Axia fires up new PowerStation integrated console engine

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Axia fires up new PowerStation integrated console engine

Shipping now; Cumulus Broadcasting will install first units in Cincinnati stations

10 April 2009, Cleveland Ohio, USA

Axia Audio brings its latest console advancement to NAB 2009: PowerStation, an advanced “integrated console engine” that makes it easier than ever to build networked studios.

There are two products in the PowerStation family. PowerStation Main combines audio I/O, console CPU, logic GPIO, mixing engine and Ethernet switch into a single 4RU chassis; PowerStation Aux doubles the Main’s audio I/O and GPIO capacity, while adding a redundant power supply with automatic switchover, all via a simple two-cable connection. PowerStation works with Axia Element mixing consoles and supports console sizes of up to 40 faders.

PowerStation is shipping now. Cumulus Broadcasting is the first Axia client to purchase PowerStation, several of which are already ordered for their Cincinnati station cluster. “Last year, Cumulus chose to standardize on the Axia system using their multi-channel IP-Audio driver so that we could output audio directly from our new OpX automation platform, to which 145 of our stations have upgraded,” says Gary Kline, Vice President of Engineering and IT for Cumulus. “Axia helps us create a very efficient and budget-minded audio and metadata infrastructure. This is how we see the future of studio design at Cumulus.”

“PowerStation combines several separate functions into one complete box with a very small form factor,” Kline continues. “In just 4RU we get a console engine, router, network switch, and dynamics processing. Everything you need besides a console surface and automation system is in that box. Given that the OpX automation system can send its audio directly to the Axia network using Ethernet, our studio installs are literally plug-n-play. The decision to purchase Axia's next generation of IP-Audio equipment was a no-brainer.”

“Our clients have always raved about how much time and money their Axia networks save them,” comments Axia president Michael “Catfish” Dosch. “PowerStation will help them save even more by dramatically streamlining studio installations. I/O, mix engine, backup power, even the network switch — everything you need is in there. Building a networked studio has never been so easy.”

Although PowerStation can be easily networked – up to 4 can be daisy-chained without the need for an external core switch – careful thought was given to standalone use. “We designed PowerStation to be the world’s first networked broadcast console that doesn’t need a network,” says Axia VP Marty Sacks. “It’s completely self-contained, so you can use it in a standalone studio if you wish. And although it works flawlessly as part of a large network, if you unplug its network cable, it’s completely unaffected.”

PowerStation Main connects to Element consoles using a single cable. Features include:

  • Support for console sizes of up to 40 faders in single- or split-frame configurations.
  • Silent, fanless operation. • Hardened ultra-duty power supply. Connect PowerStation Aux to add automatic redundant power that protects not only the console, but mix engine, I/O and network switch.
  • Ultra-reliable embedded console CPU and DSP mixing engine.
  • Two Mic inputs with selectable Phantom power and studio-performance preamps.
  • Four analog inputs and six outputs with 24-bit, 256x oversampling A/D converters for connection of CD players, recording devices, headphones and monitors, et cetera.
  • Two AES/EBU inputs and outputs for DATs, satellite feeds and other digital audio devices.
  • Four GPIO ports, each containing 5 inputs and 5 outputs, for start/stop control of audio sources, on-air lamps and other studio accessories.
  • 14 Ethernet ports for single-cable Livewire™ connections to Telos phone systems, Omnia audio processors and other Axia gear, as well as broadcast equipment from partners like ENCO Systems, BSI, 25-Seven, AudioScience and more.
  • 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports with SFP for copper or fiber network connections.
  • Connect PowerStation Aux or plug in Axia Audio Nodes for instant I/O expansion.

Axia Element broadcast consoles have become the fastest-growing brand of consoles in the industry, with over 1,000 studios online worldwide. Element users have a large number of studio accessories to choose from, including a family of rack-mount Routing Control Panels with OLED displays, film-legendable button controllers, programmable SmartSwitch studio accessory panels with backlit LCD displays, GPIO switch panels, desktop and rack-mount clock/timer accessories and a variety of headphone selector and mic control panels for talent and producers.

The Axia IP-Audio system allows broadcasters to build audio networks of any size using standard switched Ethernet to connect a few rooms, or an entire facility. Axia networks have a total system capacity of more than 10,000 audio streams, and can carry hundreds of digital stereo (or nearly a hundred surround) channels over a single CAT-6 cable, eliminating much of the cost normally associated with wiring labor and infrastructure. Axia products include the popular Element modular broadcast console, a family of “audio nodes” that allow easy mixing and matching of digital, analog and microphone audio, and a comprehensive suite of network administration and routing control software.

Visitors to NAB2009 can see PowerStation, along with the complete line of Axia products, in the Radio Hall at the Telos / Omnia / Axia display in Booth #N7620. For more information, contact Clark Novak at Axia Audio, via email at cnovak@AxiaAudio.com or by phone at +1-216-241-7225.

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