Riedel Communications at infoComm 2010

The next Benchmark: Riedel Artist 1100 Series Intercom Control Panel

Riedel Communications, renowned for pioneering most advanced intercom, fiber, audio and radio technology, presented the Artist 1100 Series OLED control panel, which is Riedel’s new premium control key panel for Artist digital matrix intercoms.

Following Riedel’s intuitive concept of integrated displays in the panel keys, the 1100 series features the next generation of high-res color OLEDs. With 65,000 colors and a resolution of 140 dpi these new displays provide excellent readability and are able to show up to eight highly detailed characters of up to 24x24 pixels, ideal for displaying icons and Asian characters. Definable marker colors for the keys complete the labeling options and provide instant function identification and signalization, e.g. for incoming calls.

The panel provides individual rotary encoders to adjust the listen level of every talk key. Furthermore all 1100 Series control key-panels provide 5 dedicated function keys, a built-in high-power loudspeaker with improved audio quality with higher volume, an XLR headset connector and a removable gooseneck microphone. 3 GPIs and 3 GPOs are available for system-wide programming as standard. Two sets of balanced line level audio inputs and outputs are also provided as standard. An expansion slot for future expansion modules prepares the control panel for future technology developments.

For the entirely digital connection to the matrix via AES the panel provides both BNC and CAT-5 connectors as standard. The second audio channel of the AES signal allows the panel to transport broadcast quality audio in addition to the intercom application – an ideal feature for commentary positions.

The efficient circuit design of the 1100 series panel results in ultra-compact design with an integrated power-supply. The panel consumes 50 per cent less power than the 1000 Series and generates therefore also less heat.

“The intercom world as we know it, is changing dramatically. Demands for the more flexible labeling of talk keys and additional functionality are growing. With the new Artist 1100 series control panels we are able to already provide solutions to all of these demands that will be getting more and more important over the next couple of years. As studio technology integration is progressing we at Riedel see intercom panels becoming a more universal user interface, which could also include audio or video routing. The 1100 series panel is already prepared for this”, says Thomas Riedel, Managing Director of Riedel Communications.

Soundcraft Studer goes RockNet

Riedel Communications, unveiled the new RockNet RN.343.VI expansion card for Soundcraft Studer digital mixing consoles.

The RN.343.VI card fits into a console’s SCore Live or D21m card expansion slot and gives access to 64 input and 64 output channels. A wordclock input is featured via the backplane connector, while a wordclock output is available at the front panel. A rotary switch is provided for device identification and selection of up to 15 programmable routing tables. The RN.343.VI enables the respective Soundcraft Studer product to become a part of the RockNet digital audio network and enables remote control of any RockNet microphone pre-amplifier.

The RN.343.VI also supports RockNet's renowned and unique Independent Gain Feature. Independent Gain allows several mixing consoles to operate with the same mic pre-amps without affecting each other. While the master-console is controlling the analog gain of the pre-amps remotely, all other consoles operate with emulated pre-amps just as if they were also controlling the actual mic input. This makes multi-console and recording setups very convenient.

RockNet is a digital real-time audio network that provides up to 160 digital audio channels over a single counter-rotating CAT-5 ring. Based on a redundant ring topology, RockNet forms a self-healing network with no loss of audio in case of a connection fault between two devices.

About Soundcraft and Studer

Soundcraft and Studer are units of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com). Harman International designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets, and maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, employing more than 11,000 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands includes AKG®, Becker®, BSS®, Crown®, dbx®, DigiTech®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson®, Revel®, QNX®, Soundcraft® and Studer®. Harman International’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NYSE: HAR.”

New RockNet 100 Output Solution at infoComm 2010

Riedel Communications, is presenting the new RockNet 100 RN.102.IO module, which offers 16 line outputs and eight microphone/line inputs at this year's infoComm to the pro audio and tour sound markets. RockNet 100 is a flexible, digital snake solution, which provides up to 80 digital audio channels over a single counter-rotating CAT-5 ring. The new RockNet RN.102.IO easily integrates analog mixing consoles into the audio network or can be set up for a simple redundant multicore connection.

 RockNet can be set up within minutes without a computer. Its technology and user interface is designed for real-world live sound applications. The system is auto-addressing and can be easily configured via the front- panel or – additionally – via the intuitive RockWorks software.

RockNet 100 offers superior audio quality with a dynamic range of 114 dB. RockNet’s rugged steel enclosures are made for heavy-duty road use and offer the distinct advantage of magnetic shielding. All connectors are gold plated. The circuit design is streamlined to ultra low noise and minimum distortion to meet the highest demands in audio quality. The compact and lightweight design of RockNet 100 allow rack-mount as well as flat-on-the-floor stage-box operation.

 RockNet is based on a redundant ring architecture with road-proof Neutrik Ethercon® cabling, which allows light, compact and redundant connection between FOH, stage and – if wanted – a monitor mixer. With its redundant ring topology, RockNet forms a self-healing network with no loss of audio in case of a connection fault between two devices.

 RockNet 100 modules can be seamlessly integrated into any RockNet 300 installation. The RockNet RN.141.MY expansion card for digital Yamaha mixing consoles enables full remote control over all connected RockNet modules. In addition the RockWorks software and the front panel of each modules provide easy and hands-on configuration of the whole RockNet audio network. RockWorks is available for Windows and Mac OS X and allows extensive configuration and remote control of any device in the whole RockNet installation over a single USB connection.

Riedel Presents World's First Native VoIP Telepgone Integration for Intercom Matrices

Riedel Communications is introducing the world’s first native integration of VoIP telephone technology into a matrix intercom infrastructure.

As VoIP is becoming the standard for telephone applications, the days of analog telephone hybrids are about to end. After installing Riedel’s new firmware update for the Artist VOIP-108 client card, SIP-compatible VoIP telephone servers can now be integrated into the Riedel Artist digital matrix intercom system. As a result it is possible to call any VoIP telephone within the network directly from an Artist key panel. In addition it is possible to call Artist panels from a VoIP telephone.

Riedel’s comprehensive Voice-over-IP product range includes the VOIP-108 matrix client card, the Connect IPx2 and Connect IPx8 panel interfaces for connecting two respectively eight intercom panels over IP and the Riedel’s Virtual Key Panel Series. The virtual Artist panels allow a regular computer to be used as an intercom control panel in combination with any Artist digital matrix intercom system. While the free Artist VCP-1004 Virtual Panel provides four talk-keys, the new Artist VCP-1012 Virtual Panel features 12 talk-keys.

About Riedel

Riedel Communications – the largest supplier of communications equipment to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver – designs, manufactures and distributes the most sophisticated intercom, fiber, audio and radio technology for customers worldwide in the broadcast, pro-audio, event, sports, theater and security industries. The products reflect today’s leading-edge technologies that expand conventional concepts into tomorrow’s applications. The Riedel group of companies also includes a European based large rental operation that provides radio and intercom services, event IT solutions as well as fiber-based and wireless audio & video transmission systems. The Company was founded in 1987 and today employs over 250 people located within 9 locations in Europe, Australia, Asia and North America.