Ireland's Observe Outside Broadcasting Chooses Calrec for First Truck in U.K. Expansion

"In an OB truck, space is always an issue, and the design of the Artemis console gives us a huge amount of firepower in a compact space. We were surprised by how the functions could be laid out so well within a very ergonomic console design," said Alan Burns, managing director of Observe and OBSTV. "Also, Calrec has surged ahead of the competition in terms of developing the technology, and that is one of the main reasons we chose the Artemis console over our incumbent brand."

OBSTV installed a 48-fader Artemis Light desk with a complement of Hydra I/O, which includes a ruggedized remote stagebox with mic splits designed specifically for Observe's requirements for large events. The console is also equipped with high-density Hydra I/O containing 3G de-embedders and Dolby E decoders.

One important benefit of the Artemis Light console is that it communicates directly with the truck's video router and communications system via bidirectional MADI. The fiber-optic connections allow Observe operators to move a significant amount of data between the router and the Artemis Light console without loss of quality. Another advantage is that Calrec desks are more popular than Observe's current brand of consoles among freelance sound mixers in the U.K., making it easier to find operators who already know how to run the desk and can set up jobs quickly.

The fully integrated 3G HD truck, OBS 1, is the first 3G truck in Observe's fleet. The 45-foot single-expander truck rolled out just after Christmas 2013 to cover rugby's Heineken Cup and RBS 6 Nations matches throughout Europe.

"Observe is a well-respected name in OB trucks, so we're particularly pleased that they have chosen Calrec to outfit their first OB truck in the U.K.," said Jim Green, U.K. sales manager for Calrec. "The outfitting of this new truck with a Calrec desk leaves Observe well-positioned as it expands into the U.K. market."

About Calrec Audio Ltd.
Calrec Audio is exclusively dedicated to excellence in audio mixing for on-air and live production. A broadcast specialist for 50 years, Calrec has developed a range of digital consoles relied on by the world's most successful broadcasters. For putting sound in the picture, broadcasters put their trust in Calrec.