Calrec Audio product guide, in English

PRODUCT Guide

calrec.com

Putting Sound in the Picture

ReliabilityCalrec consoles are renownedfor reliability, with fullyredundant power supplies, DSP cards and processingcards as standard. All cardsand panels are pluggable underpower, and all hot pluggedcards and panels self-initializeon insertion. Our proprietaryembedded operating systemand independent DSP ensureaudio continuity and eliminatethe need for a PC for sustainedoperation or boot up. Thismeans that PC failure or resethas no effect on the audiosignal and permits a cold boottime of less than 20 seconds,and a full control system resetin less then 15 seconds, withno loss of audio.

Ease of OperationCalrec has been designing live production and live-to-airbroadcast audio mixingconsoles for over 35 years. In 1981 we introduced theworld’s first digitally controlledassignable mixing console.Now in its fifth generation, ourassignable control surface isintuitive, with a fast learningcurve. Use of the PC is minimaland layering is limited to twoindependent signal paths. Ourcompact fader width means alarge number of channels canbe controlled in a very compactframe. Eight faders take uponly 250mm/9.85 inches,providing more physical fadersin any given space than anyother console manufacturer.

Consistently pushing technologybarriers, like the revolutionaryBluefin HDSP system, Calrecprovide a comprehensive range of digital consoles in the Alpha,Sigma, Omega and Zeta, as well as Hydra audio networking.

Calrec was the first company in the world to design andmanufacture a commerciallyavailable mixing console forbroadcast television stereosound; it was the first todevelop a single point-sourcesurround-sound microphone,

and the first to launch acommercial digitally-controlledassignable console dedicatedto broadcast production.

Calrec’s expertise, experienceand technology is trusted andendorsed by the world’s mostsuccessful broadcasters. For putting sound in the picture,broadcasters trust in Calrec.

There are no second chances in live broadcast. Audio operatorsare under real pressure and need to be able to mix instinctively.Calrec consoles are purpose designed for this testing environment,which is why the world’s most successful broadcasters instinctivelytrust Calrec to keep them at the top of their game.

MEETING THECHALLENGE OF CHANGE

Alpha with Bluefin Sigma with Bluefin

2 C A L R E C

PowerFully redundant power isprovided from compact supplieswhich take up minimal rackspace. High DC voltage powerdistribution allows for widevariations of AC power withoutdropping DC operating voltages.

ProcessingOur console channel countdoes not diminish, no matterhow many output busses are in use. On all our consoles, allchannel features are availablesimultaneously, withoutreducing any input channelcapability.

SignalizationIn a broadcast audio controlroom, signalization encompassesa range of requirements for theaudio mixer to communicatewith external devices. Calrecconsoles provide various functionswithin their operational setups.Transmission (On Air) andRehearsal modes set upoperational inhibits to reducethe risk of human error, makingthe system more robust, lessstressful and more user friendlyfor the operator. ComprehensiveGPIs and GPOs enableoperators to communicate and control a large number of miscellaneous functions,including automatic cross fades between camera shots.

BluefinBluefin is an award-winningHigh Density Signal Processing(HDSP) system which providesunparalleled processing capacity on just one DSP card.Based on patent-pendingFPGA technology, Bluefindelivers a breathtaking 5000%improvement in efficiencycompared with equivalentplatforms using conventionalDSP chips. Bluefin provides a DSP system more powerfuland reliable than a conventionaldesign, for around the samecost. Both innovative andrevolutionary, Bluefinrepresents a fundamental shift in audio processing.

Surround ChannelsAs the transition from stereo to surround sound gatherspace, consoles need more thanjust increased channel capacity.Bluefin consoles have beendesigned to provide all thefacilities required for a busysurround sound environment.Surround Channels giveoperators the ability to control a full 5.1 source as a singlechannel, in a similar way to a stereo channel. This freeassignability of mono, stereoand 5.1 channels delivers theoptimal solution for handlingand controlling surround soundsources in live production.

calrec.com

C A L R E C 3

Omega with Bluefin Zeta

Our range of digital consoles includethe 480 channel Alpha with Bluefin, the320 channel Sigma with Bluefin, the160 channel Omega with Bluefin andthe 112 channel Zeta.

