9 April 2005, Cleveland, OH USA
Axia Audio, the IP-Audio networking division of Telos, will debut the new Element Modular Studio Control Surface at the 2005 NAB Convention in Las Vegas. Element will be available in configurations supporting 4 to 32 faders, allowing users to customize Element to their specific needs and studio size.
“Clients raved about the intuitive features in SmartSurface, our first control surface,” remarked Axia President Michael “Catfish” Dosch. “But some folks need only 4 faders, while others need a couple dozen. So we developed Element, a low-profile modular design with all the features you’d expect in an Axia surface, like automatic multiple mix-minuses, transparent phone and codec control, one-touch record mode and customizable show options. It’s pretty easy on the eyes, too.”
Despite its compact and uncluttered layout, Element is packed with powerful features to meet the most demanding air and production applications, such as four Program buses, four Aux Send buses, dedicated talk and preview functions on each channel, one-touch record and monitor sections, up to 32 mix-minus outputs and more. Element works in conjunction with the Axia Studio Mix Engine, an Intel-based mixing platform running real-time Linux for bulletproof 24/7 reliability. A standard sVGA LCD monitor displays all metering, clock timer, status and options info.
Element is the first radio console that can be configured to run either stereo audio or discrete 5.1 surround programming. “HD Radio makes it possible for FM stations to broadcast 5.1 programming,” says Dosch. “Element's flexible internal architecture can be configured for either stereo or surround operation with a few mouse clicks.”
A variety of fader modules are available for Element, all with long-life 100mm conductive-plastic faders and heavy-duty switches with finger-friendly integral button-guards. The basic four-fader module is available to control typical sources, the four-fader Phone module adds special functions for control of telephone hybrids, and the two-fader Phone module with built-in Call Controller features exclusive Telos Status Symbols™ which provide intuitive feedback during fast-paced talkshows.
Optional 5 or 10-button programmable Switch Modules are useful for user-programmable functions such as instant routing changes, remote control of external equipment or other non-standard features. Two types are available: Standard Switch Modules may be programmed to control one permanent function, while SmartSwitch modules’ key functions may be programmed to perform a unique set of actions custom-tailored to specific users, which are shown on their in-button LCD displays.
Finally, Element’s Monitor/Navigation Module contains dedicated monitor and headphone selection and volume controls, a DTMF keypad that can control certain hybrids and codecs, built-in hotkeys for an external profanity delay unit, and a navigation pad to adjust user preferences and other console options.
Enhanced, integrated features for phones and codecs include auto-assigned mix-minus on each channel, easy talkback for remote talent cueing, a unique one-button off-air phone record mode, and optional integrated Telco line switching. Each user can save unique profiles allowing different preferences, layouts and defaults for a variety of shows and talent.
Element users will appreciate the onboard three-band digital parametric EQ that can be applied to any source. Talent can adjust EQ “on-the-fly” or take advantage of source-specific predefined EQ that loads whenever a source is activated. And talent will be thrilled to find that everyone can have their own personalized mic compressor settings, thanks to onboard voice dynamics processing – compression, de-essing and expansion tools designed by Omnia Audio.
Element works with the Axia IP-Audio system, which allows broadcasters to build audio networks of any size using standard Switched Ethernet to connect a few rooms — or an entire facility. Because an Axia audio network can carry hundreds of digital stereo (or nearly a hundred surround) audio channels over a standard CAT-6 cable, much of the cost normally associated with wiring labor and infrastructure is eliminated. The Axia system includes a family of “audio nodes” that allow easy mixing and matching of digital, analog and microphone audio and eliminate PC sound cards.
Visit Axia at the 2005 NAB Convention, booth N3616 to see the new Element Modular Studio Control Surface and receive a complete demonstration of IP-Audio networking. For more information, contact Clark Novak at Axia, +1-216-241-7225.
Axia, a Telos company, builds network-based professional audio products for broadcast, production, sound-reinforcement and commercial audio applications. Products include digital audio routers, DSP mixers and processors and software for configuring, managing, and interfacing networked audio systems.