Used to handle the audio for The Jerry Springer Show, Maury, Trisha Goddard and The Steve Wilkos Show, the audio/video control room at the Stamford Media Center has recently been re-equipped with a Solid State Logic C100 HDS Digital Broadcast Console.
The audio control room is built into a truck, making console size an important consideration. The C100 HDS replaces an analogue console, and the installation includes redundant Blackrock Processing Cores, three Alpha-Link Live-R units, and a Morse Stagebox – providing Modular Remote I/O. These extra elements neatly reside in the control room in one rack next to the console, solving the space dilemma presented by an OB truck.
‘The Stamford Media Center is a re-design of a legitimate theatre, where the main studio room, backstage rooms and offices encompass the entire building, while the video and audio tech core are built into a permanently parked OB van,’ says John T Chow, the centre’s manager of technology and digital media.
‘We had installation limitations that were met by the C100 without compromising on console features and power. Additionally, support has always been great with SSL as far as responsiveness and knowledgeable people helping out. This is an important factor for keeping these boards going. Getting a great console at a good price is only half the equation. Getting ongoing support after the fact is paramount. SSL and the C100 solve this problem.’
The studio produces 20 shows a week across the four shows. All four feature a host, guests and a live audience of approximately 200. The main differences between them from a mixing point of view, concern backstage feeds to guests and producers, as each show has its own needs in terms of types of guest and guest stars. What they see and hear backstage will vary greatly depending on the programme.
‘The console has performed extremely well,’ Stamford Media Center Senior Audio Engineer, Rob Alexander, reports. ‘The console is laid out so that if you know how to operate an analogue console, the transition to the digital console is really straightforward. This familiar interface is a part of the legacy of an SSL product. I am able to customise the console to be able to turn my backstage feeds on and off very easily or work the mic trims without having to call up menus. I can also store my settings for instant recall. This really speeds up the workflow.
‘There is no rehearsal for any of the shows we produce here, so having a console that allows us to make changes while we are working on a show is a big advantage,’ Alexander adds. ‘We go into each production with the confidence we can easily handle the different types of guests. Some are very loud and emotional and others hushed and quiet and every level in between. If a setting basically works, I can instantly copy that making the entire audio chore straightforward. The C100 gives us the power to do what we need to do very efficiently.’
More: www.solidstatelogic.com
