Berlin, July 2019: STAGETEC rejuvenates its mixing console product family and launches AVATUS, a fully IP-based console. The product launch of AVATUS was celebrated with selected customers and partners at the legendary Funkhaus in Nalepastrasse.
With AVATUS - a new mixing console interface based on IP technology - STAGETEC focuses on a completely new operating concept. Unlike previous mixing consoles, there is no central control. 12 color-coded faders, two 21" multi-touch displays and 48 dual encoders per unit can be combined to create sizes ranging from 12 to 96 faders. Modular, decentralized and yet freely configurable, users can access all parameters at any time.
The color coding of the channel parameters guides the user intuitively and self-explanatory through the functions of the mixing console. On each multi-touch display, parameters of the audio channels can be operated in a large detailed view, and the monitoring functions or a current status of audio channels can be called up. Visual feedback of various operating actions gives the user security and an overview of his work. With its new patented concept of color-coding the faders, STAGETEC supports a fast workflow.
With detachable metering displays and a significantly reduced overall depth, AVATUS has space even in smaller rooms and offers a clear view of what's happening on stage. With remote control via an integrated browser application, the user has an additional tool, for example for setting up loudspeakers on or in front of the stage or to directly accompany rehearsals from the auditorium. Via the RUI, the most important parameters of AVATUS can be accessed in the same color coding.
A major advantage of AVATUS is that its audio signal processing is tried and tested. As with AURUS and CRESCENDO, the RMDQ DSP core built into the NEXUS Star Router is used here. Embedded in the NEXUS network, AVATUS also has access to all inputs and outputs and can manage all resources. 128 freely programmable summing buses and up to 800 DSP channels are available.
AVATUS is a logical further development of STAGETEC's previous mixing console technology and preserves tried and tested concepts - making it an ideal compromise between the AURUS, which has been tried and tested for many years, and a tablet. "The IP console is downward compatible and allows even long-standing customers to switch from older systems to AVATUS without sacrificing the proven audio quality," explains Rene Harder, member of the management team at STAGETEC and jointly responsible for innovation management. "By making the interface flexible without limiting the equipment, we want to penetrate new markets that were previously difficult for us to reach, such as small production facilities, studios, and especially the live sector."
The scaling of the user interface does not affect the number of channels or functionality. Like all other consoles from STAGETEC, AVATUS is under permanent development. For example, scene automation as well as the Automixer and dynamic NEXUS labels have been implemented as the latest release.
With the launch of AVATUS, STAGETEC once again proves its role as a visionary in audio mixing console and network technology. The IP networking of the modular interface, the intuitive touch operation, and the RUI virtual interface bring further tangible benefits to the customer. AVATUS enables a completely new variability and is therefore interesting for every user in broadcast, theater and live applications.
AVATUS is already in use in the Prowa 2 as well as in the UHD1 of the Swiss service provider tpc switzerland ag. In the next few weeks, the IP console will be installed at other long-standing customers, such as the Volksbühne and the Konzerthaus in Berlin as well as the Staatstheater Mainz.