel Allows for Mobile Devices to Be Used as Remote Intercom Connections

At IBC2024, Riedel Communications announced the launch of its groundbreaking Virtual SmartPanel (VSP). This all-new software solution enables users to leverage their mobile devices for remote intercom connections, providing enhanced operational efficiency and accessibility across various production environments. Riedel’s VSP is set to revolutionize the way intercom systems are deployed and managed, introducing a virtual hybrid infrastructure that seamlessly integrates with the Artist-1024 platform and sets the stage for the next generation of Riedel software solutions.

“The Virtual SmartPanel evolves Riedel’s existing SmartPanel concept by adding highly secure, flexible and scalable remote intercoms on iPhone and Android phones and tablets as well as browsers for platform-independent operation,” said Felix Kolls, Product Manager Intercom, Riedel Communications. “This offers unparalleled flexibility and mobility in communications, making it an indispensable tool for today’s dynamic, ever-changing productions.”

The VSP is characterized by a user-centric design that is as functional as it is intuitive. It features customizable key banks and extensive profile management capabilities, allowing users to tailor their communication setup to their specific requirements. The interface’s layout and functionality are inspired by Riedel’s 1200 Series SmartPanel for a familiar and efficient user experience, with the number of available keys scaling from 16 (phone) over 48 (tablet) to 64 (browser).

As one of the first products to leverage Riedel’s STAGE™ management platform, the VSP offers a fresh and secure approach to user authentication with seamless integration with customers’ existing identity providers, ensuring a smooth transition and quick deployment. STAGE also offers enhanced remote support features, such as Live View and Remote Control, empowering administrators to monitor key status and resolve issues in real-time. A user-centric licensing model offers users access across multiple devices with a single subscription, enabling seamless transitions between platforms. This flexibility extends to the intercom configuration, where each user can manage multiple profiles, effortlessly switching roles between productions without requiring additional setup from the engineering team.

Riedel’s IT-secured, standards-based approach makes the VSP the most secure mobile intercom solution out there. It features countless redundancy and security mechanisms – from secure peer to peer connections via STUN and TURN servers and WebRTC encrypted streams to redundant audio and data connections.

“The Virtual SmartPanel not only enhances our Artist intercom platform, but also spearheads our advancement into the realm of fully virtualized intercom systems,” said Jake Dodson, Executive Director Product Management, Riedel Communications. “With STAGE and the Virtual SmartPanel, we are building the foundation for sever-based hybrid deployment models.”

Riedel Expands Its Range of NSA Network Stream Adapters

Riedel Communications today announced the launch of two new additions to its acclaimed Network Stream Adapter (NSA) series: the NSA-003A and NSA-006A. Unveiled at IBC2024 in Amsterdam, these interfaces are designed to advance IP-based audio and intercom workflows, offering unparalleled flexibility, reliability, and seamless integration for professionals in broadcast, live events, and studio environments.

The NSA-006A is designed specifically for audio workplace environments, offering a robust set of features tailored to modern IP-centric workflows. Its universal inputs (Mic, Line, and AES3) and outputs (Line and AES3) provide format-agnostic flexibility with physical connection detection for every audio port, as well as automatic switching on the inputs. The compact device also includes a stereo USB-audio interface, a headphone output with volume control via rotary knob and LED volume bar, and three GPIOs for enhanced flexibility. Its rugged design and comprehensive feature set make it indispensable for commentary and voice-over booths, control rooms, and off-site productions.

“The NSA-006A is packed with innovative features,” said Roger Heiniger, Senior Product Manager Audio at Riedel Communications. “Besides its universal inputs, my personal highlight is its advanced microphone preamp design with a dynamic range of 156 dB. This eliminates the need for manual analog gain adjustments and avoids the complexities of proprietary gain compensation between consumer devices.”

The NSA-003A, on the other hand, is a versatile 2-wire analog intercom adapter that combines a compact design with advanced functionality. With two physical 2-wire connections, this interface allows connections between up to four third-party analog partylines and digital/IP-based intercom systems like Artist and Bolero. The inclusion of a stereo USB-audio interface facilitates easy streaming of audio from a connected device directly into the AoIP network, while three GPIOs enhance the device with call and mic mute capabilities via external buttons. Together with auto echo cancellation support, this feature set makes the NSA-003A an essential tool for production environments where reliability, flexibility, and interoperability are paramount.

Both new models are designed with IP-centric workflows in mind, supporting open standards such as AES67, SMPTE 2110-30 and 31, and NMOS IS-04, IS-05, IS-07, and IS-08. They feature dual PoE and SMPTE 2022-7 redundancy with in-band or out-of-band management, ensuring reliable performance even in the most demanding conditions. Built for silent fan-less operation in environments up to 30 °C, the NSAs also have a temperature-controlled fan for use in temperatures as high as 55 °C. With their compact 1 RU 1/3-rack size, they offer versatile mounting options, including desktop, wall, rack, and VESA mounting configurations.

Heiniger added, “These new members of the NSA family are more than just interfaces. With the NSA-003A and NSA-006A, we’re showcasing the first in our series of next-generation network stream adapters that will usher in a new era of flexible I/O solutions and set the foundation for fully automated or self-operated audio workflows.”