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com

PRODUCT Guide

Putting Sound in the Picture

 MEETING THE
CHALLENGE OF CHANGE

Alpha with Bluefin Sigma with Bluefin

There are no second chances in live broadcast. Audio operators

are under real pressure and need to be able to mix instinctively.
Calrec consoles are purpose designed for this testing environment,
which is why the world’s most successful broadcasters instinctively
trust Calrec to keep them at the top of their game.

Consistently pushing technology
barriers, like the revolutionary
Bluefin HDSP system, Calrec
provide a comprehensive range
of digital consoles in the Alpha,
Sigma, Omega and Zeta, as
well as Hydra audio networking.
Calrec was the first company
in the world to design and
manufacture a commercially
available mixing console for
broadcast television stereo
sound; it was the first to
develop a single point-source
surround-sound microphone,
2 CALREC
and the first to launch a
commercial digitally-controlled
assignable console dedicated
to broadcast production.
Calrec’s expertise, experience
and technology is trusted and
endorsed by the world’s most
successful broadcasters. For
putting sound in the picture,
broadcasters trust in Calrec.
Reliability
Calrec consoles are renowned
for reliability, with fully
redundant power supplies,
DSP cards and processing
cards as standard. All cards
and panels are pluggable under
power, and all hot plugged
cards and panels self-initialize
on insertion. Our proprietary
embedded operating system
and independent DSP ensure
audio continuity and eliminate
the need for a PC for sustained
operation or boot up. This
means that PC failure or reset
has no effect on the audio
signal and permits a cold boot
time of less than 20 seconds,
and a full control system reset
in less then 15 seconds, with
no loss of audio.
Ease of Operation
Calrec has been designing
live production and live-to-air
broadcast audio mixing
consoles for over 35 years.
In 1981 we introduced the
world’s first digitally controlled
assignable mixing console.
Now in its fifth generation, our
assignable control surface is
intuitive, with a fast learning
curve. Use of the PC is minimal
and layering is limited to two
independent signal paths. Our
compact fader width means a
large number of channels can
be controlled in a very compact
frame. Eight faders take up
only 250mm/9.85 inches,
providing more physical faders
in any given space than any
other console manufacturer.

Omega with Bluefin
Power
Fully redundant power is
provided from compact supplies
which take up minimal rack
space. High DC voltage power
distribution allows for wide
variations of AC power without
dropping DC operating voltages.
Processing
Our console channel count
does not diminish, no matter
how many output busses are
in use. On all our consoles, all
channel features are available
simultaneously, without
reducing any input channel
capability.
Zeta
Signalization
In a broadcast audio control
room, signalization encompasses
a range of requirements for the
audio mixer to communicate
with external devices. Calrec
consoles provide various functions
within their operational setups.
Transmission (On Air) and
Rehearsal modes set up
operational inhibits to reduce
the risk of human error, making
the system more robust, less
stressful and more user friendly
for the operator. Comprehensive
GPIs and GPOs enable
operators to communicate
and control a large number
of miscellaneous functions,
including automatic cross
fades between camera shots.
Our range of digital consoles include
the 480 channel Alpha with Bluefin, the
320 channel Sigma with Bluefin, the
160 channel Omega with Bluefin and
the 112 channel Zeta.
Bluefin
Bluefin is an award-winning
High Density Signal Processing
(HDSP) system which provides
unparalleled processing
capacity on just one DSP card.
Based on patent-pending
FPGA technology, Bluefin
delivers a breathtaking 5000%
improvement in efficiency
compared with equivalent
platforms using conventional
DSP chips. Bluefin provides
a DSP system more powerful
and reliable than a conventional
design, for around the same
cost. Both innovative and
revolutionary, Bluefin
represents a fundamental
shift in audio processing.
calrec.com
Surround Channels
As the transition from stereo
to surround sound gathers
pace, consoles need more than
just increased channel capacity.
Bluefin consoles have been
designed to provide all the
facilities required for a busy
surround sound environment.
Surround Channels give
operators the ability to control
a full 5.1 source as a single
channel, in a similar way to
a stereo channel. This free
assignability of mono, stereo
and 5.1 channels delivers the
optimal solution for handling
and controlling surround sound
sources in live production.
CALREC 3
 SUITABILITY FOR PURPOSE
News Studio
When you’re mixing audio for
live news, you’ve only got one
chance to get it right. That’s
why the world’s biggest
broadcasters rely on Calrec
consoles. In a live news studio
an audio operator may have a
variety of internal and external
feeds, and a host of people
both in the field and on the
studio floor all wanting their
own unique signal. Calrec
consoles simplify this process
by providing a mix-minus/clean
feed signal for every single
channel and group, together
with adjustable levels and
tone/ident capabilities.
4 CALREC
This is all independent of the
Multitrack sends which give
even more scope for custom
feeds. When your anchor, your
reporters and your studio floor
staff all need to be kept in the
loop, Calrec consoles have the
capability to do so quickly and
easily.
Live to Air
Sound gives pictures an
emotional dimension that
movement alone can’t convey.
Calrec consoles are designed
exclusively for live broadcast.
They are purpose designed so
that you can be confident that
the console has all the facilities
you will need for a smooth
production. With an impressive
36dB of pre-fader headroom,
Calrec consoles have the
dynamic range to handle even
the most excitable broadcast
commentators. The audio stays
clean even when channel
faders have to be pulled back
well below the -30 mark.
Calrec’s assignable control
surface is now in its fifth
generation and is totally
intuitive, with minimal use of
the PC. In addition, flexible
Hydra networking means that
you can switch studio space
quickly and efficiently and at
minimum expense. Whatever
else happens on the day, with
Calrec you can be assured
that all your audio will be
open, transparent and, above
all else, ever present!
Broadcast Trucks
Calrec are racing ahead of the 31% share of the HD truck
competition in broadcast trucks. market across the US,
Two independent surveys have Europe, Middle East and
placed Calrec as a clear leader Africa - 14% more than our
among companies providing nearest competitor.
audio mixers for HD broadcast
trucks. A survey by the Sports *SVG Mobile Sports Production
Yearbook 2007
Video Group (SVG)* in North
America shows Calrec with **Medien Bulletin in their HD OB
48% of all HD trucks, and 31% Van Special 2007
of the SD market. A similar
survey by Germany’s Medien
Bulletin** gave Calrec 22% of
the HD truck market across
Europe, the Middle East and
Africa. Combined, these figures
give Calrec an overwhelming
ALPHA with Bluefin calrec.com

