Features

Automation

AURATUS is controlled by a global set of data, which is called a »project«. This project encompasses the entire working environment. I.e. all data to control the console surface, the switching status of the inputs and outputs, the input and output parameters, assignment of the audio channels to the console’s fader channels, audio processing setup as well as 99 snapshots. Therefore a project contains all the data for a »ready-to-use-console-configuration«. The project file can be stored on an SD memory card. This enables the project to be used for future sessions and also enables projects to be changed quickly and easily. Thanks to the reasonable price of SD cards it is also a good medium for archiving project data.

Snapshotsrepresent the current status of the audio settings of the console. In addition, they can also store the assignment of the audio channels to the console’s fader strips.
The input- and output setup as well as NEXUS Logic Control data and the monitor setups are not included in snapshots.

Full snapshotscontain all the functional data from all audio channels and channel assignments to control strips.

Full Functional snapshots contain all the functional data from all audio channels and channel assignments to control strips.

About the Logic Control System

NEXUS Logic Control is a programmable, user configurable logic system for routing and control functions. Logic Control allows various NEXUS parameters to be queried and enables the results of these queries to be used to control events. Queries include: patching states, fader-start relays, input and output levels, and internal system errors. In conjunction with an AURATUS console, it can also be used to query the status of certain mixing functions, like fader-start relays and machine control keys.

The various events can be linked to one another based on logical concatenations, which allows for the control of multiple outputs and/or internal actions. Applications for this include tally control, mute keys, on-air switching, line-level monitoring, patch monitoring, fader starts, automatic emergency switching, talkback, etc.

Downmix Matrix

The separate downmix matrix is used to convert a 5.1 multichannel signal to a stereo signal. The matrix inputs and outputs can be freely selected on the NEXUS system and can, for instance, be used to monitor the stereo version of a multichannel mix, or to convert a multichannel source to a stereo signal. All input and output levels can be adjusted individually to suit your preferences.

N–1 System

The standard N–1 system can be used for simple configuration of complex cue signals, which is especially useful for teleconferences. Each input and output pair can be set to post-fader or pre-fader routing to specify whether or not the resulting signals should be affected by the mix settings. In addition, the gain can be set separately for each patch point.

The sources can be selected from among all input, group and summing channels provided by the console. Within the N–1 matrix, all sources can be assigned to any (or one and the same) N–1 buses. Thanks to its 8 buses, this N–1 system provides sufficient resources for even the most complex set-ups.

The additional off-air matrix is yet another timesaver: it allows all conference members who are currently off-air, to communicate with one another. If one of them goes live, the corresponding path is automatically removed from the off -air conference. After closing the fader, that person is once again added to the conference. Pre/postswitching of the signal is specified by the remote fader-start relay.

Synchronisation

All of the system’s NEXUS Base Devices and AURATUS audio processors share the same clock source. Clock signals are distributed via fibre-optic connections, thus doing away with the need for a dedicated wordclock network.

AURATUS and NEXUS support all common sampling frequencies (44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, and 96 kHz).

The NEXUS control boards (XCPU, RCX) contain high-precision wordclock generators that can be used to supply the studio’s master clock.

Various other external sources can also be used for synchronisation. If the clock source fails, the entire system automatically switches to a different source, which can be selected via a useful priority system. If no external sync source is available, the system reverts to its own internal clock.

Distributed System

AURATUS and NEXUS are based on a distributed control and processing approach, which has the advantage that local errors do not usually affect the system’s overall functionality.

If the configuration computer ontrolling NEXUS were, for example, to crash, this only means that you can no longer change your NEXUS configuration – it has no effect on the console’s performance. In the same way, the audio processor keeps working while the console is down, or if the cable link is severed. The current processing state is thus maintained.

Audio processing is principally channel-based, so that a faulty signal processor on one board will usually affect only the channels processed by that board.

By simply changing the configuration (by assigning the required channels to other strips, for instance), you can quickly bypass defective components and get on with your job.

