Axia iQs AES67 Mixing Console Software Overview
Applications
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Console capability without the physical surface
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Distributed / remote workforce
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Temporary studio anywhere (nontraditional studio space)
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Studios lacking physical space
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Multiple users who need concurrent collaboration on a single mix
Telos Alliance® was there for you when you made the leap to IP, and now we’re here to help you on the journey to virtualization, wherever you are on that path. Our goal is to give you broadcasting options that are familiar while creating new ways of working that deliver on virtualization's promise of added scalability, adaptability, cost efficiency, simple deployment, and reliability. And that’s just what we’ve done with our Axia iQs AES67 Mixing Console Software.
More than a decade ago, Telos Alliance created the Axia iQ AoIP console, now known for its ability to deliver a powerful and flexible mixing experience. Rather than pay for unwanted extras and faders, iQ allowed broadcasters to work smarter, offering the ‘just right’ functionality to mix content how they wanted, without sacrificing features.
Then we took the iQ philosophy and upgraded its underlying technology to create the Axia iQx AES67 console, the first AES67 AoIP console to combine the mix engine and console into one chassis. iQx lets you plug right into your AoIP network —with complete AES67 / SMPTE ST-2110-30 compliance— and enjoy the same capable, easy-to-use experience of the iQ.
Now, the Axia iQ family takes a step into the virtual AoIP future with iQs, the software version of iQx that does not require a physical surface. iQs is a soft console controlled by a full HTML5 interface, allowing you to not only control a mix from anywhere, but on any device—Mac, Windows, tablet, laptop, even your phone!
iQs + AE-1000 for Easy Virtualization
Telos Alliance understands that virtualizing studio operations can be an overwhelming prospect. That’s why we are eliminating some of the legwork by pre-installing the iQs AES67 Mixing Console Software on a 1RU Telos Alliance AE-1000 Application Engine—our new line of universal servers—to help you ease into the virtual studio and prepare for the future. You can centralize the AE-1000 at the studio, yet give board operators the flexibility to control the iQs mix from a bedroom, a coffee shop, a makeshift studio...anywhere with an Internet connection.
Scalable to Fit Your Needs
iQs is also more flexible than its physical counterparts, starting with a base iQs 4-fader software module and growing in increments of 4 faders (instead of 6 or 8), up to 24 faders. This flexibility allows you to precisely dial in your soft console, without paying for extra faders you don’t need.
With iQs, you get all the functionality and flexibility of our popular iQ and iQx physical consoles in a more convenient, scalable, and flexible format that delivers the mixing capability you need, where you need it, on any device.
Expand iQs Capabilities with Axia Pathfinder Core PRO
Livewire+™ AES67 is Telos Alliance’s AoIP protocol that not only enables high-reliability, low-latency uncompressed digital audio over Ethernet, but incorporates logic, control, and program associated data (PAD) abilities. Since no signal routing solution is useful unless you can control and manage the system effectively, Telos Alliance Pathfinder Core PRO is the key to unlocking the true potential of a Livewire+ AES67 ecosystem.
By discovering and identifying all compatible devices connected to the system, Pathfinder identifies each available AoIP source and destination. As a middleware layer using its onboard protocol translator to connect with many commonly used third-party controllers, it serves as an AoIP router, an ideal core infrastructure component for diverse broadcast audio applications. Pathfinder can schedule and trigger events, detect audio silence, issue alarms, and instruct failover routing. It even allows the user to create custom screen-based control and monitoring panels.
Due to an unprecedented level of control included in the iQs platform, you can vastly expand your system capabilities by using Pathfinder Core PRO in concert with iQs. Need to automatically dial your Z/IP ONE when you load your show? Change your program bus assignments depending on whether you are on the air or not? Fire automation system automatically when you turn your mic off? Load a show profile every day at 3:30? Raise an alert if audio is not being received correctly? Pathfinder can do it all. Additionally, use the HTML-5 panels in Pathfinder or Axia IP-Tablet to customize and develop your own user interface for iQs.
