Studer’s Glacier carves through the clutter
Published: PRODUCTS
Studer’s customisable Glacier console promises broadcast facilities the ability to deploy surfaces that only include the necessary controls. The desk offers two Fader Vistonics Module physical surfaces that provide FaderGlow controls for live operation and a Central Screen Module with a multi-touch display for assigning and accessing graphical user interface controls.
The GUI can be personalised to match the technical requirements of each user. More technical users can view as many detailed controls as they wish, while the less experienced can create simpler interfaces with only the functions and controls they need. The Harman-owned manufacturer believes this will streamline operation and reduce visual clutter during time-sensitive situations. The GUI also hosts control interfaces for additional studio equipment, including broadcast automation, codec management, content management systems and more.
Each module is a self-contained unit that connects to the Studer DSP Core via TCP/IP. The manufacturer states that this format makes it easy to address different use cases and deploy the console in various configurations throughout a facility.
For broadcasters looking for a more compact production solution, the manufacturer has created the Micro Series digital audio mixing and production system. The solution comprises the core unit, graphical user interface and optional fader control surface and offers users AoIP, Lexicon effects processing and VoiceMix automatic mixing.
The core unit is a 3U, fan-less, rack-mountable chassis that houses the control system, DSP and integrated I/O, including AoIP via eight channels of Dante I/O. The LAN port and internal Wi-Fi router enable connection with computers and tablets. Every function of the core unit can be controlled via the GUI. Users connect using an HTML5-capable web browser on computer or tablet, no additional software is required. For broadcasters who want tactile control, the optional fader module is a simplified 6-fader surface that provides controls for level adjustments and multitasking during live operation. Two controllers can be attached for a maximum of 12 faders.
Finally, the manufacturer has also released its D23m Quad Madi Card, a dual slot card fitted with four fully redundant Madi interfaces and provides up to 256 channels of I/O. The Quad Madi Card enables users to outfit a D23m I/O frame with six cards for a total of 24 redundant Madi interfaces and 1,536 channels, providing connections for up to 24 D21m or Compact stage boxes.
Each of the four Madi interfaces provides dual outputs with the same audio and control data. The Madi inputs reportedly automatically switch in less than 1ms to the reserve input if the data is corrupt or fails. The interfaces will run at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz and 96kHz ± 100ppm in the D23m frame. Channel count is halved unless two pairs of cables are used.