Solid State Logic

Solid State Logic unveiled a new digital broadcast console, specifically designed for use within critical on-air production environments, at NAB2003.

The C100 is a small footprint, assignable console, specifically designed for on-air studio applications, such as news and sports and live-to tape talk and game shows.

With the C100’s control surface, operators are presented with immediate access to all channel controls through the Master Channel, with options to define additional ‘soft’ controls according to the input source.

The new C100 features SSL’s latest Centuri processing technology. This proprietary technology offers a plethora of failsafe and resiliency features, including fault tolerance, self-healing DSP, hot-swappable components, rapid boot times and remote diagnostics. It contains all audio and control processing, I/O options and GPIO interfacing within a single, robust 15U rack-mounted processor core. The Centuri engine can lock to a variety of video and audio standards.

With the C100’s control surface, operators are presented with immediate access to all channel controls through the Master Channel, with options to define additional ‘soft’ controls according to the input source.

In addition to the Centuri processing technology, the C100 has several new features. ‘Control Linking’ enables a range of configuration functions to be linked to a specific input or output, such as Fader Start GPIs to Cart machines.

The Master Channel provides a full set of dedicated controls per channel bay, giving fast access to all audio and routing parameters with broadcast-specific functionality. Channels may be defined as mono, stereo or 5.1, with single fader control, and the layout of sources on the console may be altered quickly and simply while on-air to cope with unexpected changes in production requirements. Channel layouts may also be created with the C100’s offline configuration utility.

High-resolution TFT screens are used for channel metering and status information, while a central TFT touchscreen displays the signal level and status of all mix busses. New fader cassettes incorporate a signal level indicator in addition to grouping display.

These faders also have buttons to control protection of the channel and to enable or override any GPI control. The layout of the Master Channel controls for EQ, Dynamics, Aux’s is designed to promote physical memory and provide a comfortable working environment even during long shifts or under pressured circumstances.

Audio follow video (AFV) functionality is included as standard, allowing the console to be controlled from an external source. Comprehensive GPI options ease the physical integration of the console into the existing studio control infrastructure, and create new operational possibilities.

The C100 may be configured for 32, 64, 96 or 128 fully featured input channels. Dedicated N-1 bus, two program buses, eight group, 24 utility and 24 auxiliary buses are provided, with per-channel direct/N-1 and utility outputs.

The C100 handles remote Mic sources with separate purpose designed C-SB Stagebox units using multimode fiber connections up to 500m from the processor core. Up to 48 remote controlled mic inputs fit into a single fan-less 14U high chassis. Features include a low-level buffered output per channel, over 90dB of gain with Oclick free gain steps, and 4 DACs and GPIOs for communication feeds and signaling back to the stage. PSU redundancy comes as standard with options for redundant fiber links as required.