Documentos de Académico
Documentos de Profesional
Documentos de Cultura
com
1956
1962
The Calder Valley Sound Recording Group
is founded as a recording studio in The group is registered as the Calder
Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, where Valley Sound Recording Company.
Calrec is located today.
ALPHA with Bluefin calrec.com
1964
1971
Incorporated as Calder Recordings Limited.
Microphone production begins, producing Mixing console manufacturing begins
high quality capacitor based designs for with sales to Angus McKenzie, BBC Radio,
music recording and broadcast operations. Tyne Tees TV and others.
CALREC 3
PRODUCT INFORMATION
1972
1977
Name changed to Calrec Audio Ltd. Calrec supply the world’s first
true stereo broadcast console to
BBC TV Studio 1
What
is Alpha with Bluefin?
Bluefin has an unequalled and the PC provides control
ability to manage large numbers over a number of user defined
of surround sources. Alpha with options such as monitor and
Bluefin provides 480 channel metering setups.
processing paths on just one DSP
card, with full EQ and dynamics In addition, the system provides
on all channels, groups and main a significant amount of audio
outputs. This equates to 78 x full delay to cope with the increasing
5.1 surround channels. AV synchronization problems,
resulting from mixed format
As with every Calrec digital HD/SD production, for example.
console, all elements of the Bluefin signal processing provides
system design focus on simplicity 432 mono elements of up to
and reliability. The assignable 2.73 seconds of audio delay, which
control surface minimizes screen can be inserted exactly where
usage enabling direct access to the operator needs it.
the majority of console functions,
4 CALREC
ALPHA with Bluefin calrec.com
1978
1981
The Soundfield microphone is introduced Calrec supplies the world’s first
– the world’s first single point-source digitally controlled assignable mixing
surround-sound microphone. console to BBC Radio OB’s.
– All channels, groups and mains have 4-band EQ, 2-band filters,
Compressor/Limiter and Expander/Gate
CALREC 5
BLUEFIN
TECHNOLOGY
1985
1989
Calrec introduce the VCS assignable Calrec’s current management structure is
mixing console, the world’s first formed, with Stephen Jagger as Managing
commercially viable digitally controlled Director, and the company focuses exclusively
analog console. on consoles for broadcast applications.
6 CALREC
ALPHA with Bluefin calrec.com
1993
1996
Calrec introduces the T-Series, The Q2 console, purpose designed
a third generation digitally controlled for use in remote production vehicles,
analog live production and live to is introduced to the US market where
air console. it gains immediate success.
How
does Bluefin work?
Bluefin is a patent-pending DSP chips. This means that and the chance of component
implementation of FPGA (Field- even in our largest Alpha failure. In short, the FPGA
Programmable Gate Array) console, only one Bluefin DSP provides a DSP system that is
technology which can provide card is required, instead of much more powerful and
an entire mixing console on a 24 conventional ones, whilst at reliable than a conventional
single card. the same time the number of design, for around the same
channels is more than doubled. cost. With system resilience
Recent impressive increases reinforced by a second,
in the resource density and Calrec is the first company to redundant card, it’s like having
speed of FPGA technology implement FPGA technology another console as a hot spare.
have enabled Calrec engineers in this way.
to exploit the full potential of Bluefin also provides full EQ
these versatile chips in order to The advantages of such a and dynamics to all channels,
produce a breathtaking 5000% dramatic reduction in the groups and mains, with 4 x 5.1
improvement in efficiency number of DSP cards required, main outputs, 8 x 5.1 groups,
compared with equivalent include proportional reductions 48 multi-track/IFB outputs and
platforms using conventional in power usage, heat generation 20 auxiliary outputs.
CALREC 7
CAPABILITY
1997
1998
The first all digital product from Calrec An all digital version of the T Series
– the X Series radio on-air console. console is shown at NAB.
There are no second chances in live broadcast. Audio operators are under real
pressure and need to be able to mix instinctively. Calrec consoles are purpose
designed for this testing environment, which is why broadcasters instinctively
trust Calrec to keep them at the top of their game.
What
are the benefits?
