Columbus, Ohio-based OB provider Live Media Group has installed a 72-dual fader Calrec Argo Q and a 48-fader Argo S console in its new MU-16 mobile unit. Designed and built exclusively for use on All Elite Wrestling (AEW) events, the vehicle made its debut on TNT Network’s live coverage of the AEW Collision event from the Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi.

‘In this truck, we’re running two Argo surfaces off one pair of redundant ImPulse cores,’ says Live Media Group Sound Engineer, Kevin Norris. ‘The Argo Q surface operates as the main mix console, and the more compact Argo S as a sub mixer. We’re also operating two complete IP networks; one for all the Calrec AoIP I/O boxes connected to the truck, and a second 2110 network with EVS Cerebrum control and Arista MCS as the Software Designed Network (SDN).’

The truck not only boasts dual Argo control surfaces but also doubles up on Calrec’s IP ImPulse core for fully redundant operation, marks a milestone for Live Media Group as it moves to a fully-native IP environment for the first time.

‘The fact that the Argo and the ImPulse cores are ST2110 IP-native was a big factor in our decision to go down this route,’ says Norris. ‘It totally removes the need for any of the conversion or audio bridging we have required on our previous installs, which saves us space and simplifies all our interconnections.

‘A native ST2110 infrastructure also allows us to route streams direct to end devices without needing a traditional audio router in the middle of the network, giving us access to ImPulse’s full 4096 x 4096 router and all the available I/O. It’s our first full ST2110 installation, but all future installs will follow this same design.’

Live Media Group’s mobile unit division has 38 HD/UHD mobile production trucks servicing the broadcast sports and entertainment markets and is a provider of multiple mobile units to ESPN. A long-time Calrec customer, 20 of its trucks are presently built on Calrec technology and both companies share a history that dates all the way back to the analogue Q2 console. It’s a relationship that not only makes operation straightforward for audio mixers but streamlines the installation process long before the console is even built.

‘We’ve worked with Calrec for many years and our operator base knows the console workflows well,’ says Norris. ‘Not only do we find them easy to drive, but our relationship with the team at Calrec means that we’re able to plan hardware adjustments in advance.

‘Calrec has a long relationship with Live Media Group over generations of console technology,’ confirms Calrec Regional Sales Manager, Dave Lewty. ‘They were one of the first remote companies in the USA to install the Alpha and Apollo consoles in a truck, and they are continuing the trend with Argo. The fact that they also trust us to support them into their first fully IP-native environment is testament to that relationship, and testament to how Calrec aims to support all its customers, wherever they are on their IP journey.’

More: http://calrec.com