Audiosystem

Audio Processing

Audio Channels

Unlike analogue systems, AURUS provides for individual distribution of audio processing (DSP) resources as required. These distribution set-ups can even be stored by the user as mixing-console projects. Such a project is set up using the graphical control software by defining how many input, mix, aux-send channels etc. are required. The desired number of channels can be configured according to varying criteria. Depending on the hardware set-up and software configuration, mixing consoles with up to 300 channels, or 128 buses respectively can be achieved.

The system supports manifold monitoring and intercom functions. Monitoring speakers and external talkback units connect to the system via NEXUS, and the signals fed to nearfield speakers and to the integrated intercom system are carried and transmitted via fibre optic lines.

Signal processing is consistently performed using a 40-bit floating-point arithmetic, allowing not only for outstanding audio quality of EQ, filter, and dynamics modules but also for virtually overload-free internal console signal processing.
 

Audio-Channel Structure

The structure of the audio channels is derived from the principles and schemes of analogue systems. Wherever sensible, analogue limitations were abolished and extra functionalities implemented.

From the user’s point of view, the audio processing comprises the input routing, input channels and buses of various types, optional output channels providing for mix-bus editing, and the output routing.

Direct routing of buses to outputs without signal processing is also possible, for example, to save resources. The functionalities of input, group, and mix channels are largely the same, with the exception of channel-specific features. For example, functions such as bus routing and panning are not available for mix channels.

AURUS provides two channel types: full and short channels. This feature allows resource utilization to be optimally adjusted to fit the actual requirements.

The channels are composed of processing modules such as fader, EQ/filter block, compressor, expander/gate, limiter, insert, mute, etc. The sequence of these modules within the channels and the access points of aux sends, track-sends, PFL and meters can be defined as required by the individual production. This configuration can be changed at any time – even during the production. The AURUS can also be configured as a traditional inline console with record and monitoring paths.

The mixing-console system offers up to 48 aux sends. A multichannel aux-send format is available for feeding multichannel effect units.

Buses

Buses are used as audio groups, mixing buses, auxiliaries, track sends, N-1 buses, and monitoring buses. Bus signals can be directly routed or, thanks to flexible configuration, individual downstream processing can be inserted. The buses can be linked to form various types of groups, ranging from mono to 7.1 formats.
 

Hearing in detail

To help the users hear exactly what they are doing, AURUS allows for directly monitoring the output signal of specific processing modules within the channel.

I.e. the signal fed to the key input, the effect of the side-chain filter or the output signal of the respective Gate/Expander or Compressor module can be monitored. Another practical feature is the option of monitoring the filter output signal independently of the equalizer.
 

Concurrent Multichannel

Thanks to its consistent multichannel design concept, AURUS is the first mixing-console system to allow for simultaneous mixdown in multiple multichannel formats. Thus, it is possible, for example, to create a stereo and a surround mix at the same time where the panpot settings will be applied according to the respective format. If necessary, the freely configurable integrated mixdown matrix can be utilised. No compromised down mix is required.

Adjustable base width, phantom centre, and divergence are extra features in multichannel mode.