Reliability has no effect on the audio PC is minimal across our whole
Calrec consoles are famous signal and accounts for a boot console range and layering
for their reliability and purpose time, from cold, of less than is limited to two independent
designed not to let you down. 20 seconds, and a full control signal paths. Calrec’s compact
But in the demanding system reset in less then 15 fader width enables operators
environment of live-to-air seconds, with no loss of audio. to control more faders at any
broadcasting, you can’t afford given time – eight faders take
to leave anything to chance. Ease of Operation up only 250mm/ 9.85 inches,
That’s why we go the extra mile We have been designing providing more physical faders
and provide full redundancy at live production and live-to-air in a given space than any
all system-critical points with broadcast audio mixing other console manufacturer.
fully redundant power supplies, consoles for over 35 years,
DSP cards and processing and in 1981, we introduced Power
cards. All cards and panels are the world’s first digitally Fully redundant power is
pluggable under power and controlled assignable mixing provided from compact supplies
initialize on insertion. Our console. The Calrec assignable which take up minimal rack
proprietary operating system control surface, now in its space. High DC voltage power
and independent DSP ensure fifth generation, integrates distribution allows for wide
audio continuity, and eliminate many years of user experience variations of AC power without
the need for a PC for sustained and feedback. The console dropping DC operating voltages.
operation or boot up. This operation is intuitive, with a The AC voltage can drop to
means that PC failure or reset fast learning curve. Use of the about 80v before the 24v
8 CALREC
ALPHA with Bluefin calrec.com
1999
1999
The M3 small format console Following considerable customer
is launched at the AES convention interest in the digital T Series,
in Munich, Germany. Calrec introduces the Alpha at NAB.
Processing
The channel count of Calrec
consoles is never diminished,
no matter how many output
busses are in use. Using any
of the output busses on some
other consoles can reduce the
number of input channels that
can be used, but with Calrec
desks output busses are more
like the physical busses of an
analog desk – and they are all
available without reducing the
input channel capability.
CALREC 9
HANDLING
LIVE 5.1
2002
2001
The Alpha-OB, remote production The Sigma console, Calrec’s second
version of the Alpha is launched digital television production console,
in November. debuts at NAB.
Surround Sound
As well as providing the vastly stereo downmix of the is assigned, and can be
increased channel capacity surround main outputs. This individually controlled on a
needed to handle the surround is often necessary when doing dedicated Surround Spill
sound future, our Bluefin simultaneous HD and SD panel on the control surface.
generation of consoles has transmissions.
been designed with all the The advantages of using
advanced functions needed Calrec Surround Channels give two stereo channels for the
to maintain comprehensive operators the ability to control L/R and Ls/Rs rather than
control in this more complex a full 5.1 source as a single four monos are:
multi-channel environment. channel, in a similar way to a
stereo channel. This free – it allows faster operation
Our consoles provide all the assignability of mono, stereo compared with 4 x mono
mixing output paths and or 5.1 channels delivers the channels when the signals
monitoring facilities required optimal solution for handling need to be adjusted
in a busy surround sound and controlling surround sound separately from the Surround
environment, including an sources in live production. Channel.
insert for a Dolby® DP570 – it ensures that during
multichannel audio tool which Surround Channels use the adjustment, the overall
can be remotely controlled resources of 2 x stereo balance of the Surround
directly from the monitor panel. channels (for L/R and Ls/Rs) Channel is not upset
and 2 x mono channels (for example by adjusting
Calrec consoles also provide (for Center and LFE). These the EQ of L and then R).
8 x groups that are fully resources are automatically – it allows adjustment to the
equipped for 5.1 surround, allocated from the available front and rear width of the
as well as all main outputs, mono and stereo channels surround signal – impossible
and allow full control of the as the Surround Channel if treated as mono signals.
10 C A L R E C
AUDIO NETWORKING calrec.com
2003
2003
2004
The launch of the Hydra audio network
Zeta is launched at NAB, at IBC enables I/O resources to be Calrec celebrates 40 years in the
establishing a family of three shared throughout the entire family business, providing pro audio expertise
digital consoles. of Calrec digital consoles. to the broadcast industry since 1964.
Hydra
Hydra provides a powerful solution for sharing Modular Hydra I/O boxes provide a versatile way
network I/O resources and control data between to devise a vast range of alternative I/O schemes.
Calrec digital mixing consoles. Hydra uses Gigabit They allow selections of analog input, output and
Ethernet fabric, the highest speed network AES modules to closely tailor port combinations to
infrastructure commonly available. Very high exact requirements.
bandwidth and a scalable, flexible architecture
allow the network to be tailored precisely to the For installations which do not need this level of
requirements of each installation. A variety of custom flexibility, Calrec can supply one or more
Hydra I/O, analog or digital, may be connected fixed format boxes, providing a highly cost
to the network. effective form of I/O.
