Bavarian public broadcaster Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) has followed the update of the audio systems in its Ü2 and Ü3 radio OB trucks in 2013 by replacing its Ü1 and Ü2 its OB vans with new, identically configured vehicles.
Headquartered at its Nuremberg Regional Studio, the broadcaster uses the vehicles for large-scale live events, mixing audio on Lawo mc²66 consoles and a sapphire mastercard-equipped Dallis router frame. Mixes are handled using a multi-page graphical user interface and touchscreen, making extensive use of the VisTool software provided by Lawo’s radio tools portfolio. For playout – also in multichannel mode – it is possible to dock a sapphire console at any time.
The benefit of this approach is that all audio and control signals are processed within a closed system. No complex or expensive integration of external intercom systems is needed. Audio signals are exchanged via Madi or Ravenna links, and control signals are relayed on the protocol layer within the network. Additionally, BR is able to operate with a staff of two to three persons. For large productions however, five workplaces are available, and the driver’s cabin can also be used.
Multichannel recordings can be viewed in groups of 64 channels on the metering pages using the VisTool. The labels assigned at an mc²66 console are transferred via the protocol level, significantly speeding up the identification of any error sources. Signal processing and level display of all TB and playback sources – incoming and outgoing – is also managed by the mc²66/sapphire/VisTool combination, using the DSP capability of the mastercard. As VisTool also allows the presentation of faders on the graphical surface, spontaneous adjustments can also be made – a particularly important consideration in live broadcast.
All error messages within the overall system (overheating, power supply failure, line disconnect etc.) together with the modes of the TB and playback channels are displayed as clear text on the graphical user interface. In case of misoperation, it is possible to assume control.
The integration of Ember+ protocol in the VisTool environment allows control and signalling of connected audio codecs. With future extension of the multi-media workplaces using devices from the Lawo Video Line – V__pro8, functions such as Video-follow-Audio can be configured without much effort, which allows, for example, the streaming mode or the operation of webcams without additional staff.
The main contractor responsible for equipping both vehicles was sonoVTS – the contract was awarded in October 2013 with the OB vans to be delivered during February and March 2015. In spite of additional work facilities in video and online, they succeeded in keeping the overall length under 10m at height to 3.5m, with a weight of about 16 tons Together with the earlier five OB vans, there are now 12 radio OB vans in use by the public broadcast union ARD using Lawo technology.
More: www.lawo.com
