HEBDEN BRIDGE, England—Calrec Audio has updated its ImPulseV Virtualised Audio Mixing Engine to expand the market for virtualized audio workflows.

The ImPulseV portfolio now includes two new, smaller DSP package options—96- and 140-path configurations—alongside the existing 256-processing path option. Tailored for smaller systems that still demand uncompromising, broadcast-grade audio performance, all three packages share the same comprehensive feature set, including full processing on every path and support for 5.1 and immersive audio formats up to 7.1.4. DSP resources can also be dynamically allocated across channel and bus paths in real time, ensuring maximum efficiency for any production setup.

Calrec has also introduced shorter, more flexible licensing terms—one year, 12 weeks and four weeks—lowering the barrier to entry and allowing broadcasters to scale their production capabilities with no need for long-term commitments or high upfront costs, according to the company. This makes ImPulseV “an ideal solution for boosting resources for temporary, variable, or one-off productions,” Calrec said.

“Traditional broadcasters are reinventing their operations so that they can produce more content for less, faster and across more diverse platforms,” said Henry Goodman, director of product management at Calrec. “Remote and distributed production, combined with virtualization, reflect the broader trajectory of live production: away from fixed infrastructure and towards flexible, hybrid workflows that blend on-premise, cloud and distributed resources.

“This transition is enabling broadcasters to increase agility and cost efficiency through new business models," Goodman added. “Hybrid workflows that incorporate a blend of existing and new infrastructure allow broadcasters to build resource efficiency into every production—and that is quite an attractive proposition.”

HEBDEN BRIDGE, U.K.—Calrec has unveiled its ImPulse 1 IP audio processing and routing engine, a smaller, but powerful, SMPTE ST 2110 version of its ImPulse core.

The cost-effective ImPulse 1 IP comes in a compact 1U form factor and offers a second, optional core for redundancy. The 128-input channel digital signal processor (DSP) offers entry-level pricing, the company said.

Since the introduction of Calrec’s ImPulse IP core four years ago, the industry has broadly adopted IP. However, cost has remained a constraint, the company said. 

The ImPulse 1 makes the move to IP more attainable. The new solution offers a range of options to suit various budget requirements. ImPulse 1 works with Calrec’s Argo Q and Argo S control surfaces and Calrec Assist, the company’s browser-based GUI that’s well-suited for remote, multi-operator or headless operations. Cores with smaller DSP license are available without hardware redundancy, it said.  

"Broadcasters are under pressure to improve workflows in the move to ST 2110 and reduce costs whilst still demonstrating ROI. With this in mind, we have introduced a cost-effective and compact 1U solution with an optional second core for redundancy and a range of DSP options, including a new 128-channel DSP pack.”

Designed for small to medium-range single mixer applications, ImPulse 1 is offered with a new DSP license with 128 input channels. Its small form factor makes the ImPulse 1 a good fit for small spaces, such as those in an OB truck or a flypack. DSP options range from 128 to 384 input channels, it said.

“With the addition of Argo and ImPulse1, we are able to help broadcasters of any size navigate the move to ST2110 with a range of solutions, price points and a pace that suits them,” said Letson.

Twin core hardware redundancy or optional single core systems are available with ST 2022-7 as standard, Calrec said.

• Up to 672 processing paths.
• Native AES67/SMPTE ST 2110-30 connectivity.
• ST 2110-30 connections can operate in 1Gbps or 10Gbps mode.
• Built-in support for NMOS IS-04 advertisements and IS-05 connection managements.
• Max router capacity of 2,048 x 2,048.
• Up to 512 ST 2110 streams. Each stream can pass between 1 and 80 audio channels.
• Surface connectivity via IP, so surfaces can be physically remote, connected over COTS networks and supplemented with Assist web UI for multi operator, remote or headless use.

More information is available on the Calrec website.

HEBDEN BRIDGE, U.K.—The Joint Task Force on Networked Media (JT-NM) has given Calrec passing marks on its IP interoperability testing and is including the company in its JT-NM Tested Catalog, published last month at IBC 2019 in Amsterdam.

“What the JT-NM is doing—backed by VSF, SMPTE, AMWA and the EBU—is tremendously important in terms of continuing the push to true IP interoperability,” says Pete Walker, senior product manager at Calrec.

“It includes NMOS, which we believe is vital as a standardized mechanism for not only discovery/advertisement of IP technologies connected to a network alongside IP streams, but also connection management from a centralized point.”

The JT-NM’s interoperability testing exams how technologies work together and adhere to SMPTE standards.

Calrec participated in JT-NM testing in August. The company’s products were tested for SMPTE ST2110 and ST2022-7 interoperability.

More information is available on the Calrec website. 

HEBDEN BRIDGE, U.K.—Calrec will make the first IBC showing of its VP2 virtualized mixing system at IBC 2019, Sept. 13-17, at the RAI in Amsterdam.

Using the company’s Assist software for setup and control, VP2 has no physical control surface. Assist can be accessed from multiple locations via a web browser. The software also makes it possible to give a technical director or operator one level of control while reserving a deeper level for engineers to finetune the setup or recall setups as needed.

With a 4U core, VP2 leverages Calrec’s Hydra2 networking solution and is available in three DSP sizes, 128-, 180- and 240-input channels.

Calrec Special Control Protocol (CSCP) makes it possible to control the audio console completely with an automation system. For broadcasters with limited space, VP2 offers the benefit of using a Calrec console without requiring a physical control surface.

The company also will feature its ImPulse core audio processing and routing engine with AES 67 and SMPTE 2110 connectivity. Compatible with current Apollo and Artemis control surfaces, ImPulse provides a simple upgrade path for Calrec users.

ImPulse provides 3D immersive path widths and panning for next generation audio applications. Its integral AoIP router supports NMOS discover and connection management as well as mDNS/Ravenna discovery. Future scalable expansion allows up to four DSP mix engines and control systems to run independently on a single core simultaneously.

The company also will showcase its H2-IP Gateway and AoIP Modular I/O controller card.

See Calrec Audio at IBC 2019 Stand 8.C61.

More information is available on the Calrec Audio website. 

LAS VEGAS—As broadcasters continue to embrace IP, Calrec Audio is putting the spotlight on its native IP products for fully integrated workflows during the 2019 NAB Show. Front and center will be Calrec’s ImPulse core and Type R platforms.

ImPulse core is an audio processing and routing engine with AES67 and SMPTE 2110 connectivity. The ImPulse is compatible with Apollo and Artemis control surfaces, while future scalable expansion allows for up to four DSP mix engines and control systems to run independently on a single core at the same time. Other offerings include 3D immersive path widths and panning for next generation audio applications. The system also has an integral AoIP router that supports NMOS discovery, connection management and mDNS/Ravenna discovery.

A modular, IP-based radio system, the Type R uses standard networking technology and configurable soft panels to meet operators’ needs. The system features a 2U core with integrated I/O resources, with a single core capable of powering as many as three independent mixing environments. Type R provides customization across established networks, open control protocols and surface personalization.

Additional technology that will be on-hand at the Calrec booth includes the H2/IP Gateway that links Hydra 2 to IP domains so signals and control can pass in both directions, and upgrades to modular I/O frames via a new switchable controller card for the frames to sit on either a Hydra 2 or IP network, with a future option to upgrade existing fixed format boxes.

Calrec Audio will present these products and technology at its booth, C7408, during the NAB Show.

To register for the NAB Show, visit www.nabshow.com.