– Cost effective and user-friendly Using a natural and logical extension of our
– Reliable, with scope for comprehensive system existing console operational screens and panels,
redundancy control of the network is remarkably user-friendly.
– Very high bandwidth – data rate of 1000Mbps
over copper or optical fiber
– Up to 585 bi-directional channels
– Network constructed from standardized,
structured cabling or fiber-optics
C A L R E C 11
HYDRA AUDIO
NETWORKING
2004
Calrec celebrates 40 years in the
business, providing pro audio expertise
to the broadcast industry since 1964.
Machine Area
High bandwidth, low cost solution
Calrec’s Hydra network fabric to provide high bandwidth, The first is that audio sample
ensures the sharing of inputs low cost, excellent resilience and delivery operates strictly at the
Wallbox and outputs across a number enormous scalability. data link layer, which means
of mixing consoles is an easy no TCP/IP overhead is
and natural process - no more Given the well-understood imposed. Secondly, bandwidth
Gigabit Switch Wallbox complicated than plugging a historical reluctance of audio is entirely predictable as the
mic into a stand-alone console, engineers to rely on IT network is kept private.
and just as reliable. networking, the challenge for
Wallbox
Calrec engineers was to exploit Finally, the network is
Hydra allows networked Calrec the advantages of Ethernet constructed in a star topology.
ACR 1 ACR 2 ACR 3 consoles to share input ports technology, whilst eliminating Put simply, it means no
and have access to output the potential for fragility network hang-ups and the
Hydra Gigabit Hydra Gigabit Hydra Gigabit
ports. It is easy to install and problems. audio always gets to where
Interface Interface Interface uses industry standard network it needs to be.
switches in conjunction with Our engineers solved this by
standard Cat 5e/Cat 6 cable establishing three key design Combining analog and digital
Console Console Console
and/or fiber. principles in order to guarantee modular boxes with fixed
deterministic performance and format analog and AES-3 units,
An example of Hydra in a multi control
Our solution differs from most eliminate the possibility of makes for scaleable networks
room, multi studio setup. in that we use Gigabit Ethernet network collisions. that can meet the needs of
12 C A L R E C
calrec.com
2006
2006
2007
Bluefin high Density Signal Calrec adds the Bluefin DSP engine Omega with Bluefin launched.
Processing is introduced onto the to the Sigma console at IBC. The Omega is the third implementation
Alpha at NAB. of Bluefin on a console.
C A L R E C 13
HYDRA AUDIO
NETWORKING
2007
2007
2007
Calrec introduce a range of 2007 Calrec unveil the X2, a second Calrec joins D&M Holdings, a global
fixed-format I/O boxes, supporting generation radio on-air console, at provider of the highest quality audio
both copper and fiber connections. AES in Vienna, Austria. and video products.
Larger studios and outdoor spaces present their own unique problems for
networked connectivity – easily overcome with Calrec’s simple, elegant and
cost-effective fixed format I/O boxes.
14 C A L R E C
PUTTING SOUND calrec.com
IN THE PICTURE
Our Bluefin range of consoles
include the 480 channel Alpha,
the 320 channel Sigma and the
Alpha with Bluefin Sigma with Bluefin Omega with Bluefin 160 channel Omega.
15 C A L R E C C A L R E C 15
QUESTIONS,
QUESTIONS I’m quite happy working in
I’m always hearing stereo, but what if I suddenly How easy is it to set up the
manufacturers talk about need to be dealing with 5.1 metering for my Surround Isn’t it dangerous to have a
redundancy. What does sources? I don’t want to have inputs? I don’t have time to PC as part of an on-air digital
this mean for me? to buy another console! be reconfiguring the desk. console?
An audio console for live The good news is, with Calrec You don’t need to. Calrec’s Unlike many digital consoles
on-air use has to be extremely desks you won’t need to! TFT metering automatically the PC on a Calrec desk is
reliable. Calrec’s designs have Alpha, Sigma and Omega detects what kind of channel used principally for set up
an excellent record in this consoles come with Bluefin is assigned to the meter and and memory backup. You can
area but, there is always the High Density Signal adjusts the meter accordingly. switch the PC off and still
chance that something might Processing (HDSP) as You can also move the meters operate the desk. This non-
fail during the lifetime of standard. Bluefin is a unique, around to suit your style of reliance on the PC accounts
the console. For this reason, highly evolved DSP system working, adjust the colors and for a fast boot-up time from
Calrec provides on-line which can provide up to 480 the size, or even their position cold in less than 20 seconds,
redundant hardware for ALL channel processing paths on on the upstand. and a full control surface reset
critical systems to ensure that one DSP card. Bluefin also takes less then 15 seconds,
the show always goes on. enables all the Main outputs with no loss of audio.
