Jan 2003
Meeting Preview
|
|
Jan 2003 Meeting Preview |
Three Large Format Live Digital Consoles
Date Tuesday, 28 January, 2003 Time 7:30 pm Place Ryerson School Of Image Arts
[NB not our usual location]Address Sound Stage on the 3rd Floor
122 Bond St. (Corner of Bond and Gould)Pre-Meeting Dinner 5:30 pm
Pickle Barrel (corner of Edward and Yonge in the Atrium)pdf file Meeting Announcement in Adobe Acrobat Format
Representatives from the three manufacturers touting large format live digital consoles in touring configuration for: sound reinforcement, concert, theatre, and live broadcast markets will be demonstrating their systems in operation for the Toronto Section.
Featuring:
- The innova Son Compact Sy40, with Colin Bernard of Sennheiser Canada
- The Digico D5 Live system, with Dave Dysart of HHB Canada
- The Yamaha PM1D, with Ashley Clarke of Yamaha Canada
The three systems are characterized by portable control surfaces located in the operator position, connected to hardware racks that can be located elsewhere in the venue. The systems feature sufficient digital signal processing to provide enough input channels and output busses and standard signal processing to meet the standards of the industry.
Come and see the particular features of each one and compare their operations in a working environment.
Innova SON, a Digigram company, distributed in the U.S. by Sennheiser Electronic Corporation is introduced a new digital mixing console for live performance at AES 2002 Los Angeles. While the new COMPACT Sy40 is housed in the same chassis and offers the same footprint and number of the faders as the popular Compact Live, the new COMPACT Sy40 digital console is configured with 40 input channels and 27 mix buses offering far greater mixing capabilities and enhanced functionality.
As a stand-alone console the COMPACT Sy40 supports 40 inputs and 16 outputs through 47 faders: 32, including eight stereo, for the 40 input channels, 12 stereo mix buses, plus three for the mono LRM/C masters. If linked to the Innova SON Stage Box, the COMPACT Sy40 can be expanded to up to 72 inputs and 48 outputs.
Building on the modular architecture that has been a cornerstone to the success of the entire Innova SON Sensory range, the COMPACT Sy40 allows users to configure the precise physical I/O of the console specifically for each event. The electronic I/O modules are compatible with the Compact Live, Essential Live and Large Scale Live digital consoles.
Innova SON is distributed exclusively in the United States by Sennheiser Electronic Corporation. It joins a list of distinguished audio brands that Sennheiser distributes including Neumann Microphones, Turbosound Loudspeakers and Chevin Research Amplifiers.
Based in France, Innova SON manufactures an innovative line of digital products for live touring, radio and television, world-class performing art centers, and general sound reinforcement applications.
The Digico D5 Live system comes in two versions: D5 Live 56 and D5 Live 96. The control surface is identical in size and appearance on both consoles, as is the feature set, but the 56 version has 64 channels of full processing while the 96 version provides 96 channels.
The D5 Live 56 comes with one remote (stage end) DiGi-rack, which contains the A/D converters and is connected to the console via optical fibre. 100m of fibre cable is provided with the system, reducing the length of copper wire between microphone and desk to, at most, a few metres. A second, local DiGi-rack sits next to the console with a further 40 external I/Os for inserts and effect sends.
The D5 Live 96 comes with two stage DiGi-racks and one local rack, providing 96 inputs. A special "future-proof" feature here is that a D5 Live 56 can cost-effectively be upgraded to a 96 by adding a second remote DiGi-rack and an additional DSP card in the console.
The powerful DSP engine is shielded inside the console's rigid steel and aluminum chassis on a slide-out tray for easy maintenance and provides every channel with full processing and full functionality at all times, so there is no variation in performance no matter how many features are in simultaneous use. The optional effects package comes with its own dedicated DSP card which slots inside the chassis. To transfer console settings and automation snapshots to another D5 Live, or to edit your console settings on a laptop PC, simply plug in the miniature USB key to a port on the front of the desk. To use the console for multitrack live recording, connect your hard disk multitrack recorder to the console via the single MADI port.
On the rear is the integral dual-redundant power supply, which is both hot-swapable and auto-switching, along with the modem port for diagnostics and software updates. In the event of a power supply problem, the D5 Live will automatically switch power supplies over without any loss of audio or control status, and there's no audio interruption, either, in the unlikely event of the console needing to be rebooted during a show. The overall design approach means the desk is extremely fast to set up and to pack away after a show. The console's small footprint and relatively light weight make it possible for two people to lift it, although four would be more comfortable.
The Yamaha PM1D Digital Mixing System combines digital mixing and signal processing technology attained through more than 12 years experience with digital sound - more than 100,000 Yamaha digital mixers have already been sold worldwide - with the type of features and flexibility that have made the PM-series sound reinforcement consoles the leading choice of sound professionals worldwide.
Available in 48-channel and 96-channel base configurations, the PM1D offers outstanding digital sound quality and controllability in a system that is remarkably compact, easy to set up, and cost-effective.
In addition to a sophisticated analog-style control surface, all parameters can be accessed and edited via a familiar computer interface, with graphic readout for easy, efficient operation. The entire setup can be programmed off-line on a standard desktop or laptop computer and then loaded into the PM1D when needed.
Top-quality 28-bit AD and 27-bit DA conversion deliver extraordinary sonic resolution for totally clean, natural sound. The same goes for signal processing whether it's EQ, compression, or effects. The PM1D lets you patch desired outboard gear in just about anywhere in the system. In fact, all signal routing and patching is controlled via a comprehensive centralized display that makes system setup a snap.
The console itself and one or two equipment racks (depending on your I/O requirements) - is considerably smaller, lighter, and easier to handle than comparable analog systems. And because of the small size of the console, you have more freedom in selecting and setting up your mixing location.
In stark contrast to the snakes and bundles of cables required for analog sound reinforcement, all PM1D console-to-stage audio and control signals are carried via one 68-pin cable per 32 channels, and three Ethernet cables. So once the console and rack(s) are in position, it should not take more than a few minutes to have the whole rigs connected and ready to run.
Return to the Front Page | Review of this Meeting