4 C A L R E C

SUITABILITY FOR PURPOSE

News Studio Live to Air When you’re mixing audio forlive news, you’ve only got onechance to get it right. That’swhy the world’s biggestbroadcasters rely on Calrecconsoles. In a live news studioan audio operator may have avariety of internal and externalfeeds, and a host of peopleboth in the field and on thestudio floor all wanting theirown unique signal. Calrecconsoles simplify this processby providing a mix-minus/cleanfeed signal for every singlechannel and group, togetherwith adjustable levels andtone/ident capabilities.

This is all independent of theMultitrack sends which giveeven more scope for customfeeds. When your anchor, yourreporters and your studio floorstaff all need to be kept in theloop, Calrec consoles have thecapability to do so quickly andeasily.

Sound gives pictures anemotional dimension thatmovement alone can’t convey.Calrec consoles are designedexclusively for live broadcast.They are purpose designed sothat you can be confident thatthe console has all the facilitiesyou will need for a smoothproduction. With an impressive36dB of pre-fader headroom,Calrec consoles have thedynamic range to handle eventhe most excitable broadcastcommentators. The audio staysclean even when channelfaders have to be pulled backwell below the -30 mark.

Calrec’s assignable controlsurface is now in its fifthgeneration and is totallyintuitive, with minimal use ofthe PC. In addition, flexibleHydra networking means thatyou can switch studio spacequickly and efficiently and atminimum expense. Whateverelse happens on the day, withCalrec you can be assured that all your audio will be open, transparent and, above all else, ever present!

Calrec are racing ahead of thecompetition in broadcast trucks.Two independent surveys haveplaced Calrec as a clear leaderamong companies providingaudio mixers for HD broadcasttrucks. A survey by the SportsVideo Group (SVG)* in NorthAmerica shows Calrec with 48% of all HD trucks, and 31%of the SD market. A similarsurvey by Germany’s MedienBulletin** gave Calrec 22% ofthe HD truck market acrossEurope, the Middle East andAfrica. Combined, these figuresgive Calrec an overwhelming

31% share of the HD truckmarket across the US, Europe, Middle East and Africa - 14% more than ournearest competitor.

*SVG Mobile Sports ProductionYearbook 2007

**Medien Bulletin in their HD OBVan Special 2007

Broadcast Trucks

C A L R E C 5

ALPHA with Bluefincalrec.com

Alpha with Bluefin is designed for live productionand on-air use, providing 480 channel processingpaths on a single DSP card, with full EQ anddynamics on all channels.

The growth of HD production is creating a demand for moreand more signal paths to dealwith 5.1 content. Calrec’sBluefin consoles meet thespecific needs of HD productionand live to air delivery, now andinto the future. Bluefin alsoprovides 432 mono elements of up to 2.73 seconds of audiodelay to cope with increasingAV synchronization problemsresulting from mixed formatHD/SD production, for example.

– Up to 96 dual layer faders

– 480 channel processing paths packaged as 162stereo and 156 mono channels, allowing up to 78 x 5.1 surround channels

– 8 x mono, stereo or 5.1surround audio groups

– 4 main (program) stereo or 5.1 surround outputs with Compressors/Limiters and EQ

– 20 mono auxiliary busses configurable up to 10 stereo

– 48 multi-track outputs for IFB or recording

For a comprehensive technology feature list refer to page 10

Our Bluefin range of consoles include the 480 channel Alpha.

6 C A L R E C

Sigma with Bluefin provides 320 channel processing paths onjust one card, with full EQ and dynamics on all channels, groupsand outputs. This equates to 52 x 5.1 surround channels.


– 320 channel processing paths packaged as 108 stereo and 104 mono channels, allowing up to 52 x 5.1 surround channels

– 8 x mono, stereo or 5.1 surround audio groups





SIGMA with Bluefin

Our Bluefin range of consolesinclude the 320 channel Sigma.

C A L R E C 7C A L R E C 7

Positioned between our Zeta and Sigma withBluefin consoles, Omega with Bluefin provides160 channel processing paths. Omega withBluefin places as much control onto the surfaceas possible to maintain the immediacy of ourassignable system.


– 160 channel processing paths packaged as 48 stereo and 64 mono channels, allowing up to 24 x 5.1 surround channels

– 8 x mono, stereo or 5.1 surround audio groups





Our Bluefin range of consoles include the 160 channel Omega.

OMEGA with Bluefincalrec.com

8 C A L R E C

ZETA

Combining intuituve operation and instant access with standardCalrec resilience, including hot-swappable cards and panels, and redundancy on all system-critical elements, Zeta is a consolethat provides broadcast-specific solutions for all types ofproduction environments.


