NAB Event News
STUDER MARKS SIX DECADES AT NAB 2008
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Apr 15, 2008 - 2:35:11 AM

By Carl Lindemann

Studer marks six decades in the pro audio business at NAB 2008 with the introduction of the OnAir 2500, an all-in-one console designed for radio applications as well as enhancements to existing products including a Dolby E decoding card for the Vista and OnAir 3000 series consoles.

The Studer OnAir 2500 is a totally self-contained system with the control surface, I/O breakout, DSP Core and power supply are all integrated within a single compact chassis. The fader strips include an OLED (Organic LED) screen, likely to become the new standard before long. These show channel label, level and gain reduction meter and parameter readouts and are adjustable via a rotary encoder and two push buttons below the display. The OLED advantage is higher definition, greater viewing angle and greater contrast than older display technologies. They do not rely on backlighting and remain clear and distinct even in direct sunlight.

The OnAir 2500 interfaces with XLR and SUB-D outlets (microphone inputs, headphone outputs, Line and AES I/Os), the internal audio system also offers interfaces to digital multichannel formats such as MADI, ADAT and IEEE-1394 Firewire. The modular design allows for three standard configurations with 12, 18 and 24 faders available. Motorised channel faders are available as an option. Studer's proprietary networked technology allows it to share signals with other Studer devices.

Following its introduction at last year's IBC, the Vista 5 SR live sound mixing console is Studer's flagship for surround sound production. Enhancements include the addition of an I/O card for Dolby E signals. Dolby E provides 8 audio channels in the space of a stereo pair and can be edited, decoded, and reencoded many times without audible degradation. The cards plug into the Studer D21m I/O system found Vista and OnAir 3000 series digital consoles. One D21m I/O frame can take up to 12 of these cards in a 3U rack space, and each card may contain up to 2 decoders, making it possible to decode up to 24 Dolby E streams in just 3U of rack space.

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