At the IBC2007 show in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Roland Systems Group announced and demonstrated the RSS V-Mixing System, which incorporates the new RSS M-400 V-Mixer Live Digital Console (pictured), configurable digital snakes with remote-controlled mic preamps and a multitrack recording option. This fully digital system sets up by plugging in one lightweight Cat-5e (Ethernet/LAN) cable from a Digital Snake stage unit to the M-400 V-Mixer.
The system converts analog inputs to 24-bit digital streams at the stage via high-quality mic preamps located near the source. The V-Mixing System then secures the quality of audio signal throughout the complete system path en route to the M-400 V-Mixer, back to any outputs and on to the limitless split positions.
Roland RSS M-400 V-Mixer Live Digital Console
The M-400 V-Mixer features rapid recall of setups, 100mm motorized and touch-sensitive faders, a 800×480 color screen, and dedicated knobs for EQ, pan and gain. The M-400 V-Mixer has up to 48-channel mixing capability including digital patchbay, 16 Aux/Mon sends, eight DCAs, eight Mute Groups and a REAC 40-channel output for monitor split or recording options. It also offers an onboard Help system.
The M-400 V-Mixer integrates with PCs for sending/receiving setup data, allowing users
to prepare channel setups and configurations before arriving at the venue.
Cakewalk has developed technology that enables the M-400 V-Mixer to record multiple tracks of audio to its SONAR software using REAC (Roland Ethernet Audio Communication). REAC is a driver protocol that allows the transfer of up to 40 channels of 24-bit audio, plus MIDI and remote-control data, down one Cat-5e cable. Roland states that the Calkwalk REAC driver is scheduled for release in near future. The M-400 V-Mixer can also integrate with Edirol video products. A beta version of the REAC recording package will be released in the near future to registered program participants, who will have the opportunity to provide feedback for the final product release. Roland expects the SONAR REAC Recording System to be available in early 2008.
Roland Systems Group also announces an optional fiber-optic data converter for the RSS Digital Snakes and V-Mixing System. The RSS S-OPT allows users of the M-400 V-Mixer, and S-1608 and S-4000 Digital Snake systems, to extend transmission distances up to 1.24 miles. Housed in a robust half-rack chassis, the S-OPT converts RSS REAC data from Cat-5e Ethernet to dual-core multimode optical fiber. The REAC protocol allows the transmission of up to 40 channels of 24-bit 96kHz digital audio. Roland expects that the S-OPT will be available end of 2007.
For more information, visit the V-Mixer page and the S-OPT REAC Optical Converter Page.