TelosCare™ PLUS SLA
A TelosCare™ PLUS Service-Level Agreement provides the proactive, holistic service that broadcasters need most. You’ll get 24/7 PRIORITY support and guaranteed access to software updates, patches, and releases as they become available, as well as the many other membership benefits. If you need assistance troubleshooting a workflow issue, need to install the latest version of iQs or need training on how to use iQs, you’re covered with TelosCare PLUS because our priority is to keep you on air.
Axia iQs AES67 Mixing Console Software Features
iQs Features
Flexible
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Browser-based (HTML-5) and therefore accessible from any device (Windows, Mac, Tablet, Smartphone)
Interoperable
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Standards-based console supports AES67 and SMPTE ST-2110-30; works with any AES67, Livewire+ AES67, or Livewire® source
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Assign any AoIP source to any channel, like having more than 16 million patch points!
Easy to Use
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Familiar console interface in a software format allows users to get up and running fast, on any HTML-5 device!
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Smooth handoff from one operator to the next, even in remote locations
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Use iQs with Axia Pathfinder (not included) to easily route, monitor, and control AoIP sources
Feature Rich
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3 dedicated stereo Program busses, plus a stereo Utility bus that can be used for phone calls, off-air recording, or as a fourth Program bus
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Automatic mix-minus on each fader, plus talkback functions
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Automix automatically balances levels of on-air-microphones when more than one mic is open at a time in a studio
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Off-Air Record Mode Trigger
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Studio and Control Room monitor controls
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24 built-in stereo three-band EQs
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Channel-input confidence meters assure the operator of audio presence before taking sources to air
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Profile context-sensitive Soft key can be used to activate talkback, start delivery system events, or perform other special functions
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Stereo PFL (“cue”) functions for every fader with a unique interlock system for the fast cueing of multiple sources
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Reconfigurable CR monitor section with direct selection of 4 program busses and re-assignable buttons that allow instant monitoring of external sources
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Additional monitor section provides separate monitor volume, source selection, and talkback controls for an associated studio
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Flexible built-in mix-minus and talkback system lets operators talk to phone/codec sources, each with an associated, automatically created backfeed mix-minus
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Precision event timer can be operated manually or triggered by starting preselected sources
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Unlimited Source Profiles with four quick-recall snapshots (show profiles)
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Auxiliary “V-Mix” remotely controllable 5-input virtual mixer, for whatever extra audio needs you may have
Axia iQs AES67 Mixing Console Software In Depth
iQs Deployments at a Glance
Scalable to Fit Your Needs
iQs is also more flexible than its physical counterparts, starting with a base iQs 4-fader software module and growing in increments of 4 faders (instead of 6 or 8), up to 24 faders. This flexibility allows you to precisely dial in your soft console, without paying for extra faders you don’t need.
With iQs, you get all the functionality and flexibility of our popular iQ and iQx physical consoles in a more convenient, scalable, and flexible format that delivers the mixing capability you need, where you need it, on any device.
Expand iQs Capabilities with Axia Pathfinder Core PRO
Livewire+™ AES67 is Telos Alliance’s AoIP protocol that not only enables high-reliability, low-latency uncompressed digital audio over Ethernet, but incorporates logic, control, and program associated data (PAD) abilities. Since no signal routing solution is useful unless you can control and manage the system effectively, Telos Alliance Pathfinder Core PRO is the key to unlocking the true potential of a Livewire+ AES67 ecosystem.
By discovering and identifying all compatible devices connected to the system, Pathfinder identifies each available AoIP source and destination. As a middleware layer using its onboard protocol translator to connect with many commonly used third-party controllers, it serves as an AoIP router, an ideal core infrastructure component for diverse broadcast audio applications. Pathfinder can schedule and trigger events, detect audio silence, issue alarms, and instruct failover routing. It even allows the user to create custom screen-based control and monitoring panels.