Furthermore, if the redundant and Groups to be 5.1 surround,
hardware kicks in, the system and the ability to work with
reports this, and you can hot- many 5.1 channels. Calrec’s
swap the failed item to restore Surround Spill panel provides
the system’s back up, without comprehensive and
interrupting the show. Beware! independent control of the
Some manufacturers make L/R, Ls/Rs, Center and LFE
claims about redundancy but signals of a 5.1 channel.
only provide it for parts of their
system, leaving other areas
that can take you off air. Also,
if a part fails you often have
to take their system down
to fix the problem. With Calrec
you can trust that you’re
always in control.
16 C A L R E C
ALPHA with Bluefin calrec.com
That wouldn’t happen. Unlike It is more of an issue. The Calrec consoles have a higher Yes. In fact we offer one Yes. Calrec has developed
many other digital consoles, nature of Digital, HD, and 5.1 fader density than most of the most comprehensive Hydra, an audio networking
Calrec desks do not share any technologies has resulted in consoles, which is important SDI de-embedders available solution which allows multiple
DSP resources so there are a significant increase in the in a live environment where from a console manufacturer. wall boxes to be connected
no limitations on what you can need for audio-video delay the more faders you can Our unit accepts and detects to multiple consoles. A console
or cannot do. In other words, compensation. For example, control on the desk surface SD or HD signals for up to on the network can select a
all facilities are available on in HD production it is often at one time, the better. In fact, 4 streams per unit. Not only remote I/O source, such as
all channels at all times and necessary to use some SD Calrec can fit more physical can the unit de-embed all a microphone input, set the
all the busses are always equipment such as cameras. faders into a limited space 16 audio channels arranged gain and phantom power and
available even if you are using The up-conversion of these than any other manufacturer. in 4 groups per stream but it then use that source with its
all the Mains, Groups, AFL and video signals introduces delays Desk size is only one aspect – can also handle incoming channel processing. Further-
PFL as 5.1. This is essential that must be compensated rack space is always at a synchronous or asynchronous more, a second console (or
for live broadcast as you need for in the audio system. premium too, especially in a audio with bypassable Sample however many consoles are
to know that you have freedom This compensation must mobile unit, and Bluefin helps Rate Converters. Optional needed) may select the same
to adjust everything as you be introduced in such a way keep this down to an absolute Dolby Cat No 552 Modules source and then use its own
see fit. as to match the video at the minimum with all the DSP on allow for up to 8 Dolby E channel processing (to apply
output but not delay any a single card. Rigidity, low heat signals to be decoded per unit different EQ or Dynamics and
audio being fed back to the generation and lightweight and these Dolby decoders can routes to its own busses).
presenters. Calrec consoles materials are also important be assigned where required It is possible to share studio
incorporate 19.6 minutes of factors. Calrec designs from the console. The unit floors between consoles for
audio delay divided into 432 consoles with all this in mind, provides a multi decoder serial ultimate flexibility. Calrec has
mono legs of up to 2.73 which is why Calrec is a clear data connector to output the a range of units from 12 mic/
seconds each. They allow this leader among companies Incoming Metadata. To ensure line and 4 line outputs 2U
delay to be positioned in the providing audio mixers for full redundancy, dual redundant units, through to fully modular
audio path exactly where the broadcast trucks. PSUs and fully redundant dual 7U units, handling up to 88 mic
operator needs it to achieve Ethernet connections are fitted. inputs with options for mic
the desired compensation. splits, line outputs, AES inputs
and outputs. The SDI unit also
appears as a resource on the
network allowing picture
related audio content to be
shared across consoles.
C A L R E C 17
WHAT’S WHAT?
TFT
Calrec’s TFT metering
provides full operator
configurability of layout, size
and color. Each meter can
be mono, stereo, M/S, 5.1
surround or a phase display
and automatically detect
whether the channel is mono,
stereo or 5.1.
