BBC Outside Broadcasts selects DK-Tech for meters

Audio and video metering specialist DK-Technologies has supplied two MSD600M++ surround sound audio meters to BBC Outside Broadcasts, part of BBC Resources Ltd. The meters have been installed into BBC Outside Broadcasts’ Unit 2 and Unit 12 vehicles, which are used to record sports and entertainment programmes in High Definition.

Colin Pearson, senior engineer audio for BBC Outside Broadcasts, says both vehicles are equipped with Calrec Sigma digital consoles that have recently been upgraded to incorporate Bluefin. Sigma with Bluefin provides 320 channel processing paths enabling the Sigma to tackle larger productions that would previously have required a more powerful console. These can be configured for up to 52 x full 5.1 surround channels.

“The console upgrade is part of BBC Outside Broadcasts’ commitment to support its customers as they move towards more High Definition production,” Peason explains. “The Bluefin enhancement to the consoles met a need for accurate audio monitoring to match both vehicles’ increased surround sound capabilities.”

DK-Technologies’ MSD600M++ is a modular, multi-channel audio analyser that accepts up to 32 input channels. It has 4 configurable input slots and 4 output slots. The unit’s primary tools are a phasemeter, audio vector oscilloscope and PPM/VU level, while available modules cover analogue, AES3 and SD-SDI formats.

The MSD600M++ supports all surround formats (4.0, 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1) and features DK-Technologies’ recently launched StarFish™ display. This presents the surround sound image in a logical and intuitive way, making it much easier for audio engineers to see what is happening to their surround sound signal.

Both units delivered to BBC Outside Broadcasts have the StarFish™ upgrade and also feature DK’s established JellyFish™ display, which shows the energy content of all channels on the screen and highlights phase errors in individual vectors by colouring them in red.

Andy Page, director of DK-Technologies, says: “We are delighted that BBC Outside Broadcasts has chosen our audio meters for its two fully-HD outside broadcast vehicles. With High Definition and 5.1 surround sound increasingly becoming the norm within the broadcast community, we envisage much greater demand for both the MSD600M++ and our StarFish™ display technology. Engineers working in the 5.1 domain do need a reliable method of monitoring these complex audio signals and the fact that the MSD600M++ with StarFish™ is so easy to use is already making it a popular choice.”

Since installing MDS600M++ audio meters, BBC Outside Broadcasts has used the new units to monitor audio signals at a variety of events. These include the recent Proms broadcasts, Wimbledon and Glastonbury Festival coverage.