Smart AV presented its Elite Series Smart Console for the first time at NAB this week. Designed to meet the complex requirements of mixing large numbers of audio sources in high-pressure situations, the Smart Console provides fivefold improvements in ergonomic efficiency due to a unique touch-sensitive arc that can summon any of up to 96 channels directly to the operator’s fingertips. This new breed of mixing console control surface also provides broadcasters and post production users a choice of signal processing engine or workstation.
The Smart Console is currently available in 48- and 96-channel configurations with a 72-channel version coming soon. Consoles can be fitted with up to 24 physical channel strips and an optional Post Panel depending on size. Designed purely as a control surface, the Smart Console interfaces via an open Ethernet protocol to a growing number of signal processing and routing devices. The console shown at NAB 2005 is interfaced to Apple’s Logic Pro 7 workstation.
The console also works with Merging Technology’s Pyramix and the VADIS System™ from KLOTZ DIGITAL. Further engine solutions are in the pipeline including the DME64N™ and DME24N™ from Yamaha, Series 5 engines from SADiE including the PCM-H64, Steinberg’s Nuendo, Mackie’s HUI, and Peavey’s MediaMatrix NION.
In addition to enabling users to configure the console with their processing engine of choice, the Smart Console also allows collections of subsystems to be controlled together. The console can be interfaced with Audient’s 501 monitoring system, and work is in progress for the Grace Designs m904/m906 and Crockwood monitoring systems, as well as Crockwood’s Paint Pot remote mic pre’s. Interfaces with effects systems are also in development to connect to TC Electronic’s System 6000 and Kurzweil’s KSP8. Smart AV will shortly publish a software development kit to enable third parties to do their own integration.
Visit www.smartav.net for more information.
