AURUS Features

N-1 System

The N-1 system allows for complex feeds to be simply achieved as required, for examples, at sports events or conferences. Whether the routing occurs pre-fader or post-fader it can be configured individually for each I/O pair. In addition, gain can be set separately for each crosspoint.

The additional configurable off-air matrix is a real helper: All participants who are off-air can communicate with each other. If one of them is put on air, the corresponding path will be removed from the conference. He can rejoin the conference after his fader has been closed again.

In brief, the N-1 system has the following features:

• Input, group, and mix channels can be used as sources.
• The maximum number of 96 N-1 buses should be sufficient for any application. The number of buses can be configured individually.
• The signal sources within the N-1 matrix can be freely routed and mixed to N-1 buses.
• The gain of each mix point can be set individually in the graphical control program or from the console.

Automation

Automation functions for saving all audio parameters of the current project are standard feature of the AURUS mixing-console system. Three types of automation are provided to meet all requirements of various applications:

Snapshot Automation

With this type of automation, all parameter settings of all audio channels can be stored as snapshots. The automation data is stored as part of the project and is available as soon as the project is loaded.

The function stores all audio-parameter settings of the configured processing channels – for example, all channel parameters including the metering settings. An extra mode allows for storing selected function groups; for example, a snapshot can be limited to all equalizer settings, or even to individual functions.

Up to 999 snapshots can be handled within a project and be stored as part of the project to a hard disk or a removable drive.

Scene Automation

Using the scene automation, snapshots can be stored in any order and can later be recalled one by one using dedicated keys. Crossfade times are configurable, and various actions such as remote-machine start or signalling can be enabled using a sequence-control feature. Moreover, MIDI commands can be transferred to external devices, triggering sound units or controlling peripherals. The snap-mix function allows automated dynamic mixes to be integrated into the scene automation at the touch of a button.

Dynamic Automation

The dynamic automation is time-code controlled. It captures changes made to the audio parameters of a mix. Since data is stored in a 10-ms time grid, moves are precise with no skipping or jumping. The dynamic automation reads and writes all audio-related parameters, for example, encoder or fader settings or key actions. The mix-scope settings allow for limiting the extent of data capture down to a single function. Many trim and editing functions allow the user to work gradually towards the perfect mix.

Libraries

In addition to the automation facility, AURUS provides another function for storing project parameters. Equaliser and dynamics settings can be organised using libraries. The channel parameters are stored separately from the project but will be available as soon as the project has been loaded. The library can also be exported to a global file.

The library stores settings of this signal-processing units:

• Filter/equaliser
• Compressor
• Limiter
• Expander/noise gate
• Input gain

Machine Control

As a standard feature, the AURUS includes a remote control used for controlling external machines and workstations. The console Automation/Remote panel incorporates two separate control panels with dedicated machine-control keys.

The machines to be controlled are connected to a serial interface on the AURUS controller board or (optionally) to a serial or parallel NEXUS interface board (XCI, XRI).
A jog/shuttle wheel provides for VariSpeed control or frame-by-frame positioning. Timecode markers can be set and managed, and a loop function enables a previously defined part to be repeated continuously.

In addition to physical devices, the control function also supports a virtual machine. This used for simple control of the AURUS internal Timecode generator, if no external sync source is present.

Freely Configurable Controls

NEXUS Logic Control is a programmable logic system for routing and control functions that can be configured by any user. Logic Control allows various NEXUS parameters to be queried such as patching statuses, fader-start relays, and input and output levels and also indicates internal system errors. In conjunction with an AURUS console, it can also be used to evaluate the statuses of specific mixing functions such as fader-start relays and machine control keys.

The system enables a huge number of various outputs and events to be controlled, for example, red-light control, mute keys, routing switches, level and crosspoint monitoring, fader starts, automatic breakdown-recovery measures, and intercom systems.

Wireless Channel-Extension Unit

The AURUS Virtual Surface is a wireless channel-extension unit, i.e. a software application run on a tablet PC equipped with a touch-sensitive display.

Networked over Wireless LAN with the AURUS, this handy little remote control extends the console by 16 fader strips. Selected parts of the console interface are displayed on the tablet PC. Faders, encoders and buttons are operated using the mouse. The channel-strip indications reflect the physical statuses on the console. The settings made on the tablet PC can then be stored on the AURUS console. Of course, existing mixing-console systems can be updated to support the AURUS Virtual Software.

At first, the AURUS Virtual Surface was targeted towards theatre users, allowing the engineer to operate the console located in the control room in a very simple manner from the hall; however, many broadcasters have shown great interest in the system, which would help optimise large TV show rehearsals or even allow new production concepts to be implemented.

Offline Editor: Configuring an AURUS without an AURUS

Many users — in particular those frequently roaming about various production environments — will welcome the offline-configuration options of the AURUS since these offer serious time and cost benefits on tight production schedules, for example, in OB trucks or at live events.
The offline editor allows an AURUS to be set up even before it is physically installed or while it is still in use on another production. All set-up tasks including channel assignments, sum or group configuration, etc. are made using this straightforward standalone editor software running on a Windows PC. The results can be stored as a project on a memory stick and can subsequently be loaded into the AURUS just like any other project. The opposite approach is also supported: Projects can be imported from a console and then be edited using the offline editor. The current hardware set-up of the respective AURUS is predefined in the editor software and is also updated when updates or configuration changes are applied.

NEXUS Set-up Using the AURUS

Setting up the NEXUS audio network from the AURUS master section also saves a considerable amount of time. Crosspoints, filter parameters, and other audio-network parameters can be set even while the NEXUS hardware is not physically connected to the console.

Especially in outside broadcasting, network set-up used to cause waiting times for the OB-van crew — the audio network could only be set-up once all the NEXUS stage boxes had been installed. With the new offline mode, set-up can be started immediately because NEXUS Base Devices not present are emulated. When all stage boxes have been connected, the prepared settings can be loaded without delay.