In Broadcast September 2012 - 38

WWW.INBROADCAST.COM | ISSUE 12 - SEPTEMBER 2012

InSOUND

Merging Changes Gear For IBC2012
Horus was the guest of honour at the Networking Party last year and now, with units leaving the factory in droves and RAVENNA gaining momentum by the day, there was plenty to be discussed with IBC attendees. Broadcasters can readily see the efﬁciency of networked audio devices but what may be less obvious are the hidden beneﬁts of lower power consumption, reduction in rack space and the elimination of other items in the audio chain. Horus becomes an IP node on a RAVENNA network and allows comprehensive routing and control of the I/O capability of the converter. Horus contains ultra-high quality microphone pre-ampliﬁers, AES/ EBU and MADI conversion in both directions with full remote control of all the parameters. This highly scalable solution has applications right across the industry from the simplest location recording and mastering to major broadcast facilities, OB vans, live sound and large installation projects. MXFix 2 – The MXFix Audio Compliance Server goes to V2.0 software revision and has additions requested by users added to its already rich feature set. Fully R-128, A/85 and tomorrow’s BS.1770-2 compliant, this faster than real-time batch ﬁle solution is designed to enhance broadcast and post production Quality Control workflows. For those that want to leave the dynamics alone, a two-pass normaliser based on the popular Merging Final Check module has been added as standard. Channel routing is now included as well as a “Cross-Wrapping” feature which allows MOV<->MXF for compatible codecs (IMX, XDCAM-HD, DNxHD, DVCPro etc.). Options for Jünger Audio’s popular and very effective Level Magic software and Surcode for Dolby E integration make MXFix a one-stop shop for audio for picture compliance. Use of a simple web browser interface makes it intuitive to operate. Ovation 4 – This Live Media Server and Sequencer now beneﬁts from using RAVENNA IP technology to connect to Horus. This exceptionally p o w e r f u l interface can be connected to more than one Ovation system simultaneously bringing a level of flexibility in signal routing previously only achieved on a larger scale router. The other big news at IBC2012 was that the Merging Technologies stand played host to the exciting Dataton W AT C H O U T multi-display production and playback software. Visitors to the stand witnessed how easy it is to achieve full timeline synchronisation between WATCHOUT and Ovation cues, making an ideal solution for any complex live playout for broadcast studio backdrops and even live broadcast events. New Ovation V4.0 features include a New Show Wizard with factory or user deﬁned Templates, Direct-tocue CD Import, a function allowing for automatic import of media from removable devices and/or network locations, along with a whole host of new enhancements which add to the ease of use and ﬂexibility of this audio and control playout system. Pyramix 8 – Combining Horus with Pyramix V8.0 offers a huge leap in sound quality as well as all the networking and I/O beneﬁts. If this was not enough, there are major enhancements to the automation, the mixer, MassCore, the meter bridge and the speed of the database functions. Improvements have also been made to the Media Manager, CD import and Sampling Rate Conversion modules for this major release of Merging Technologies’ cornerstone Product VCube 4 – The latest updates for VCube focus on speeding up the workﬂow. A new batch render function is introduced along with improvements to Auto Edit for Record. This now includes a new assemble mode. The handling of image sequences has now been improved so that once they have been detected, they can be imported as one video clip into VCube. ■

Horus Recording

Audio-Technica Showcase Microphone & Wireless System
Audio-Technica showcased an array of its most popular broadcast microphones and wireless systems at this year’s IBC2012 exhibition. Among the highlights was shotgun models from the company’s Broadcast & Production microphone range, including the BP4071L (at 21.22” long, among the lengthiest on the market today) and BP4073, weighing in at less than 100grams and perfect for ﬁsh pole or minicam mounting. The innovative design of both models results in directivity comparable to microphones up to 50% longer and low self-noise. The award-winning BP4001 and BP4002 interview mics were also displayed at IBC. Receiving an Audio Pro International Industry Excellence Award in 2011, the BP4001 cardioid dynamic model is tailored for extremely clear, articulate speech reproduction and provides exceptional isolation from handling noise, making it ideal for on-location interviews in demanding situations. The BP4002 shares the BP4001’s ﬂoating back cavity assembly for identical handling noise and acoustic performance, with an omnidirectional polar pattern for when wider pickup is required. Used by some of the world’s best-loved artists, Audio-Technica’s true diversity wireless systems also proved popular at the show. From the affordable 2000s Series to the ﬂagship 5000 Series, the systems deliver rock-solid performance, unimpaired tonal response and excellent flexibility in touring or installed situations. The ATCS-60 infrared conference system was showcased on the Audio-Technica stand. The ATCS-60 delivers exceptional signal security when compared with UHF systems, and real versatility and ease of use thanks to its wireless delegate microphone units, Conference Manager software and ATCS-V60 modular, retro-ﬁttable voting system. The new ATCS-A60MX longthrow antenna system is currently nominated for an Audio Pro International award for Best New Installation Product; the new system signiﬁcantly increases the range and ﬂexibility of the ATCS60, transmitting a secure signal up to 20 metres for large conference venues. ■

Audio-Technica IBC2012 display

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In Broadcast September 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of In Broadcast September 2012