Providing audio and video communications for many of the world’s largest broadcasters – including CBS, ESPN, FOX Sports, NBC Sports Group, Turner Sports and Univision – NY-based CP Communications operates a fleet of HD RF mobile production vehicles capable of handling the most demanding sports and entertainment events. After a recent evaluation of available options, CP Senior Vice President Kurt Heitmann has standardised the fleet’s mixing on DiGiCo’s SD10B digital mixing console, purchasing six of the broadcast version of DiGiCo’s SD10 along with eight SD-Rack I/O racks and two 32x16 D-Rack stage interfaces.
Identical SD10B set-ups can now be found in CP’s new 53-ft ‘expando’ fibre transmission HD11 (NBC) and HD21 (Fox Sports) trucks, as well as its fully refurbished 53-ft RFHD5 and RFHD7 trucks, and an overhauled 40-ft trailer known as DSM1, which typically provides digital submixes for MLB and NBA all-star games.
Flypacks are a key element in CP’s work, and the sixth SD10B-24 will be used primarily for that purpose, although Heitmann points out that all of the SD10Bs can convert to flypack mode if needed: ‘The DiGiCos in flypack mode will typically be used as routing desks into a Madi network and for submixing effects,’ he says. ‘They will also be used as submixers for studio sets, feeding to the main production mixer.’
CP’s trucks handle a wide range of duties, from the NYC Marathon to PGA Golf Tours and MLB All-Star Games. On major sports events, one typical use is as an ESU, ingesting audio feeds from wireless mics and various other sources and routing them to other units via Madi, while simultaneously providing audio quality control. CP’s SD10Bs, with their integrated routing and Madi capabilities, are well suited to this. Providing a submix feed from sets at sporting events is another common application. Recent projects have included MLB and golf broadcasts for Fox, NBC and the Golf Channel.
Other primary considerations included the SD10B’s DSP power and fader count, and the console’s relatively compact footprint. Also important was DiGiCo’s ability to work within CP’s tight delivery requirements. Heitmann pointed to DiGiCo’s new family connection to Calrec and the enhanced connectivity options that will soon be available between the two brands.
‘Cost-effectiveness was key, as well as reliability,’ he says. ‘Thanks to DiGiCo’s legacy as a robust touring console, we fully expect them to survive the bounces of life in a truck.’
Headquartered in New York, CP Communications has satellite offices in Orlando and Portland, Oregon. The company additionally has partnerships in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany and the UK.