Our Bluefin range of consoles

include the 480 channel Alpha.

Alpha with Bluefin is designed for live production

and on-air use, providing 480 channel processing
paths on a single DSP card, with full EQ and
dynamics on all channels.

– Up to 96 dual layer faders The growth of HD production

is creating a demand for more
– 480 channel processing
and more signal paths to deal
paths packaged as 162
with 5.1 content. Calrec’s
stereo and 156 mono
Bluefin consoles meet the
channels, allowing up to
specific needs of HD production
78 x 5.1 surround channels
and live to air delivery, now and
– 8 x mono, stereo or 5.1 into the future. Bluefin also
surround audio groups provides 432 mono elements
of up to 2.73 seconds of audio
– 4 main (program) stereo
delay to cope with increasing
or 5.1 surround outputs
AV synchronization problems
with Compressors/Limiters
resulting from mixed format
and EQ
HD/SD production, for example.
– 20 mono auxiliary busses
configurable up to 10 stereo

– 48 multi-track outputs for

IFB or recording

For a comprehensive
technology feature list
refer to page 10

CALREC 5
 SIGMA with Bluefin

Our Bluefin range of consoles

include the 320 channel Sigma.

Sigma with Bluefin provides 320 channel processing paths on

just one card, with full EQ and dynamics on all channels, groups
and outputs. This equates to 52 x 5.1 surround channels.
– Up to 64 dual layer faders

– 320 channel processing paths packaged as 108 stereo and

104 mono channels, allowing up to 52 x 5.1 surround channels

– 8 x mono, stereo or 5.1 surround audio groups

– 4 main (program) stereo or 5.1 surround outputs with

Compressors/Limiters and EQ

– 20 mono auxiliary busses configurable up to 10 stereo

– 48 multi-track outputs for IFB or recording

For a comprehensive technology feature list refer to page 10

6 CALREC
OMEGA with Bluefin calrec.com

Our Bluefin range of consoles

include the 160 channel Omega.

Positioned between our Zeta and Sigma with

Bluefin consoles, Omega with Bluefin provides
160 channel processing paths. Omega with
Bluefin places as much control onto the surface
as possible to maintain the immediacy of our
assignable system.
– Up to 56 dual layer faders

– 160 channel processing paths packaged as 48 stereo and

64 mono channels, allowing up to 24 x 5.1 surround channels

– 8 x mono, stereo or 5.1 surround audio groups

– 2 main (program) stereo or 5.1 surround outputs with

Compressors/Limiters and EQ

– 20 mono auxiliary busses configurable up to 10 stereo

– 48 multi-track outputs for IFB or recording

For a comprehensive technology feature list refer to page 10

CALREC 7
 ZETA

Zeta features up to 48 dual

layer faders and up to 112
channel processing paths

Combining intuituve operation and instant access with standard

Calrec resilience, including hot-swappable cards and panels,
and redundancy on all system-critical elements, Zeta is a console
that provides broadcast-specific solutions for all types of
production environments.