Monitoring
In live broadcast you need
immediate access to many
different sources. Calrec monitor
panels can be configured to
select up to 112 mono, stereo
or 5.1 sources, and these can
be banked together for ease
of access.
Faders
The Alpha with Bluefin console
can incorporate up to 96 physical
faders, including up to 78 x 5.1
surround channels. Calrec’s
5.1 surround channels provide
the ability to control a discrete
5.1 source on a single fader.
18 C A L R E C
ALPHA with Bluefin calrec.com
The Alpha with Bluefin console features controlled assignable mixing console
an assignable control surface which in 1981. Our assignable control surface
incorporates Calrec’s vast experience is now in its fifth generation, integrating
designing live production and live-to-air many years of user experience and
broadcast audio mixing consoles. Calrec feedback.
introduced the world’s first digitally
PC
All Calrec consoles have a
proprietary operating system
and are entirely independent
of the PC for sustained operation
or boot up. This means that
PC failure or reset has no effect
on the audio signal.
Surround Spill
Calrec’s Surround Spill panel allows an operator to adjust
the individual legs of a surround channel, group or main.
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) and are automatically allocated from
the available mono and stereo channels.
Wild Controls
Alpha with Bluefin provides up
to eight wild controls for each
fader. Almost any rotary control
on the console can be assigned.
Each wild control has its own
LED display providing clear visual
feedback to the operator.
C A L R E C 19
FEATURES
Metering
Working in a 5.1 environment presents users As well as enabling a greater density of signals
with very specific problems. Operators see an to be displayed, TFT metering provides users with
increasing number of 5.1 sources coming into the absolute flexibility. For example, a typical meter
console. They need to know that that all six legs set-up could have one screen metering Tracks
are present and at the expected level, but on 1-24, A Paths 1- 8 and B Paths 1- 8. In the center
conventional metering systems it is very difficult of the console, an operator could set up a screen
to display a 5.1 input, especially in the space of a to display full height hi-res monitoring of Main
single fader width. It also follows that with many Outputs 1- 4 in 5.1 and a Meter Selector in 5.1
more 5.1 outputs, even more metering is required. (or stereo when a stereo source is selected).
Calrec’s TFT metering provides full operator The following signals can be metered:
configurability of layout, size and color as well – Channel inputs, A and B paths (simultaneously,
as ensuring a high degree of redundancy, without or set to follow A/B assign button)
increasing the cost over conventional bargraphs. – Main Outputs
Each meter can be mono, stereo, M/S, 5.1 surround – Groups
or a phase display. Our meters automatically – Auxiliary Outputs
detect whether the signal format is mono, stereo – Track Outputs
or 5.1 and display the signal appropriately. – External Inputs
– AFL/PFL/APFL
The system allows up to three rows of meters – Meter Selectors
per TFT screen, and can incorporate mixed sizes: – CRLS
1
/3 , 2/3 , 1/2 and full height. Meter size, location and – Mix-minus
color are user definable, as is screen brightness.
20 C A L R E C
ALPHA with Bluefin calrec.com
With an impressive 36dB of pre-fader The audio stays clean even when
headroom, Calrec consoles have the channel faders have to be pulled back
dynamic range to handle even the most well below the -30 mark.
excitable broadcast commentators.
Audio Quality
Audio quality is of paramount – Maximum Mic input
importance. It’s been at the headroom of +36 dB
core of our business for more – 24 bit converters for all I/O
than 30 years. Over the years – Sample Rate Converters on
all console manufacturers every AES input
have tempted customers with – Low Latency (from an input
more and more facilities and port to a channel path, routed
features, yet Calrec’s reputation to a group buss, in turn
for audio quality has never routed to a main buss, to
been compromised. an output port)
– <1.25ms digital input to digital
All our products are renowned output
for their very clean, uncolored – <3ms analog input to analog
sound quality, with very high output
headroom and low noise.
C A L R E C 21
FEATURES
Calrec is at the forefront of providing interfacing to systems such as the OverDrive from Ross
Video. Calrec’s versatile interfaces allow individual control of faders, Cuts and PFL of up to 192
faders on the Calrec console directly from the Ross Overdrive Automated Production Control
(APC) System.
This high level of integration enables the control of both audio and video on a given broadcast
from the vision switcher or OverDrive system, significantly reducing production costs.
