NAB 2018: SSL To Premiere 32-Fader Version Of S300 Compact Audio Console
Solid State Logic announces the global premiere of the 32-fader version of the System T-S300 compact broadcast console at NAB 2018. The S300 offers a combination of performance and value for a wide range of broadcast installations and OB vehicles. The S300 is a fixed layout compact control surface that can be combined with the complete portfolio of SSL’s groundbreaking System T network objects: consoles, remote tiles, touchscreen interfaces, tempest processing engines, remote PC software and network I/O. It can be specified as part of a larger System T installation or in stand-alone configurations for smaller broadcast facilities or OB vehicles. The S300 presents the extraordinary power and versatility of System T in a streamlined console layout that remains intuitive for operators with a wide range of skill levels.
The S300 comes in two versions: 16+1 faders and 32+1 faders. S300 can connect to either a Tempest T25 (256 paths at 48kHz) or a T80 (800 paths at 48kHz) Processor Engine and runs the same software as the larger S500 surface and TCR (Tempest Control Rack).
System T is the world’s first IP-based, live-to-air broadcast audio production system. System T uses AoIP as its core, not simply as an edge connection to the console’s audio infrastructure. Tempest Processing Engines include direct AoIP interfaces allowing commercial off-the-shelf switching infrastructure to replace the requirement for expensive proprietary audio routing hardware. Universal AoIP connections reduce the overall system design cost and improve redundancy topologies, peripheral devices with IP connections do not require traditional audio converter connections. AoIP connections for Tempest Engines and all Network I/O devices are capable of Dante, AES67 and SMPTE 2110-30 using the same hardware.
System T S300 includes a integrated Dante control API, providing arbitrated audio and control resource sharing for SSL’s Network I/O range across SSL’s Tempest platform-based consoles: S500, S300, TCR and SSL Live (L500 Plus, L300 and L200). With the availability of over 1000 Dante devices, from upwards of 350 manufacturers, System T control surfaces are a direct routing controller to large, multi-manufacturer-based AoIP routing systems. No additional software or hardware is required and routing control is directly from the console GUI or software instances of the console control software running on standard PCs remotely connected to the main surface. System T’s underlying software and network infrastructure provide a standard-agnostic platform that can easily be updated to include emerging broadcast and media IP standards as they are ratified and complement broadcasters’ workflows.
Complete showfile compatibility between all System T consoles and controllers means production can easily move between control rooms within a facility, or an S300 can very easily be used as a backup surface to a larger S500. Where processing engines are of different sizes SSL’s unique compatibility mode allows the pre-selection of channel, busses and effects resources that will be inactive on the smaller processing engine. Settings from the larger device are never lost and resources can be reassigned at any point during the show, even with audio passing.
System T has an array of processing options ensuring the tools for even the most demanding production or music mix are available. There are up to eight Dialogue auto mixers and two Dynamics sections per path; including compressors, oversampled true peak limiters, gates, expanders and de-essers. Full processing capabilities on all channels and busses provide complete flexibility. An additional effects rack provides multiple reverbs, dynamic EQ, noise reduction, signal generators, summing tools, upmixers, downmixers and bus compressor; no external devices or audio connections are required. These inbuilt effects allow near zero latency, direct control, and full recallability with the console showfile system. When applied to a path insert the effect automatically appears in the path GUI providing a logical workflow and intuitive user interface.
System T is designed for integration. Beyond the number of third-party AoIP Dante devices that can be directly routing controlled from the console software, S300, S500 and TCR can be controlled by production automation packages. System T’s fully programmable Events Manager feature provides extensive and customisable GPIO and macro programming. From simple fader starts and AFV functions to multi source macro programming, events programming can be trailered to suit each production and managed directly from the console GUI.
S300 is a compact surface providing all the power and features of SSL’s flagship System-T environment, resulting in an unparalleled feature set at this price point.