Audio consoles at NAB2001
Jun 1, 2001 12:00 PM, By Barry Thomas, CSRE CBNT
Klotz Digital exhibited its console lines based on the VADIS audio engine.
Logitek’s digital audio console systems are similar in that they are based on a separate audio engine that is driven by a console-like control surface. The Digital Audio Engine is now networkable over a 1GB optical fiber and can be networked with up to 31 additional engines.
Telos Systems was ubiquitous on the radio show floor with the SmartSurface studio controller (see Pick Hits, page 40). SmartSurface looks like a 16-channel console, but it’s a control panel for audio routing systems that have mixing and processing built in, such as the SAS 32000 and 64000 series audio routers and the Computer Concepts Epicenter.
Wheatstone, in addition to highlighting its Bridge 2001 Digital Audio Network Router, showed the A2000 linear audio console, a 23-channel modular analog console designed with flexibility and features of larger consoles without a larger price tag.
Wheatstone also highlighted two new consoles from Auditronics, the 2600, a 12-input, modular analog console that fits tight spaces and tight budgets, and the ALM-12d (amazing little mixer) digital console, a low-priced, 12-channel digital audio console that combines the functions of a small digital audio router and a full-featured audio console.
Harris/Pacific Research & Engineering had the BMX Digital console. Designed for large and major-market installations, it features twice the mix buses as its analog counterpart. The BMX Digital is available in frame sizes of 22, 30, or 38 inputs and is fully modular.
Arrakis Systems displayed its Revolution audio console, which can operate either as a digital or analog console. It offers all the standard busses, muting and controls in a 12 or 18-channel mainframe.
LPB again showed the Blue 5C console, which is ideal for small broadcast studio installations.
On the analog side, Radio Systems demonstrated the Millennium consoles, and Ward-Beck displayed the Renaissance R2K console.
Barry Thomas is president of Media Systems Design, Los Angeles.