22 C A L R E C
OMEGA with Bluefin calrec.com
Router Labels
Calrec’s I/O system can provide audio routing To ensure compatibility with the widest possible
capabilities but in many systems this will be range of routers from the world’s leading
supplemented by a separate station router. manufacturers, Calrec can provide a serial
interface to the TSI1000 unit made by Image
In a typical broadcast studio environment an audio Video. This can be supplied as part of the audio
console will often take feeds from a router, the system, but if already present as part of the
output port of which is physically patched to an under-monitor display labeling system only a
input port on the console, ready for the operator serial link is required.
to use. When a router selection is made, the
console automatically extracts the source name
from the router and applies it to the channel
labeling systems.
C A L R E C 23
PUTTING SOUND
IN THE PICTURE
Our Bluefin range of consoles
include the 480 channel Alpha,
the 320 channel Sigma and the
Alpha with Bluefin Sigma with Bluefin Omega with Bluefin 160 channel Omega.
24 C A L R E C
ALPHA with Bluefin calrec.com
C A L R E C 25
FEATURES
Signalization
Signalization requirements range from simple remote cut functions 2. General Purpose Inputs (GPIs)
to the ability to disable certain functions such as Tone when On Calrec consoles provide a number of GPIs to allow functions
Air. To simplify the set up of these operations, they are arranged of the console to be controlled externally, such as a vision mixer
as three separate functions within Calrec’s operational setups. fading in channels using the auto fade function. Channel cuts
can be set up to provide remote cut or to control the channel-on
1. TX/REH function when controlled by a vision mixer. A number of
The Transmission (On Air) and Rehearsal modes can be set up to miscellaneous functions are provided, such as the remote
work in conjunction with the broadcast facilities panel. This allows control of the Control Room LS Dim and Mute.
condition switching to be set up for three states; Transmission,
Rehearsal or Neither (both TX and REH off). The condition 3. General Purpose Outputs (GPOs)
switching is set up as operational inhibits on functions such as Calrec consoles provide a number of GPOs to enable the control
tone or talkback on the main output. This is to reduce the risk of external devices, such as CD player from a fader start. A large
of human error, making the system a more robust, less stressful number of miscellaneous functions can be set up, such as
and more user friendly environment for the operator. switching on a red light. Each GPO can be set to Pulse On when
the function is activated, Pulse Off when the function is
The console can also be put in to Transmission or Rehearsal de-activated, Pulse Both so that it will pulse when the function is
mode externally using the General Purpose Inputs. activated and again when deactivated, as well as simply latching.
26 C A L R E C
ALPHA with Bluefin calrec.com
Vision Mixer/Server
Mixing Console
Vision Mixer/Server to Console
Opto Isolated Inputs
Automatic cross-fading
Whether it’s synchronizing the audio with This feature allows the console
to automatically fade channel
to video can be achieved via
the GPIO system allowing the
connected to the video server
which automatically opens the
the action in sports events or making life or group faders in or out under
the control of external signals.
Vision Mixer to trigger automatic
cross-fades between camera
relevant channel on the console
when the news item is played.
C A L R E C 27
FEATURES
On Calrec consoles there are two signal paths available to each fader and access to either is via
a single button press. Assignable controls have the great advantage of enabling ready access to as
many controls as possible, rather than having them spread across the width and height of the board.
Local assignable controls are also provided for setting IFBs and mic gains etc. This means that the
majority of controls you need are just one button press away.
This attention to ergonomic design also extends to our buss architecture. Although it is often
assumed that digital consoles – like analog consoles – have all their facilities available at all times,
this is not always true. Some desks offer a pool of busses that can be used for different things,
but not simultaneously. Some can also lose DSP functions, such as EQ and dynamics, as busses
are used. Calrec desks do not ‘pool’ resources in this way. Our buss structure is designed to provide
everything you need, all of the time.
28 C A L R E C
ALPHA with Bluefin calrec.com
Monitoring
In live broadcast you may signal within the console or to be recalled by individual
need to monitor many different fed externally to the console. operators at any time.
sources, both within the
console (such as IFB outputs) Up to 112 sources can be In addition to Main Control
and external (such as off-air set-up at any one time and can Room LS monitoring, further
monitoring). These sources be given user-definable labels. monitoring outputs with full
can be mono, stereo or 5.1. Sources of the same type can source selection are provided
The same source, such as be banked together for ease for other destinations, such
the main output, can even be of access. Our consoles provide as the studio or production
a processed 5.1 output with seven different banks to gallery.