– Up to 108 channel processing paths (42 stereo or mono plus 24 mono channels), or:

– Up to 112 channel processing paths (56 stereo)

– 8 x mono or stereo audio groups

– 2 main (program) stereo or 5.1 surround outputs with Compressors/Limiters




Zeta features up to 48 dual layer faders and up to 112channel processing paths

C A L R E C 9

calrec.comHYDRA

Machine Area

Studio A

Wallbox

Console Console Console

Wallbox

Gigabit Switch

Wallbox Wallbox Wallbox Wallbox Wallbox

Wallbox

Wallbox

Wallbox

Studio B Studio C

ACR 1 ACR 2 ACR 3

Hydra GigabitInterface



Secondly, bandwidth is entirelypredictable as the network iskept private. Finally, the networkis constructed in a star topology.Put simply, it means no networkhang-ups and the audio alwaysgets to where it needs to be.

Calrec offer both modular andfixed format I/O units, offeringup to 96 inputs and/or outputsper unit, analog or digital.These provide local or remotelylocated sources and destinationsthat can be used by any or allmixing consoles.

A range of fixed format 2Uto 4U fixed-format I/O boxesuse dual Cat5e GigabitEthernet ports for audio and control redundancy up to 90m/295ft. For extendeddistances, the boxes alsosupport optional duplex fiberconnectors up to five kilometers.

The range includes a 2U, 4 SDIinput de-embed unit whichextracts up to 64 channels ofsynchronous or asynchronousembedded audio from 4 HD/SDstreams. It then makes thesechannels available to anyconsole on the Hydra network.

All have built-in PSU redundancy,and single or optional dual IECpower connections.

Hydra audio networkingprovides a flexible and reliablemethod of sharing I/O resourcesand control data betweenCalrec digital mixing consoles.

Our solution differs from mostin that Hydra uses GigabitEthernet fabric to ensure highbandwidth, excellent resilienceand enormous flexibility,allowing the network to betailored precisely to therequirements of each installation.

Hydra guarantees deterministicperformance and eliminates the possibility of collisions by establishing three keydesign principles. The first isthat audio sample deliveryoperates strictly at the data link layer, which means noTCP/IP overhead is imposed.

Efficient networking is not just about the technicalities of sharingincoming and outgoing sources. It is about giving operators andstudio managers greater creativity and scope to do their jobs.

Hydra Networking using Gigabit Ethernet fabric

1 0 C A L R E C

TECHNICALSPECIFICATIONS

Technology FeaturesSystem FeaturesSimultaneous 5.1, LCRS, stereo and mono outputs available from each main output Monitor sources may be any combination of 5.1, stereo and monoUp to 192 mono equivalent assignable inserts for outboard gear All channels and groups can have a direct output or a different mix-minus outputAll channels have 4-band EQ/Filters, Compressors/Limiter and Expander/Gate Direct outputs can be pre EQ, pre fader or post fader Tracks can be fed from pre EQ, pre or post fader Automatic cross fading facility, with user-definable fade out and in times Comprehensive On Air Signalization systemVCA style grouping system All groups have Compressor/Limiter Direct input available to groups, mains, aux and mix-minus bussesInput delay Unparalleled microphone input and signal path headroomMetering:

- TFT screens allow up to three rows of meters - Each screen can have mixed sizes of meter: 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 and full screen size- Size, location and color are all user definable- User configurability ensures a high degree of redundancy - Provision for mechanical VU and PPM meters where required

System StabilityFully redundant power supply system with automatic on-line redundant capacityOn-board hot spares provide automatic redundancy on critical system elements: PSU, DSP and control processorsHigh DC voltage power distribution allows for wide variations of AC powerConsole and racks boot from cold in less than 20 secondsFull control system reset in less then 15 seconds with no loss of audioHot plugging of every card and moduleNon-sequential power-on processEmbedded proprietary operating system ensures independence from PC systemsOn board Flash ROM offers 99 memories independent of the PCAutomatic background memory stores current status for fast loading on power upIndependent DSP operation ensures audio continuity even during PC or control resetPC not required for sustained operation or boot up - PC failure or reset has no effect on audio signalSNMP status reporting

