Calrec have released parts 1 and 2 of their new IP primer – a comprehensive introduction to AoIP and IP networking – with new instalments to be added over the coming weeks.
As a designer of class-leading broadcast audio mixing consoles – and with a history spanning back over 50 years – British console manufacturer Calrec has been long been at the forefront of emergent audio technologies, having designed the world’s first stereo broadcast console back in 1977.
This was swiftly followed in 1981 with the introduction of the world’s first digitally controlled assignable mixing console, and more recently has included cutting-edge remote production capabilities and audio networking solutions, including the development of their own Hydra2 network and control software in 2009.
Audio networking and AoIP technologies have been used for large-scale commercial productions in various forms for a number of years now. But as the technology has continued to evolve and mature, it’s now become an equally viable option for smaller operations across all aspects of professional audio production, with smaller venues, OB trucks and even local radio stations beginning to embrace the technology.
This move into the mainstream makes knowledge of AoIP systems a valuable skill for audio engineers seeking to remain flexible and up to date with the latest developments, and it’s highly likely these skills will be a key requirement for the next generation of engineers.
With this in mind, Calrec is keen to help its customers maintain and develop their technical expertise – most notably with the establishment of the Calrec Sound Institute in August 2020 – and providing easy access to a number of free resources, the latest of which is Calrec’s IP Primer.
Calrec says “Over the next eight weeks, we will be releasing an IP chapter every Wednesday as part of Calrec’s latest IP Primer.”
“The IP Primer will build up your knowledge of IP and will enable you to create reliable AoIP networks to meet the needs of your desired workflow without defining or compromising operations.”
“We’ll look at Networks, Multicast, Precision Time Protocol (PTP), Bandwidth, Latency/Jitter, QoS, Switches and Network Design.”
“In this introduction, we examine what a network is, we assess some of the benefits and we outline the main standards for efficient and interoperable IP networks. Download your copy now!”
To download Parts 1 and 2 of Calrec’s IP Primer, head over to the Calrec blog here, or check out the Calrec Sound Institute for a number of excellent resources, including free training for the Calrec Brio Medley and Duet consoles, and the Calrec Type R for radio and TV.
Calrec Brio – AoIP Options
The Calrec Brio has a Hydra 2 network card pre-installed, allowing for connection to Calrec’s Hydra 2 network and other Hydra 2 devices – such as Calrec’s fixed format or modular IO Hydra2 boxes – on the same network.
The console also has expansion slots for connecting a Hydra2 IO card to Dante, MADI and Soundgrid networks, as well as many other base band audio formats.
Find out more about the Calrec Brio Medley and Duet consoles
Calrec Type R – AoIP Options
The Calrec Type R has the option to install an AES67 network card, allowing connection to an AES67 network and other AES67 devices including Calrec’s fixed format or modular AES67 IO boxes.
These boxes can in turn be fitted with IO cards for other network audio formats such as Dante, MADI and Soundgrid – as well as many other audio formats – and also allows connection to other, 3rd party network devices using AES67 (or any other variant of AES67 such as Ravenna and Livewire+).
Find out more about the Calrec Type R console
Calrec AoIP Hardware
A Calrec AoIP Hydra2 AoIP interface is also available, allowing Calrec Hydra2 and AES67 devices to pass audio freely between the two types of network.
Find out more about the Calrec Audio Over IP interface
Audio Networking & AoIP at Synthax Audio UK
Here at Synthax Audio UK we specialise in the supply of the Calrec Brio and Type R consoles, alongside a selection of other audio networking options from our other brands.
Primarily covering the AES-67 / Ravenna, Audinate Dante and MILAN-compatible AVB/TSN formats, our range includes network-capable AD/DA converters and microphone preamps, alongside routing and digital format converters from RME Audio, Ferrofish, DirectOut and Appsys ProAudio.
If you’re considering a move towards an AoIP workflow, or would like to know more about any of the options we specialise in, feel free to contact us here!
If you’d like to know more about the Calrec Brio, Type R or Hydra2 network, or would like to arrange a practical demonstration, give us a call on 01727 821 870 to speak to one of our team.