[cma-l] Mixers
Two Lochs Radio
tlr at gairloch.co.uk
Tue Nov 12 17:45:26 GMT 2013
The 'bigger brother' Airlab that we use is modular, although we just filled it from the start and didn't need to make any changes along the way. The triple-input modules are very adaptable to needs. It also has the ability to save its configuration to a smart card (like a chip-and-PIN card) or over a computer connection, so all the internal preset values and settings for red lights etc can be quickly restored after any loss or uneducated fiddling!
The first part of our training of new presenters is to look along the row of equalization and gain etc knobs and check they are all pointing to 12 o'clock, and it's never been a great problem. Some presenters do love to turn up the bass, sadly unaware that the transmission processor is likely to compensate by going easier on the bass in reaction!
One tip - the knobs are push on with splines to stop them slipping, so it is easy for the studio manager to set up all the gains etc to their preferred default position, then lift off each knob and push them back down rotated so that the index mark points to 12 o'clock, so that the users can be told to leave all set to 12 o'clock as a starting point. We do that with all the preset gain controls and it works a treat.
The most frequent operator problem we have had is that the telco channel can very easily be turned on or left on when someone checks that all the regular channels are on. This of course takes the phone off the hook, and they get no calls or text messages until somebody reports it constantly engaged. Similarly if a call has been taken on air it is too easy for the presenter to forget to drop the line.
One other, less frequent, accident is that if a presenter decides to work more 'snappily' by starting channels withn the channel-on button with the fader already open they soemtimes press the cue button by mistake, and of course they hear the track as normal even though the listener hears nothing, so they may not notice quickly or at all that the music is not going out. Of course, when the present then opens the mic at the end of the track, the Cue drops out automatically and they hear themselves, so they may not realize even then that they had been the only one hearing the track!
But overall we have found it trivially easy to train all-comers on the Airlab desk, all ages and backgrounds.
Modern digital desks such as my preferred Axia ones have the advantage of hiding all the lesser-used controls behind option buttons and alphanumeric readouts, but they do lose that ability for experienced users to 'drive the desk in your sleep' by just reaching out to a familiar knob to twiddle a specific parameter.
Alex
----- Original Message -----
From: Associated Broadcast Consultants
To: Paul Scarth
Cc: cma-l
Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 4:36 PM
Subject: Re: [cma-l] Mixers
I agree on Airmates provided non modular design is acceptable. Their only downside is that they have too many knobs that scare new presenters and tempt know-it-alls to play with things they should not. The number of times I was called to say the red light was not working, or they were getting feedback when the mics were on!
Glyn
On 12 Nov 2013 15:43, Paul Scarth <paul at alphacrust.co.uk> wrote:
Hi Clive,
I can only speak from personal experience, but I'd consider looking at the
different ranges of Sonifex mixers and see how they fit within your budget.
The S2 is the dogs dangly bits in terms of flexability and reliability but
the compact, less expensive, S0 also provides pretty much all you need in a
non-upgradable package.
Speaking from experience the Sonifex mixers provide the best solution to
teach from too. :)
Paul Scarth
Harmony FM
Huddersfield, W. Yorks
on 12/11/13 3:30 PM, Roy Parsons <roy at rplradio.com> wrote:
> P, UL, OL, DL, DIR, MENU, PRE { margin: 0 auto;}
> Hi Clive,
> I suggest the D & R Airmate-USB mixer. This has USB and analogue inputs.
> http://www.d-r.nl/AIRMATE/AIRMATE.htm
>
> Or try the Lyra digital console.
> http://www.d-r.nl/LYRA/LYRA.htm
>
> Both are well made and cost effective.
> I have just purchased some Airmates for an African project if you would
like
> to see one.
>
> Roy Parsons
>
> RPL
> Worldwide Broadcast Equipment Suppliers
> Radionet House
> 4 Greenock Road
> London W3 8DU
> England
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> ----------------------- Original Message -----------------------
>
> From: Clive Glover <clivegloveruk at gmail.com>
> To: cma-l at commedia.org.uk
> Cc:
> Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 14:49:49 +0000
> Subject: [cma-l] Mixers
>
> I would be interested in views on current studio mixers please.
>
> We are planning to replace our now ancient mixer in our main studio and
> would ideally like to buy two new identical ones for our two studios.
> However our budget is modest and would not stretch to two of the sort of
> mixers used by most commercial or BBC stations - or better funded
> CR stations!
>
> Also we think we still want analogue mixers but have noted the trend
> towards providing some digital output facilities which could be useful
> both now and increasingly in future, so is it essential to have such
> digital facilities for something likely to last for perhaps 5 - 10 years
> from now?
>
> I am not looking for detailed technical specifications but a general
> practical view of whether it is possible to buy decent solid kit for
> daily use that costs, say £5-6000 rather than perhaps
£10-15,000.
>
> All comments welcome! Thanks!
>
> Clive Glover
> --
> Radio Verulam, St Albans
>
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