The contract for a new central audio router and control/monitoring system at Abu Dhabi Media (ADM) was recently won by German technology specialist Lawo.
Comprising a Nova73HD Hybrid Madi and Ravenna/AES67 router plus VSM Control and Monitoring System, the ADM master control room installation is accompanied by sapphire compact radio broadcast consoles in the broadcaster’s studios, replacing equipment that had become outdated.
ADM was established 2007 as a joint stock company wholly owned by the government, and is one of the fastest growing, multi-platform media and entertainment organisations in the Middle East, with activities spanning broadcast, publishing and digital media platforms.
The choice of Lawo’s Nova73 HD routing system was based on its hybrid to integrate with existing equipment via Mida and AES, and with the new IP-based Lawo mixing consoles in the studios via Ravenna. The audio router provides 8,192 inputs/outputs, available via Ravenna, AES3, Madi and SDH/STM-1interfaces, all in a 10U-high rackmout package. In terms of configuration and user friendliness, the Nova73 HD features a hot-plug capability and online configuration that even allows the system to be expanded and changed during live broadcasts. In terms of security, Lawo’s Star² technology provides maximum redundancy and fail-safe operation.
VSM Virtual Studio Manager provides ADM with overall control and monitoring for both baseband and IP-based installations, managing production workflows, assuming control from the physical production hardware and providing a seamless transition from baseband to IP. VSM supports control protocols used by all major brands and models of video and audio routers, video and audio mixers, intercoms, UMDs and multiviewers, glue equipment, and other third-party devices.
ADM also invested in three 16-fader Lawo sapphire compact radio broadcast consoles for modern AoIP studio operation. The sapphire compact simplifies the workflow of complex and fast-paced live radio shows with features such as Autogain, which quickly optimises the dynamic range of microphone preamps adaptively with a single button push. Automix, Lawo’s intelligent DSP algorithm, enables presenters to create content hands-free and error-free. Additionally, sapphire compact has a unique layering feature allowing the console to manage a live broadcast while simultaneously handling voice tracking, phone call editing, and even light production.
The control surface design is available in desktop or flush-mounted styles. A 1U-high engine powers the control surface and delivers sophisticated signal processing functions, along with a full complement of audio inputs and outputs – both analogue and digital, AoIP and baseband.
Each sapphire compact console includes Lawo’s powerful VisTool screen-building software, which provides users with a comprehensive, customizable onscreen display of metering, dynamics, snapshots and other console settings, plus multi-touch support. Integrated Ember+ control.
More: www.lawo.com
