KBS Hall is a concert hall located in Yeouido, Seoul in South Korea, which is best known for the variety of music and concert performances that feature both Korean musicians and international guests. The concerts and shows are broadcast live and also recorded for later broadcast. The sound is mixed in a control room at the back of the hall.
To stay technically up-to-date and to integrate the Merging Pyramix multitrack recorder, a digital upgrade of the sound control room was recently carried out. The control room was equipped with a new 48-fader AURUS platinum mixing console from Stage Tec - perfect for working with the existing Ravenna/AES67 audio network technology and analog effects units in the room. AES67 allows individual devices to be connected in a network that primarily uses one protocol.
AURUS large mixing consoles are STAGETEC's flagship products. In addition to the outstanding audio quality, these mixing consoles are characterized by the generously equipped user interface. All important functions are available at the touch of a button. The AURUS platinum offers highest audio quality, extremely comprehensive editing functions, extremely fast workflows, and perfect integration into the NEXUS audio network. All common audio processing functions are directly accessible from each channel strip. The console's clarity is extremely high, with very short paths and an unmatched working speed. Especially important for the broadcast sector is the unlimited flexible bus structure with intelligent on-air/off-air solutions or the up to eight automixers for talk shows.
Compliance with the existing AoIP in the KBS Hall mixing control room was a particular requirement for this project, and since the Ravenna/AES67 protocol must match the Merging Pyramix digital audio workstation, AURUS was the ideal choice.
The STAGETEC console was provided by Syncfish, the manufacturer's distributor in South Korea. Since 2002, Syncfish has supplied many digital audio solutions for KBS.
Music events at KBS Hall often involve up to 100 people on stage, and large classical events can feature up to 200 artists - a special challenge for system and sound engineers. The new AURUS console helps meet these challenges. The entire system is supported with a minimum of cabling and a simple clock synchronization method (PTPV2). For mixing operations, all required automation buttons are integrated into the user interface. In addition to the many helpful, console-internal functions, smooth interaction with the NEXUS system and all other connected devices is one of the conveniences that make working with an AURUS console so convenient, especially for large, complex, and time-critical productions. 40 user keys meet all requirements, from the simplest routing changes in the audio network to PTZ control of connected cameras. All operations can also be stored in scenes and run automatically.
Consistently positive feedback from KBS Hall technicians includes compliments on the super-clear sound quality, which none of the consoles previously in use at KBS could deliver, and the lack of failures or malfunctions with the AURUS console.
KBS began in 1927 as Gyeongseong Broadcasting Station, Korea's first radio station. Today, KBS is a public corporation funded by the South Korean government and license fees, but managed independently. In addition to 18 regional stations and 12 overseas branches, there are eight subsidiaries such as KBSN, KBS Business and KBS Media that manage KBS's content. The KBS complex in Yeouido is the home and filming location of many famous Korean programs. Visitors can watch KBS radio DJs at work through a viewing window and experience the world of broadcasting in the in-house exhibition hall.
