Ross Production Services (RPS) has upgraded its Connecticut facility with the installation of three 60-fader Calrec Argo S consoles.
The consoles serve three REMI control rooms that produce events for clients including CBS, ESPN, Athlete’s Unlimited and EA Sports. Working with the company’s existing Calrec technology, the Argos are part of RPS’ first foray into IP at the Connecticut location, representing a milestone for the company.
‘Our studios were built out of necessity during the Covid pandemic and – with the increasing number of events each year and looking to the future – it was a natural step to introduce IP technologies as we expand our capabilities,’ says RPS Business Manager, Nick Minore. ‘By combining Argo and the ImPulse core, we’re increasing our focus on REMI productions and will also pair Argo with Calrec’s RP1 remote production units for future events.’
Since acquiring the Argos, RPS has moved its existing Apollo console into its new 40ft box truck, which retains a Hydra2 network in the field. Calrec Brios have now been integrated into all of RPS’ Sprinter van mobile units and with these changes, RPS has transitioned to an entirely Calrec-equipped audio fleet, coinciding with the launch of its new Sprinter vans FIN1, FIN3 and FIN4 this year. RPS’ Calrec roster now includes eight Brios with Madi, Dante and Hydra2 hubs, one Apollo, five RP1 systems, and three Argo consoles.
‘One of the greatest challenges with REMI production is managing audio,’ Minore says. ‘Using RP1s allows our A1 in Connecticut to customise what audio is being transported back to our facility in Connecticut. They don’t need to go back and forth with another audio person on-site for routing or local mixing. We can remotely pair the faders on the RP1 console to our Argo surfaces in Connecticut, making it easy to provide a real-time IFB mix onsite.
‘Their touchscreen interfaces and modern UI are similar to the Brio and quick to learn. The flexible fader layouts and the option to rearrange panels are also huge plusses, along with modular I/O ports on the back of the surface and the ability to pair faders with our existing RP1 system.’
Recent Argo projects include Athlete’s Unlimited Softball, Athlete’s Unlimited Volleyball and Premier Lacrosse Juniors on ESPN Networks. Minore is very impressed with the Argos’ performance.
‘We’re very pleased to see our relationship with Ross Production Services expanding and that Argo consoles, alongside our well-established RP1 technology, are taking centre stage,’ adds Calrec National Technical Sales Manager, Rob Lewis. ‘The power and flexibility now available to RPS via IP workflows provides them with a platform that can handle both current and future requirements as their business continues to expand.’
More: http://calrec.com
