AES 2006 Product News: From C.A.S Mix 64 to Triagon
The SALZBRENNER STAGETEC MEDIAGROUP showcases enhancements to their C.A.S. Mix 64 mixing-console system
Paris (France), May 2006: At this year’s AES, the SALZBRENNER STAGETEC MEDIAGROUP showcases an enhanced version of their popular C.A.S. Mix 64 compact console. This new version called TRIAGON provides new modules making the console channel-strip control even faster and more intuitive. Key options include a meterbridge featuring 16:9 TFT displays, three freely assignable encoders per channel strip, and freely configurable function keys in the master section. Software improvements have been implemented to enhance the concurrent use of multiple consoles on the same audio network. This modular system targets the theatre and events markets. Since it provides a high degree of flexibility at a reasonable price, it is particularly suited to these applications.
The TFT Meterbridge
Probably the most obvious significant change is the implementation of TFT displays. These displays with a 16:9 aspect ratio are real eye-catchers and provide enough space for a clear representation of all channel settings. For example, settings such as gain, compressor, limiter or expander/gate gain reduction, and group associations of two freely selectable channels per channel strip can be viewed at the same time. All group associations’ indicator colours are customisable, enabling a channel’s group association to be quickly identified. All TFT displays provide an extended lateral viewing angle and a brilliant image with no reflections.
Freely Assignable Controls
The TRIAGON operating panels excel in user-friendliness and are optimised for intuitive control. The new modules feature three encoders per channel strip. These encoders can be assigned either to channel faders or to any of the channel parameters. This allows for instant access to all essential audio parameters – or even for controlling four channels from a single channel strip! At the same time freely configurable layers ensure clear operating layouts.
Free configurability is also the key feature of the new options in the master section. Modules with 76 or 32 function keys are available for this section. These keys might, for example, be used for quick monitoring-source selection, as remote keys for controlling external devices, or for talkback functions. The 76-key module includes 12 LCD keys whose character labels change automatically depending on their configuration. This is useful for preventing confusion especially when reconfigurations are performed frequently. The 32-key module is entirely populated with these LCD keys.
Simplified Multi-client Operation
One of the key benefits of the TRIAGON is its simple networkability using standard IT network topology. Multiple satellite control units can transfer their control signals and access the DSP resources of a shared audio server via a wired (Ethernet) or even a wireless LAN. This is particularly useful in theatre applications where the same system can be used for controlling the audio on main and rehearsal stages, or in an FOH/monitoring set-up. The new TRIAGON software release considerably simplifies applications like these thanks to its significantly improved multi-client functionality: All control unit’s settings are forwarded to any other units on the network and are shown on the central displays of those units. Therefore, all engineers can view the overall configuration at any time and can thus co-ordinate things with each other whenever necessary. The handy new chatting feature supports this, and is also part of the multi-client functionality.
High Value for Money
The most extensive TRIAGON configuration will provide an audio capacity of 128 inputs, 72 buses, and 128 outputs; however, the SALZBRENNER STAGETEC MEDIAGROUP expects a major demand for the most common configuration (64/64/64). The same capacity is supplied by the C.A.S. Mix 64 components, which will remain available in the future. This means that the console configuration can be almost freely selected: from the traditional C.A.S. Mix 64 set-up to a contiguous TRIAGON arrangement. The costs of such a contiguous TRIAGON set-up will be similar to the current pricing. Delivery of the TRIAGON is scheduled to begin this summer.
TRIAGON can be found at AES 2006, Booth No. 2014, Hall 5.1
The SALZBRENNER STAGETEC MEDIAGROUP, a consortium comprising three companies, is one of the major audio system integrators in Europe and a leading developer and manufacturer of high-quality digital audio products such as NEXUS, AURUS, CANTUS and the C.A.S./TRIAGON product series. MEDIAGROUP facilities are based in Buttenheim, Germany (Headquarter), Berlin, Germany (R&D) and Göllheim, Germany (Intercom). Subsidiaries are run in Austria, Belgium, China, Italy and Malaysia. Installations can be found at hundreds of venues throughout the world, e.g. in broadcast stations, OB Vans, theaters, government buildings and multipurpose halls.