Bluefin System Features for Alpha, Sigma and OmegaUser configurable monitor panels with full operator profiles allow the scale of monitoring to meet the most demanding program needs yet remain extremely easy to use19.6 minutes of audio delay made up of 432 mono elements of up to 2.73 secondsSeparate 2-band EQ and 2-band filters for Dynamics side-chainSurround Channels:

- All surround channels and groups have surround direct outputs, with the option to downmix to stereo- Ability to control a discrete 5.1 source on a single fader- Resources automatically assigned when Surround channel is assigned - surround channels use the

resources of 2 x stereo channels (for L/R and Ls/Rs) and 2 x mono channels (for Center and LFE)- Dedicated spill panel individually controls all legs of a Surround channel

Control Surface End ProfilesAlpha

Calrec Audio Ltd reserve the right to change specifications without notice. E&O.E.

Alpha, Sigma, Omega, Hydra Audio Networking and Bluefin High Density Signal Processing (HDSP) are trademarks of Calrec Audio Ltd.

All other trademarks acknowledged.

Designed and produced by Rees & Company.

1098 [43.23”]

947 [37.29”]

863 [33.97”]

331 [13.01”]

760

[29.

92”]

650

[25.

59”]

426

[16.

79”]

1003

[39.

51”]

1075

[42.

31”]

202 [7.95”]

1052 [41.42”] 46 [1.82”]

Sigma

Omega and Zeta

Technical SpecificationsSigma

Omega and Zeta

C A L R E C 1 1

845 [33.3”]

712.5 [28.1”]

608 [23.9”]

338 [15.3”]

760

[29.

9”]

685

[27.

0”]

665

[26.

2”]

604

[23.

8”]

996

[39.

2”]

122 [4.8”]783 [30.8”]

AlphaMax no. No. of Modules Length Depth of Faders Sections Frame Size inches/mm inches/mm48 12 4:4:4 60.9/1547 43.2/109852 13 4:4:5 65.9/1672 43.2/109856 14 4:4:6 70.8/1797 43.2/109860 15 4:5:6 75.7/1922 43.2/109864 16 4:6:6 80.7/2047 43.2/109868 17 5:6:6 85.6/2172 43.2/109872 18 6:6:6 90.5/2297 43.2/109876 19 4:4:5:6 95.7/2428 43.2/109880 20 4:4:6:6 100.6/2553 43.2/109884 21 4:5:6:6 105.5/2678 43.2/109888 22 4:6:6:6 110.4/2803 43.2/109892 23 5:6:6:6 115.4/2928 43.2/109896 24 6:6:6:6 120.3/3053 43.2/109896 25 4:4:5:6:6 125.4/3184 43.2/109896 26 4:4:6:6:6 130.4/3309 43.2/109896 27 4:5:6:6:6 135.3/3434 43.2/109896 28 4:6:6:6:6 140.2/3559 43.2/1098

SigmaMax no. No. of Modules Length Depth of Faders Sections Frame Size inches/mm inches/mm48 12 4:4:4 60.9/1547 38/96452 13 4:4:5 65.9/1672 38/96456 14 4:6:4 70.8/1797 38/96460 15 4:6:5 75.7/1922 38/96464 16 6:4:6 80.7/2047 38/96464 17 5:6:6 85.6/2172 38/96464 18 6:6:6 90.5/2297 38/96464 19 5:4:4:6 95.7/2428 38/96464 20 6:4:4:6 100.6/2553 38/96464 21 5:4:6:6 105.5/2678 38/96464 22 4:6:6:6 110.4/2803 38/96464 23 5:6:6:6 115.4/2928 38/964

Omega and ZetaMax no. No. of Modules Length Depth of Faders Sections Frame Size inches/mm inches/mm24 3 1:1:1 30.9/785 33.3/84540 5 1:2:2 50.8/1291 33.3/84548 (Zeta) 7 2:3:2 70.7/1797 33.3/84556 (Omega) 7 2:3:2 70.7/1797 33.3/845

807 [31.76”]

737 [29.03”]

467 [18.40”]

760

[29.

92”]

650

[25.

59”]

393

[15.

46”]

1037

[40.

81”]

164 [6.44”]964 [37.94”]

calrec.com

Calrec Audio LtdNutclough MillHebden BridgeWest YorkshireHX7 8EZEngland UK

Tel +44 (0)1422 842159Fax +44 (0)1422 845244Email [email protected]

calrec.com

Documents

Calrec Audio product guide, in English