Due to an unprecedented level of control included in the iQs platform, you can vastly expand your system capabilities by using Pathfinder Core PRO in concert with iQs. Need to automatically dial your Z/IP ONE when you load your show? Change your program bus assignments depending on whether you are on the air or not? Fire automation system automatically when you turn your mic off? Load a show profile every day at 3:30? Raise an alert if audio is not being received correctly? Pathfinder can do it all. Additionally, use the HTML-5 panels in Pathfinder or Axia IP-Tablet to customize and develop your own user interface for iQs.
TelosCare PLUS SLA
Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are the future of broadcast, and we are here to support you with our new TelosCare PLUS SLA, free for the first year with your purchase of iQs. With TelosCare PLUS, you will always have the most up-to-the-minute release of iQs.
But that’s not all you get. In addition to software updates and upgrades, you have unfettered access to Telos Alliance’s support team, discounts on remote assistance, free priority repairs, and more for both hardware and software. TelosCare PLUS keeps your broadcast operations running smoothly.
Axia iQs AES67 Mixing Console Software Specifications
Specifications for iQs + AE-1000 Server Deployment
AE-1000 Inputs/Output
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AE-1000 supports a single instance of iQs, which will accommodate up to 24 faders. Start with the base 4-fader module, add faders in increments of 4 up to 24, each with instant access to any AoIP source
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34 inputs x 24 outputs total, all AoIP, including four main stereo program bus outputs, plus bus outputs for Record, Phone, CR Monitor, CR Monitor Direct, CR Headphones, Preview, Talkback to CR, Talkback to External, Studio Guest HP, Studio Monitor, Studio Talent HP
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Automatic mix-minus provided for any source input
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2 network ports, 1 for a link to the AoIP network and 1 for a local xNode or other network device
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Fanless
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PoE or DC 12 volt
AE-1000 Dimensions
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1RU
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Unit weight: 6 lbs
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Shipping weight: 8 lbs
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W:~482.6mm, L:~88mm, H: ~43mm
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Shipping dimension = 20L x 9W x 6H inches
iQs is an audio mixer that you purchase as software. The iQs software can be pre-installed at Telos Alliance on a 1RU compute platform called the “AE-1000.” Axia iQs can also be run on your own server hardware. It runs as Docker-compatible “containerized software” and is typically installed on a PC or server running Linux. Multiple iQs software consoles may be installed and operate simultaneously on appropriate computer hardware.
If you’re familiar with any of the Axia mixing consoles in the iQ console line, such as the iQ, Radius, DESQ, RAQ, or iQx, then you already know something about iQs. Think of the iQs as the software iteration of these audio consoles. But with iQs, we added an elegant web server, allowing a beautiful graphical console surface on any modern browser connected to the iQs software. This is designed to give great flexibility in how the product is used day to day.
Well, “yes” and “no.” The Axia iQs software audio console is actually running on our AE-1000 hardware, or as a container on your own appropriate server. That’s where the actual audio mixing and routing are taking place.
You’ll use the browser on your HTML-5 compatible PC, laptop, tablet, or phone to connect to the iQs software over Ethernet—locally or even over Public Internet. You’ll control the mix, the buss assignments, ON/OFF for each fader, and all the usual functions available in the Axia iQ console line—and you’ll do all that from your favorite browser. We designed iQs to be easily controlled with a mouse, trackpad, or touchscreen. And, we designed iQs to work with any modern HTML-5 browser. Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge—they all control your iQs mix perfectly.
Axia iQs is a software mixing console unto itself. It is not an add-on to any of our hardware consoles based on the QOR.16 or QOR.32 Integrated Mix Engines. The Axia iQs would be a new or replacement AoIP-connected mixing console for your facility.
Thanks to architecture similarities with the Axia iQx (hardware) console, we now offer the same HTML-5 browser interface for the iQx console as comes with the iQs software console. It’s available optionally for the iQx as Telos Alliance part number 3002-00084-000: iQx AES67 Console - Remote HTML-5 Option.
Axia iQs is, indeed, a software audio mixing console. As software, it’s delivered to you as a Docker-compatible software container. Containerized software is new to most broadcast engineers, though many IT organizations have been installing and using Docker containers for several years. Indeed, some larger broadcasters with IT departments have also been implementing various functionalities via containerized software.