– Up to 48 dual layer faders

– Up to 108 channel processing paths (42 stereo or mono

plus 24 mono channels), or:

– Up to 112 channel processing paths (56 stereo)

– 8 x mono or stereo audio groups

– 2 main (program) stereo or 5.1 surround outputs with

Compressors/Limiters

– 8 mono auxiliary busses configurable up to 4 stereo

– 16 multi-track outputs for IFB or recording

For a comprehensive technology feature list refer to page 10

8 CALREC
HYDRA
Efficient networking is not just about the technicalities of sharing
incoming and outgoing sources. It is about giving operators and
studio managers greater creativity and scope to do their jobs.
Hydra audio networking
provides a flexible and reliable
method of sharing I/O resources
and control data between
Calrec digital mixing consoles.
Our solution differs from most
in that Hydra uses Gigabit
Ethernet fabric to ensure high
bandwidth, excellent resilience
and enormous flexibility,
allowing the network to be
tailored precisely to the
requirements of each installation.
Hydra guarantees deterministic
performance and eliminates
the possibility of collisions
by establishing three key
design principles. The first is
that audio sample delivery
operates strictly at the data
link layer, which means no
TCP/IP overhead is imposed.
calrec.com
Hydra Networking using
Gigabit Ethernet fabric
Secondly, bandwidth is entirely The range includes a 2U, 4 SDI
Studio A Studio B Studio C
predictable as the network is input de-embed unit which
kept private. Finally, the network extracts up to 64 channels of
is constructed in a star topology. synchronous or asynchronous
Put simply, it means no network embedded audio from 4 HD/SD
hang-ups and the audio always streams. It then makes these Wallbox Wallbox Wallbox Wallbox Wallbox Wallbox Wallbox
gets to where it needs to be. channels available to any
console on the Hydra network. Machine Area
Calrec offer both modular and
fixed format I/O units, offering All have built-in PSU redundancy,
up to 96 inputs and/or outputs and single or optional dual IEC Wallbox
per unit, analog or digital. power connections.
These provide local or remotely
located sources and destinations Gigabit Switch Wallbox
that can be used by any or all
mixing consoles.
Wallbox
A range of fixed format 2U
to 4U fixed-format I/O boxes
use dual Cat5e Gigabit ACR 1 ACR 2 ACR 3
Ethernet ports for audio
and control redundancy up Hydra Gigabit Hydra Gigabit Hydra Gigabit
to 90m/295ft. For extended Interface Interface Interface
distances, the boxes also
support optional duplex fiber
connectors up to five kilometers. Console Console Console
CALREC 9
 TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS

Technology Features
System Features
Simultaneous 5.1, LCRS, stereo and mono outputs available from each main output
Monitor sources may be any combination of 5.1, stereo and mono
Up to 192 mono equivalent assignable inserts for outboard gear
All channels and groups can have a direct output or a different mix-minus output
All channels have 4-band EQ/Filters, Compressors/Limiter and Expander/Gate
Direct outputs can be pre EQ, pre fader or post fader
Tracks can be fed from pre EQ, pre or post fader
Automatic cross fading facility, with user-definable fade out and in times
Comprehensive On Air Signalization system
VCA style grouping system
All groups have Compressor/Limiter
Direct input available to groups, mains, aux and mix-minus busses
Input delay
Unparalleled microphone input and signal path headroom
Metering:
- TFT screens allow up to three rows of meters
- Each screen can have mixed sizes of meter: 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 and full screen size
- Size, location and color are all user definable
- User configurability ensures a high degree of redundancy
- Provision for mechanical VU and PPM meters where required
Bluefin System Features for Alpha, Sigma and Omega
User configurable monitor panels with full operator profiles allow the scale of monitoring to meet the
most demanding program needs yet remain extremely easy to use
19.6 minutes of audio delay made up of 432 mono elements of up to 2.73 seconds
Separate 2-band EQ and 2-band filters for Dynamics side-chain
Surround Channels:
- All surround channels and groups have surround direct outputs, with the option to downmix to stereo
- Ability to control a discrete 5.1 source on a single fader
- Resources automatically assigned when Surround channel is assigned - surround channels use the
resources of 2 x stereo channels (for L/R and Ls/Rs) and 2 x mono channels (for Center and LFE)
- Dedicated spill panel individually controls all legs of a Surround channel
Control Surface End Profiles
Alpha
1098 [43.23”]
947 [37.29”]
863 [33.97”]
331 [13.01”]

