Some projects are delightful because of how complex and demanding they can be. What makes them really shine, though, is having the right equipment to deliver the best solution.

When SPR (Mexican State Public Broadcasting System) asked us for our solution, they told us that another manufacturer was unable to deliver the complete solution they wanted; one that combined radio audio, satellite, video, control, routing, conversion, processing, distribution, and would accommodate equipment using Livewire, Dante, and AES67 all on one network. Frankly, they were left unsure if it would even be possible to put together a project of such magnitude.

But it is! We demonstrated to SPR that Telos Alliance offers an ecosystem that fills all the necessary nooks and crannies for a professional audio installation that meets these complex expectations and needs.

Quasar Consoles For Control

In this project, Axia Quasar audio consoles with motorized faders, multiple working profiles, and multiple workflow layers were installed to mix a vast amount of available audio from over 20 virtual radio stations originating from 5 servers. Using Telos Alliance xNode audio-to-AoIP devices, we converted and interfaced SDI, analog, and digital AES/EBU signals for networked distribution using the AES67 AoIP standard.

Some advanced control operations were needed by SPR: virtual and physical button control was required to switch and route signals in blocks of 20, enabling complex broadcasts to go live with a single command, and, on demand, to also switch each audio channel independently. Control was implemented using our Axia Pathfinder Core Pro orchestration software, using programmed logic, macros, and commands to control multiple devices, confirm signal presence, automate signal loss, and confirm meter levels at each desired point.

Another requirement of SPR’s project was the conversion of Dante audio to AES67, as well as on-demand routing of any audio available to any location within the radio and television network for both live broadcasts and automations. This was accomplished using the Jünger AIXpressor solution, which can receive Dante, SDI, analog, and digital audio signals and then process them to control loudness and other audio processing parameters to mitigate any deficiencies in the original material.

Although SPR’s requirement was to deliver AES/EBU audio to their satellite encoders, we could also have delivered FM and/or streaming audio signals directly from the Omnia audio processing products deployed. Telos broadcast telephone hybrids were incorporated into the network, along with mic-to-AES67 converters. Telos Infinity IP-Audio Intercom was also integrated into the AoIP network to facilitate intercommunication between all of SPR’s different studios and work floors.

In addition to the new equipment that was installed, integration was required between existing gear on the 3rd Floor of SPR’s building (where the audio console is located and multiple video and audio signals are received), and the booth microphones and automation located on the 12th Floor, where the audio is shared through a fiber-optic network, and to the signal outputs on the 13th Floor which feed the satellite distribution network. Four professional Cisco switches were used to build the network core.

Even though this sounds like a lot of work (and it was!), the entire installation was actually accomplished in a few days with all personnel working at high efficiency, because the facility had to go on-the-air in a very short period of time. The project was carried out in conjunction with One Media/Broadcast Depot, and support and installation were coordinated with Aaron Cruz Valle, all of whom provided valuable assistance in the assembly and configuration of the complete system, as well as other brands added to the solution.

The key to the success of this large project is the underlying standards-based AoIP backbone that powers the audio network, because the true value of AoIP lies in the users’ ability to hear, manipulate, control and monitor all signals at once from any location, as well as AoIP’s proven reliability, cost savings from cable reduction, installation time and system security, and the phenomenal flexibility of being able to share multicast audio throughout the facility. It goes without saying that this project has been very well received.

For more information, please write us at amigos@telosalliance.com. We would love to talk with you about your next project!