By Andrew Lippe 

Remote production services provider Corplex is upgrading the audio desks in its Platinum HD mobile unit this June, incorporating Calrec’s Bluefin High Density Signal Processing system technology, adding flexible TFT metering, full 5.1 Surround Sound spill control, and  12 more faders (for a total of 60). The Platinum has been used on the Masters, PGA Championships, and in CBS football games and Super Bowl XLI. 

"Platinum had the first installation of the Calrec Alpha eight years ago," says Dave Greany, Corplex vice president and partner. "Calrec is giving us an upgrade that is effectively like getting a brand new console."

Bluefin High Density Signal Processing was introduced at NAB 2006 and packs performance into a single card, more than doubling the processing power of the Alpha console on just one DSP card.   

Kevin Emmott, Calrec marketing coordinator, says Calrec ensured that having to increase console capacity to cope with HD television would not involve buying a new desk for existing customers. Bluefin technology is compatible with all existing Alpha consoles.

Calrec’s TFT metering system enhances the way in which signals can be metered while 5.1 source handling allows 5.1 Surround Sound sources to be processed and handled as single inputs. The addition of a Surround Spill panel allows for comprehensive adjustment of individual discrete elements.  

The upgrade allows both the Platinum truck with the Calrec Alpha and Calrec's new unit Iridium, hitting the road this summer with a Sigma desk, to be at the same level of capabilities.

“I like to say our Alpha has found the fountain of youth,” says Greany.