Solid State Logic launched the latest System T S400 console at the 2024 NAB Show. Following the recent launch of the Tempest Control App, the new S400 console is the latest control solution for SSL’s System T production platform, able to deliver flagship control for live-to-air broadcast applications in a compact and cost-effective format. The S400 joins the other models in the SSL System T console lineup: the S300, S500 and S500m control surfaces. At NAB 2024, SSL also launched its virtualized System T Cloud solution.
System T is Solid State Logic’s next-generation broadcast production platform, offering agile workflows, true scalability with AoIP Dante networking, and the brand’s renowned sound quality. Whether used on-premises, at decentralized locations or for remote production applications, System T leverages the latest technology to deliver the features-set and workflows needed for modern broadcast and production.
The new S400 console represents the latest control surface offering for SSL’s next-gen IP-native broadcast production platform, System T. The console was designed to work with the patented x86 CPU optimal core processing (OCP) technology that SSL designed as a virtualized system, powered by the System T Tempest DSP Engine. The Virtual Tempest Engine (VTE) operates within a virtualized Linux environment optimized for low latency throughput, providing real-time and deterministic audio processing and mixing. The solution uses cloud-compatible software-defined real-time transport protocols within the DSP I/O to provide flexible connectivity. Contribution, distribution, and monitoring feeds can be served by different interfaces, facilitating the specific requirements of each task.
Available in standalone frames of 16+1, 32+1, or 48+1 fader versions, the S400 sits between the compact, fixed frame S300 and flagship, modular S500. The S400 console offers the same high-quality fader experience as the S500, featuring premium 100mm touch-sense faders and a dedicated OLED display for every fader. Level metering and status LEDs covering dynamics, automix, and external control are also present by every fader to further enhance visual feedback for operators. In addition to live-to-air studio production, the S400 is the perfect control solution for Outside Broadcast (OB) systems, event space and music applications, or anywhere premium control features are required but space is a concern.
“The new S400 highlights how important user feedback is in our product development. By listening closely to the requirements of our customers, we have provided a console that delivers the highest levels of operational feedback, but in a compact form factor. With the ever-expanding range of control, processing, and I/O options for System T we have a very diverse set of building blocks that allow our customers to build their perfect solution,” says Berny Carpenter, SSL Broadcast Product Manager.
At the heart of the S400 is the same software environment and feature set that is found across the brand’s entire System T range, including a full immersive production tool kit, comprehensive studio-quality FX rack and market-leading integrated AoIP routing control. Accessed and controlled using multi-gesture touchscreens, all system configuration, routing and surface layout tasks can be carried out via simple, intuitive screen actions. To further enhance control and visual feedback, an additional screen can be added via HDMI output and mounted on an optional screen arm.
The Master Section features dedicated monitoring controls, a Focus Fader, and a set of assignable User Keys. Additionally, a five-inch touchscreen provides an FX rack meter viewer with inbuilt Loudness, True Peak and Phasescope metering, removing the need for external metering. With 21 physical user keys, the S400s slimline Master Section allows users to program control of the features most relevant for each production.
Seamless Compatibility
In addition to its class-leading broadcast production feature set, any of the new S400-16, 32 and 48 configurations can be combined with the complete portfolio of SSL’s System T consoles, control interfaces, Tempest Processing Engines and Network I/O options. Custom configurations can be specified as part of a larger System T installation, including as a remote surface for flypack or distributed cloud-based systems.
Showfile compatibility across the entire range of System T control interfaces means productions can easily move between consoles and control rooms within a facility. System T’s Compatibility Mode allows seamless transition between different-sized consoles and Tempest DSP Engines. Settings from the larger device are never lost, and resources can be reassigned at any point during the show – even with audio passing through.
Solid State Logic System T Cloud
At the 2024 NAB Show, Solid State Logic also made the global debut of System T Cloud. This is a virtualized audio mixing solution for live-to-air broadcast. Delivering the same audio quality, feature set, and interface that System T hardware users are accustomed to, System T Cloud is a complete and comprehensive audio solution that enables seamless management of live productions from multiple venues via the cloud.
Cloud-based, or ‘virtualized’ audio processing offers substantial benefits, when operational costs need to be minimized by reducing physical hardware onsite, while idle resource capacity can be utilized more efficiently. The ability to easily manage multiple live events in various geographical locations from a single control room reduces travel and lowers the carbon footprint of production operations.
Over the past two years, Solid State Logic and Calrec, another manufacturer in the Audiotonix group of companies, have been working closely with leading broadcasting companies to gain invaluable insights into their production needs, particularly in harnessing cloud-based processing and virtualized control. Through a series of successful Proof-of-Concept (PoC) events, encompassing both shadow and live-to-air productions, SSL and Calrec have co-developed virtualized DSP capabilities. The SSL System T Cloud is the fully-fledged cloud system that resulted.
The cloud solution offers processing, control and audio routing, for up to 256 processing paths, supporting stereo, 5.1 and immersive formats, all controlled via hardware or software interfaces from any location. With a fully integrated Dante Connect implementation, the Virtual Tempest Engine offers 256×256 inputs and outputs, with audio routing control managed directly from the UI and stored and recalled with the showfile. Across a distributed production architecture, any combination of hardware and software control interfaces can be utilized, offering a unified operator experience.
The System T Cloud architecture is based on cloud (AWS) instances of the Virtual Tempest DSP Engine, and of the Tempest Control App, supported by 256×256 Dante Connect cloud audio transport and routing. The solution supports full immersive formats up to 7.1.4 with 9.1.6 monitoring, with NDI conversion options, when required – including for video signal connectivity. The hardware and/or software control positions can be located anywhere in the world, with control positions in multiple locations simultaneously. Yet, for the audio operator, everything can be run directly from a familiar SSL System T console, such as the latest S400 model.
www.solidstatelogic.com
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