426 [16.79”]
System Stability
Fully redundant power supply system with automatic on-line redundant capacity

1075 [42.31”]
On-board hot spares provide automatic redundancy on critical system elements: PSU, DSP and

1003 [39.51”]
control processors

760 [29.92”]
High DC voltage power distribution allows for wide variations of AC power

650 [25.59”]
Console and racks boot from cold in less than 20 seconds
Full control system reset in less then 15 seconds with no loss of audio
Hot plugging of every card and module
Non-sequential power-on process
Embedded proprietary operating system ensures independence from PC systems
On board Flash ROM offers 99 memories independent of the PC
Automatic background memory stores current status for fast loading on power up 202 [7.95”]
Independent DSP operation ensures audio continuity even during PC or control reset 1052 [41.42”] 46 [1.82”]
PC not required for sustained operation or boot up - PC failure or reset has no effect on audio signal
SNMP status reporting

Calrec Audio Ltd reserve the right to change specifications without notice. E&O.E.
Alpha, Sigma, Omega, Hydra Audio Networking and Bluefin High Density Signal Processing (HDSP) are trademarks of Calrec Audio Ltd.
All other trademarks acknowledged.

Designed and produced by Rees & Company.

10 C A L R E C
 calrec.com

Technical Specifications
Alpha
Sigma Sigma
Max no. No. of Modules Length Depth
of Faders Sections Frame Size inches/mm inches/mm
48 12 4:4:4 60.9/1547 43.2/1098
807 [31.76”] 52 13 4:4:5 65.9/1672 43.2/1098
737 [29.03”] 56 14 4:4:6 70.8/1797 43.2/1098
467 [18.40”] 60 15 4:5:6 75.7/1922 43.2/1098

1037 [40.81”]
64 16 4:6:6 80.7/2047 43.2/1098
68 17 5:6:6 85.6/2172 43.2/1098
72 18 6:6:6 90.5/2297 43.2/1098

393 [15.46”]
76 19 4:4:5:6 95.7/2428 43.2/1098
760 [29.92”]

80 20 4:4:6:6 100.6/2553 43.2/1098

650 [25.59”]

84 21 4:5:6:6 105.5/2678 43.2/1098

88 22 4:6:6:6 110.4/2803 43.2/1098
92 23 5:6:6:6 115.4/2928 43.2/1098
96 24 6:6:6:6 120.3/3053 43.2/1098
96 25 4:4:5:6:6 125.4/3184 43.2/1098
96 26 4:4:6:6:6 130.4/3309 43.2/1098
164 [6.44”] 96 27 4:5:6:6:6 135.3/3434 43.2/1098
964 [37.94”] 96 28 4:6:6:6:6 140.2/3559 43.2/1098
Sigma
Omega and Zeta Max
Omegano. and Zeta No. of Modules Length Depth
of Faders Sections Frame Size inches/mm inches/mm
845 [33.3”] 48 12 4:4:4 60.9/1547 38/964
712.5 [28.1”] 52 13 4:4:5 65.9/1672 38/964
56 14 4:6:4 70.8/1797 38/964
608 [23.9”]
60 15 4:6:5 75.7/1922 38/964
338 [15.3”]
64 16 6:4:6 80.7/2047 38/964
64 17 5:6:6 85.6/2172 38/964
64 18 6:6:6 90.5/2297 38/964
64 19 5:4:4:6 95.7/2428 38/964
64 20 6:4:4:6 100.6/2553 38/964
760 [29.9”]

64 21 5:4:6:6 105.5/2678 38/964

996 [39.2”]
685 [27.0”]

64 22 4:6:6:6 110.4/2803 38/964

665 [26.2”]

64 23 5:6:6:6 115.4/2928 38/964

604 [23.8”]

Omega and Zeta

Max no. No. of Modules Length Depth
of Faders Sections Frame Size inches/mm inches/mm
24 3 1:1:1 30.9/785 33.3/845
40 5 1:2:2 50.8/1291 33.3/845
122 [4.8”] 48 (Zeta) 7 2:3:2 70.7/1797 33.3/845
783 [30.8”] 56 (Omega) 7 2:3:2 70.7/1797 33.3/845
C A L R E C 11
Calrec Audio Ltd
Nutclough Mill
Hebden Bridge
West Yorkshire
HX7 8EZ
England UK

Tel +44 (0)1422 842159

Fax +44 (0)1422 845244
Email enquiries@calrec.com

calrec.com