Autonomous Processor System

The AURATUS/NEXUS system is based on proprietary Stage Tec technology. This system comprises a multitude of special processors that perform decentralised calculations for the various tasks at hand. This approach not only improves system stability but also allows for a higher data throughput, so that all adjustments are carried out and applied in realtime. The operating software was conceived and written by Stage Tec for this specific purpose.

AURATUS does not require a PC and therefore does not have to rely on an error-prone operating system or PC software.

Flexibility

The modular concept of AURATUS and NEXUS allows for customised configurations of the overall system. If required, the system can be expanded with redundant functions and special options.

For most audio formats, there are several interface boards to choose from. Furthermore, the system can be expanded as and when needed.

Fibre-Optic Connections

Deployment of fibre-optic cables for control purposes as well as audio, data and wordclock distribution simplifies installation and makes the system less vulnerable to electromagnetic interference or ground loops. Redundant connections using separate cable runs and interfaces further contribute to the system’s overall reliability.

A simple and cost-effective »network cable« is used to connect the console to the audio processor. This cable transmits both control messages and the digital audio signals needed for talkback purposes and the headphones.

Quality Control

Stage Tec products are manufactured for professional applications and therefore built to exacting standards. Their audio quality and hardware components meet even the most stringent requirements.

Digital audio processing at 40 bits with floating-point calculation as well as the excellent analogue components of the NEXUS router/ switcher system ensure superb audio quality and maximum headroom for recording, mixing, and public-address applications. The AURATUS complies with all requirements regarding analogue inputs and outputs as described in the IRT specification booklets 3/2 and 3/5. The quality of the digital and analogue audio interfaces has been tested and approved by the Rundfunk-Betriebstechnik institute (RBT, Nuremberg/Germany), RAI (Italy), ABC’s Evaluation Labs (New York), and CCTV (China).

Quality First

All panels are subjected to thorough tests before they are shipped. The test routines and measurement sessions are aimed at ensuring that all functions work as expected and that the specifications detailed in the data sheets are indeed accurate. Each panel is first subjected to highly efficient, computer-controlled test routines, inspected by hand and subjected to durability tests within the entire system. More complex boards must also pass stringent endurance and individual tests.

Power Supply

One of the outstanding features of the AURATUS mixing system is its low power dissipation. In other words; this system is perfect for mobile use, because it generates a minimal amount of heat.

The AURATUS console and the NEXUS Base Devices are powered by supplies that use an automatic allocation system. In the event of a power failure, power supplies connected to separate mains circuits ensure that system operation remains uninterrupted.

Convenience

The AURATUS mixing system is ideally suited for OB vehicle installations and live use. The consoles are surprisingly shallow, moderately deep, and relatively lightweight. The audio processor rack containing all the required input and output boards is only 3U high.

The routing system is scaleable and can include further distributed Base Devices as required. Thanks to their low energy consumption, all individual components are resistant to wear and tear whilst generating only a limited amount of heat. Under normal working conditions no additional ventilation or air conditioning system is required.

Behaviour at Power-up

The NEXUS Base Devices – and hence the entire routing section – take only a few seconds to come online when the system is switched on, or after a power failure. At that time, they automatically revert to the state they were in when the system was last switched off. The system and signal routing settings are also buffered in this way and are recalled just as swiftly.

The AURATUS mixing system provides a similar buffer that maintains the most recent settings for an indefinite amount of time. This means that rebooting the console after a power failure takes only a few seconds – and restores all settings and functions.

Maintenance

Maintenance of the AURATUS mixing console system is supported in many ways. The operating software of NEXUS Base Devices and AURATUS audio processors can, for instance, be updated from the NEXUS configuration computer.

The audio processor and the boards on the NEXUS units can be replaced during operation (»hot swap«), which is also possible for operating panels.

Error messages and the locations of faulty boards are displayed in separate dialogue windows on the configuration computer, which controls the NEXUS system. All problems are logged by the system for subsequent troubleshooting.