Digital networks of up to 3,072 channels with Cadac MegaCOMMS

Based around MC CDC Router, MegaCOMMS has been unveiled by Cadac, with brand development manager Richard Ferriday declaring that ‘it takes our CDC digital systems to a whole different level’. Incorporating the CDC I/O 6448 and CDC I/O 3216 stage-boxes plus the MC Madi and MC Dante bridges, the system reportedly facilitates the configuration of networks up to 3,072 audio channels.

The network led a number of recent launches from the manufacturer, including the CDC fourm console, M16 mic pre and Madi box, and new features for its flagship CDC eight console. However, MegaCOMMS is being presented by the manufacturer as a leap forward in its product range, providing ‘one-stop solutions for any large scale multi-roomed installation or large scale, multi-artist live events, such as TV shows, awards ceremonies, festivals or mega tours’.

The system supports 256 bi-directional channels of 96kHz, 24-bit audio, along with all control data and clock synchronisation, on coaxial cable with runs of up to 150m. According to Cadac, MegaCOMMS boasts only 0.2ms of delay per link, resulting in negligible aggregated latency even after several links within the network. An automatic latency management system also manages all internal routing and associated processing latency, compensating for any additional A/D and D/A conversions when inserting external analogue sources.

Crucially, the system allows the connection of multiple audio sources including not only the CDC four and CDC eight but also third-party consoles and equipment via the Madi and Dante bridges. The 2U MC CDC Router currently allows up to four MegaCOMMS consoles to be linked to up to eight MegaCOMMS units (I/O stage boxes or audio network bridges) within the same audio network (future performance upgrades are already planned), allowing a redundant console to run in parallel with the live console.

Also new are the CDC fourm and M16. The CDC fourm is an upgraded version of the CDC four compact console with a 6 x 4 matrix including a 31-band graphic EQ, compressor/limiter and delay on all four channels, and 31-band graphic EQ on all aux sends. Other features include 16 motorised faders, a TFT display and recallable scene memory, ultra-low distortion EQ filters, 96kHz, 24-bit Delta Sigma AD/DA converters and fourth generation 32/40-bit floating point Sharc processors. Meanwhile, the M16 is a 3U 16-channel mic pre and Madi box described as ideally suited for live applications, broadcasting, recording and more.

Finally, the company’s flagship CDC eight console has been enhanced with new functions including version 2.0 software, Waves integration, an external PSU and SAM-4-CDC show control.

Presented as marking the ‘true coming of age’ for the console, the v2 software incorporates new features and additional functionality, most notably within the effects processing and automation. The desk now includes 16 stereo effects processors, running 32/40-bit algorithms at 96kHz. Each processor has delay, reverb and modulation elements, all of which can be used simultaneously, and which can be configured in a number of serial/parallel modes. Meanwhile the automation offers individual channel section isolation, global automation safe, and snapshot-specific recall filtering.

Other features include pre/post VCA aux send options and auto-assign VCA options, multilingual including Chinese (with the option to have user labelling in one language and control labelling in another), and Waves integration via Waves MultiRack SoundGrid and an optional interface card. Dual redundant, external switch-mode power supplies are also now a standard feature – the 2U units are connected to the console via shielded multicore cable with circular military bayonet connectors at each end.

Finally, the manufacturer’s SAM theatre sound automation software has been revamped for the digital age with the SAM-4-CDC, a new version controlling the CDC eight and emulating the CDC eight GUI. The software was previously a mainstay on the J-Type, R-Type and S-Type analogue consoles.

Shipping: Now
Web: www.cadac-sound.com