a stereo downmix. organize groups of monitor
sources, with up to 16 sources
On Calrec monitor panels, in each bank. This gives a high
each selector button can be degree of user configurability
configured as mono, stereo and very simple operation.
or 5.1 and can be an internal These setups can be saved
C A L R E C 29
PUTTING SOUND
IN THE PICTURE
30 C A L R E C
ALPHA with Bluefin calrec.com
C A L R E C 31
EXCLUSIVELY DEDICATED
TO BROADCAST AUDIO
32 C A L R E C
ALPHA with Bluefin calrec.com
C A L R E C 33
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
System Specification
Digital Inputs Performance
Formats Supported AES/EBU (AES3) 24-bit Digital to Digital (AES/EBU) -1dBFS, 20Hz to 10kHz - Better than 0.002%
Also suitable for use with SPDIF (IEC958 Type 2) signals Distortion
Interface 110 Ohm transformer balanced, 5V Pk-Pk Digital to Digital (with SRC) -1dBFS, 20Hz to 10kHz - Better than 0.005%
75 Ohm unbalanced (BNC), 1V Pk-Pk Distortion
Sample Rate Conversion 24-Bit switchable on all digital inputs Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz +/- 0.5dB
SRC THD+N -117dB @ 1kHz, 0.00014% (Analog Input to Output)
Digital Outputs Synchronization
Formats Supported AES/EBU (AES3) 24-bit 48kHz synchronization NTSC/PAL Video
Interface 110 Ohm transformer balanced 4V Pk-Pk (nominal) into 110 Ohm load Internal Crystal Reference
75 Ohm unbalanced 1V Pk-Pk (nominal) into 75 Ohm load (BNC) TTL Wordclock (48kHz)
Analog Inputs AES/EBU Digital input (48kHz)
Analog - Digital Conversion 24-Bit Environmental Considerations
Input Electronically Balanced Operating Non-Operating
Input Impedance >1k Ohms for Mic gains Temperature Range 0°C to +30°C (32°F to +86°F) -20°C to +60°C (-4°F to +140°F)
10k Ohms for Line gains Relative Humidity 25% to 80% Non-condensing 0% to 90% Non-condensing
Sensitivity +18 / -78dB on Mic/Line Input Card Maximum Altitude 2,000 Meters (6500ft)* 15,000 Meters (49,000ft)
+18/-24dB on Line Only Input Card.
Equivalent Input Noise -126dB (150 Ohm source) – Analog input for 0dBFS can be pre-set globally to +28, +24, +22, +20, +18 or +15dBu
– Pre-fader headroom on mic inputs is adjustable globally from +24 to +36dB in 2dB steps
Distortion -1dBFS @ 1kHz - Better than 0.003% – Analog output for 0dBFS Matches input setting into >1kOhms (+24dBu max into 600 Ohms)
-20dBFS @ 1kHz - Better than 0.006%
-60dBFS @ 1kHz - Better than 0.3% The system can be pre-set with up to five external sync sources, plus internal,
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz +/- 0.5dB on Mic/Line Input Card such that if the 1st source fails, it will automatically switch to the 2nd, and so on.
*This is the limit to which the safety tests are valid.
20Hz to 20kHz +/- 0.25dB on Line Only Input Card
Maximum Cable Lengths
Input CMR >70 dB (Typical 80dB) on Line Inputs
Cables Maximum Length
(Common Mode Rejection) >75 dB (Typical 85dB) on Mic Inputs
From To Feet Meters
Analog Outputs
Control Surface Digital I/O Rack 492 150
Digital - Analog Conversion 24-Bit
Output Balance Electronically Balanced, 20Hz to 20kHz, Better than -35dB, typically -45dB Extenders are supplied to provide console data connections greater than 30 meters (98 feet).
Output Impedance <40 Ohms
Distortion -1dBFS @ 1kHz - Better than 0.006%
-20dBFS @ 1kHz - Better than 0.003%
-60dBFS @ 1kHz - Better than 0.3%
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz +/- 0.25dB
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.
426 [16.79”]
10
9 Bulk Power Supply & Distribution Unit #1
1075 [42.31”]
(Holds up to 3 plug-in PSUs)
8
1003 [39.51”]
7
760 [29.92”]
2
202 [7.95”]
Multi-Rail PSU #2
1
1052 [41.42”] 46 [1.82”]
C A L R E C 35
Calrec Audio Ltd
Nutclough Mill
Hebden Bridge
West Yorkshire
HX7 8EZ
England UK
calrec.com