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As you like it: New virtual control panel for STAGETEC’s AURATUS

Virtual Control Panel for Stagetec's Auratus

One presenter, two guests, three mics. This is what an everyday set-up in an average radio studio looks like. There is no need for the presenter to have full control over every parameter of his or her mixing desk. Some faders, gain and pan are sufficient for the purpose. Advanced mixing operations should be undertaken by skilled sound engineers working in the background – this is exactly what STAGETEC’s new virtual control panel for the AURATUS broadcast console has to offer!

Dedicated control over the console’s parameters

Introduced at this year’s prolight+sound show in Frankfurt, the virtual control panel software simulates additional control panels for the console which are not physically built in. Getting started is easy: The GUI-Software runs on any standard PC linked via Ethernet to the new TREM controller unit mounted in the console’s frame. Once set-up and running, the GUI simulates all the control elements so operators have full access to every control that is found on the hardware console’s control surface normally–including all metering, faders and encoders! The result is a new found freedom of choice as to how big or small the physical control surface will be and how it will be populated. Even a minimum desktop layout with just eight channel strips, two encoders and some buttons can have the full power of AURATUS in the background!

»TREM gives dedicated control over the console’s parameters to smaller radio and TV environments«, explains Dr. Klaus Scholz, Managing Director of Research and Development at STAGETEC in Berlin. »It makes a meaningful division of labour possible. While the presenter works with a console surface shrunk to the minimum he or she is backed up by the sound engineer, capable of intervening whenever necessary. Since the interface is mounted in the main console frame long cable runs into the apparatus room are not needed.«

The TREM controller unit and the GUI software will be available from the second quarter of 2010. Existing consoles can be retro-fitted with the controller unit on condition that the maximum number of 24 channel strips possible for AURATUS is not exceeded.