First Smart Consoles Start Shipping

(Click for a close-up)

Writing Channel Labels (Click for a close-up)

Labels Displayed on Mixing Surface (Click for a close-up)

Smart AV has commenced delivery of its Elite Series ergonomically advanced mixing console control surfaces with shipments to the United States, Germany, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

Published studies have revealed that the unique ARC design delivers a fivefold improvement in ergonomic efficiency over traditional and assignable control surfaces, according to the company. The Smart AV control surface, which offers users real choice in signal processing, can be configured with a number of digital processing engines.

Elite Series consoles are available in 48- and 96-channel variants with a 72-channel version slated for release in May. The unique design features a physical arc that spans the console, representing a condensed view of a traditional long console. The ARC is within easy reach of the operator and is fitted with touch sensors, allowing easy and intuitive access to any channel without the need to move from the sweet spot in the center of the sound field.

With a simple touch to the strip, the desired channel and the channels surrounding it immediately appear at the operator's fingertips, as though the operator had instantaneously moved in front of those channels on a traditional long console. With this single touch, as many as 800 previously out-of-reach controls instantly snap within the operator's reach. As a further aid, the handwritten descriptions from the ARC's scribble strip are electronically transferred onto bright fluorescent displays on the channel strips in front of the operator.

The Smart Console can be configured via an open protocol over Ethernet with a growing range of signal processing engines. Currently it can be matched with the Logic Pro 7 system from Apple, the Pyramix Virtual Studio from Merging Technology, and the VADIS System from KLOTZ DIGITAL. Also, it will soon be possible to interface the DME64N and DME24N from Yamaha, SADiE Series 5 engines including the PCM-H64, and Peavey's Audio Matrix with the Smart Console.