Over the past three decades, CP Communications based in Elmsford, New York, has supplied audio and video communications solutions for many of the world’s largest broadcasters, including CBS, ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports Group, Turner Sports and Univision. Offering a full fleet of HD RF mobile production vehicles capable of handling demanding sports and entertainment events, CP recently added six DiGiCo SD10B digital mixing consoles.
CP Senior Vice President Kurt Heitmann says that after a careful analysis of available console options, he chose to standardize on the “B” broadcast version of DiGiCo’s SD10 by purchasing half a dozen new desks along with eight SD-Rack I/O racks and two 32×16 D-Rack stage interfaces. Identical SD10B setups can now be found in CP’s new 53-foot expando fiber transmission HD11 (NBC) and HD21 (Fox Sports) trucks, as well as its fully refurbished 53-foot RFHD5 and RFHD7 trucks—which work Golf Channel events—and an overhauled 40-foot trailer known as DSM1, which typically provides digital submixes for MLB and NBA all-star games.
Flypacks are a key element in CP’s offerings, and the sixth SD10B-24 will be used primarily for that purpose, although Heitmann points out that all of the new SD10Bs can convert to flypack mode if needed. “The DiGiCos in flypack mode will typically be used as routing desks into a MADI network and for submixing effects,” Heitmann says. “They will also be used as submixers for studio sets, feeding to the main production mixer.”
CP’s trucks handle a wide range of duties for everything from the NYC Marathon to PGA Golf Tours and MLB All-Star Games. On major sports events, one typical use is as an ESU, ingesting audio feeds from wireless mics and various other sources and routing them to other units via MADI, while simultaneously providing audio quality control. CP’s SD10Bs with their integrated routing and MADI capabilities are perfectly suited for this. Providing a submix feed from sets at sporting events is another common application. Recent projects have included MLB and golf broadcasts for Fox, NBC and the Golf Channel.
“Cost-effectiveness was key, as well as reliability,” Heitmann says. “Thanks to DiGiCo’s legacy as a robust touring console, we fully expect them to survive the bounces of life in a truck.”
Heitmann says that other primary considerations included the SD10B’s DSP processing power and fader count, as well as the console’s relatively compact footprint. Equally important was DiGiCo’s ability to work within CP’s tight delivery requirements. Furthermore, Heitmann indicated DiGiCo’s new family connection to Calrec and the enhanced connectivity options that will soon be available between the two brands.
CP’s SVP adds that first-time users have “picked the consoles up really quickly” and that “engineers love them because they’re very intuitive and easy to use; plus the MADI distribution is key,” again noting that the SD10Bs talk to the Calrec consoles in the broadcast trucks.
Lastly, Heitmann lauded the support that he has received from DiGiCo’s US distributor, Group One Limited. “The training and customer service have been second to none,” he enthuses. “We couldn’t ask for anything more—it’s been fantastic—and these consoles are already proving to be a great benefit to our clients.”
Find more information at www.digico.biz and cpcomms.com.
