Calrec Omega Audio Console Swells to 240 Channels

Calrec Audio today announced a significant upgrade to its Omega with Bluefin console — a 50 percent expansion of digital signal processing (DSP) capacity — raising it from the previous 160 to a full 240 paths. Since its launch at NAB2007, the Omega console, which uses Calrec's award-winning Bluefin high density signal processing, has proved to be a solid and reliable workhorse at more than 60 installations around the world. Now, Calrec engineers have leveraged increases in chip speed to increase both the size and power of the Omega. The console's increased channel count is packaged as 72 stereo plus 96 mono channels, giving the Omega the capacity to provide up to 36 full 5.1 surround channels. As with all Bluefin products, Omega's DSP power is managed on a single DSP card with a second card included as a hot spare. "We are delighted to be taking advantage of technological advancements to make the Omega an even better value," said Calrec Business Development Manager Henry Goodman. "Since we inaugurated the Omega, it has demonstrated its power, versatility, and user-friendly operation in both studios and remote trucks." Omega is available in three frame sizes — 24, 40, and 56 faders — and provides 8 x 5.1 surround, stereo, or mono audio groups; 20 auxiliary outputs, which can be 20 mono or 10 stereo; and 48 outputs for multitrack or general purpose feeds. The console also has two main stereo or 5.1 surround program outputs with full EQ and compressor/limiter facilities, and full control of the stereo downmix of the surround main outputs.