Broadcasting has changed a lot. So have consoles.

Remember the "good old days?" When an audio console was limited by the number of faders it had? When you could only control the sources that were in the same studio? When you had to push a whole handful of bus assignment buttons just to generate a mix-minus for one phone call?

With SmartSurface in your studio, you can kiss the "good old days" goodbye. This intelligent mixing board is easy to learn and use. It doesn't force your talent to work the way some designer thought was right; it gives them complete, personalized control of their working environment.

Smartsurface lets talent control any audio source, anywhere in your facility. It lets them reconfigure studios instantly and assign frequently-accessed sources just  where they're most useful. And they can use those settings with any SmartSurface in your facility, making each and every studio their "favorite" at the touch of a button. And mix-minuses? Push one button and they're taken care of for you.

Along with all that flexibility, SmartSurface helps you reduce studio cost and complexity. As part of the Axia system, SmartSurface allows you to network all of your facilities' audio peripherals for greater efficiency. And you can finally enable communication between computer-based studio applications... playout and traffic systems, logging applications and much more.

A look under the hood

Up to now we've been referring to SmartSurface as a "console." But though it bears a resemblance to traditional air consoles, SmartSurface is not a console - it's actually a control surface that provides a user interface for the Axia Studio Mix Engine, a powerful Linux-based mixing engine that provides I/O, mix-minus feeds, monitor signals, and even EQ for multiple channels.

SmartSurface puts the controls for the talent right where they’re needed. No more fumbling with mice and keyboards in the middle of an air shift. Everything is within reach and easy to use. Need to record a phone bit in the middle of your show? One button makes it happen. Need to load special settings for the occasional remote? All can be pre-configured and made available at the touch of a button. All controls are clearly labeled. Menus and soft functions, where provided, have been designed for speed. It is so elegant to use, your talent will love it. There's no paradigm shift, no new way of working to get used to - just an easier, more free-flowing access to controls formerly scattered about the control room.

Features at a glance

• 16 fader channels, each with unlimited, instant access to any source.

• Two main (Program-1 and Program-2) stereo outputs, and two special purpose (Record and Phone) stereo outputs.

• 10-character alpha-numeric displays on each fader channel and on each monitor section always show the current selected source.

• Every channel is equipped with a stereo Preview (traditional consoles
  called this “cue”) function, with a unique interlock system for fast and
  intuitive operation.

• Flexible monitor section controls operator headphones, loudspeakers,
  preview speakers, and studio feeds.

• Talent can talk to studio feeds, external feeds, and any source being previewed (for any source with an associated feed).

• Eight context-sensitive softkeys, each with its own alpha display, follow the operator in all modes, providing instant access to whatever function happens to be needed at the moment.

• Assignable transport controls provide convenient access for networked
  audio recording devices, for easy off-line recording during
  live shows or off-line production.

• Twin active-matrix QVGA displays show meter data for Program-1 and Program-2, clock and event timer, and status displays.

• Instant reconfiguration, allowing each show or segment to be easily
  accessible on any surface on the network.

• All functions can be accessed remotely via standard browser for
  configuration management and diagnostic purposes.

• Includes two expansion bays for optional control panels.

Element(tm) is available in a variety of sizes and styles, allowing broadcasters to select just the right configuration for their needs. Need a small surface for your news or edit booths? Element. Need a large surface for a complex full service show or network origination? Element. Want to know more? Click Here to find out more (lots more!).

Lots of Options.
Touching an Options button brings up function and help screens like this one. Software control of EQ, aux sends and returns, pan/balance and other features delivers maximum flexibility without panel clutter. Power users will love being able to access the extra features; all users will love the uncluttered front panel. Easy and powerful... you can have it both ways.