We realize that most broadcast engineers are not yet familiar with deployment of software containers, and there is a bit of a learning curve. Also, some broadcasters just need what the iQs software console can do, and they don’t want to deploy it themselves on their own PC or server hardware. For these reasons Telos Alliance offers the AE-1000 application engine. This is a small, 1RU compute platform that can easily run the iQs software container with up to 24 faders. To make it easy for broadcasters, the iQs software is pre-installed onto the AE-1000 appliance at Telos Alliance. There are no complications with attaching a keyboard or monitor; just plug the AE-1000 into power and your AoIP network and follow the Quick Start Guide.
Some, but not all Axia audio consoles offer built-in audio inputs and outputs. Mic level, analog line level, AES/EBU, and even GPIO are available on some Axia platforms. The iQs software audio console is similar to our Quasar and iQx consoles with complete flexibility for broadcasters to provide the right mix of networked I/O.
As more and more audio sources and destinations are natively Livewire or AES67, the Axia iQs simply connects via Ethernet to your AoIP network, able to subscribe to any AES67 stream on your network, up to 30 simultaneously. Similarly, Axia iQs outputs are all on the AoIP network, too. PGM outputs, mix-minus, headphones, monitor speakers—everything—becomes available on your AoIP network.
If an Axia iQs is your first AoIP console, you’ll need a qualified Ethernet switch and at least one Axia xNode to provide either Livewire clock and PTPv2 clock to synchronize any other devices. Telos Alliance xNodes are available, ready to connect with microphones, analog audio devices, and/or AES/EBU digital devices.
Containers are a method for delivering software and have gained major traction in recent years. Docker is a set of utilities that facilitates running containers. Introduced in 2013, Docker has been rapidly adopted due to providing nearly equivalent functionality with much less overhead than VMs. Much as Telos Alliance saw Audio over IP (AoIP) for broadcast years ago, we believe containerized software is the future of virtualization in broadcast environments due to its flexibility to allow software to exist in various environments in a very controllable and scalable way.
- Non-Proprietary Hardware - You have more options when it comes to designing your system, including commercial off the shelf (COTS) options from the IT world
- Scalable - You can run multiple instances of software concurrently, allowing you to scale up for demanding production requirements and scale back down accordingly, only paying for what you need
- Reliable - Virtual software and cloud computing are tested, tried, and true. Broadcasters need not worry about reliability over hardware options
- Cost Efficient - Requires less maintenance, hardware, real estate, conditioned power, HVAC and associated costs
Easier Upgrades - Easier to update software remotely over the Internet or en masse in a centralized data center, eliminating site visits
The Docker version of iQs is software that is deployable in the datacenter of your choice. iQs running on an AE-1000 application engine is a preconfigured ready-to-use installation of iQs, saving you setup time.
It still requires you to route the program output to a codec or streaming device. We would be happy to help you think through a specific configuration for your application.
The base installation comes with four faders, but can be expanded optionally up to 24 total, in groups of four-fader increments.
For now, the only difference is that the iQs is the virtualized version of the iQx. It’s iQx without the hardware surface or engine running inside.
Yes, iQs supports Livewire+ AES67 natively.
Yes, included in TelosCare PLUS Customer Care Program is license portability where Telos Alliance will allow the current and valid licenses for one platform to be moved to another platform (subject to any pricing differences between the two platforms).
Currently in the iQs,16 users can have simultaneous HTML-5 GUI connections into the console. That’s likely many more users with hands on the console than you’d ever need!
One
Axia iQs is the first software offering from Telos Alliance that runs on the AE-1000. We designed the AE-1000 and its operating environment to be extremely reliable for broadcast operations. Therefore only Telos Alliance products designed for the AE-1000 can be run on it.
iQx already has the equivalent of an iQs inside it. So, if you have an iQx you effectively already have iQs, at least in terms of console mixing functionality. We are now offering a software upgrade for the iQx console to enable remote control via HTML-5 browser. This is exactly like the Axia iQs HTML-5 interface.
