Calrec Apollo Operator's Manual
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Putting Sound in the Picture
APOLLO OPERATOR MANUAL
Digital Broadcast Production Console
V8.1
Calrec Audio Ltd
Nutclough Mill
Hebden Bridge
West Yorkshire
England UK
HX7 8EZ
Tel: +44 (0)1422 842159
Fax: +44 (0)1422 845244
Email: [email protected]
calrec.com
No part of this manual may be reproduced
or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying
and scanning, for any purpose, without the prior
written consent of Calrec Audio Ltd.
Whilst the Company ensures that all details in this
document are correct at the time of publication,
we reserve the right to alter specifications and
equipment without notice. Any changes we make
will be reflected in subsequent issues of this
document. The latest version will be available
upon request. This publication is for International
usage.
Calrec Audio Ltd reserve the right to change
specifications without notice. E & O.E.
The established policy of Calrec Audio
Ltd is to seek improvements to the design,
specifications and manufacture of all products.
It is not always possible to provide notice outside
the company of the alterations that take place
continually.
Despite considerable effort to produce up to
date information, no literature published by
the company nor any other material that may
be provided should be regarded as an infallible
guide to the specifications available nor does
it constitute an offer for sale of any particular
product.
Apollo, Artemis, Summa, Brio, RP1, Hydra Audio
Networking and Bluefin High Density Signal
Processing (HDSP) are trade marks of Calrec
Audio Ltd. Dolby®E is a registered trade mark
of Dolby Laboratories, Inc. All other trade marks
are acknowledged.
© 2017 Calrec Audio Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Broadcast Facilities Panel
31
Dual Fader Panel
32
Custom Metering Panel
34
Panel Modes
35
Apply Mode to All Panels
35
Mode Lock
35
User Layout
35
Setting up/Recalling the User Layout
35
Assignable modes
35
Assigning Paths
37
Assigning a path
37
Current Assign and Fader Touch indication
shown on meters
37
User Splits
38
Identifying User Split Locations
38
Creating / removing user splits
38
Layers
39
A/B Paths
39
Layers 1-12
39
Using layers
39
Layer Locking
39
Layer Split
39
Turning off the B layer
39
Control Panel Modes
41
Processing
42
Send-Route
43
Output Mode
44
Monitor Mode
45
Wilds Mode
46
Setting Up Wilds mode
46
Selecting Wilds
46
Memorising Wilds
46
Assigning and Clearing
47
Wildable controls
47
Alternate Fader Wilds
47
Setting Up Fader Wilds
48
Memory Isolation
48
Wilds pages
48
Wildable Controls
49
Strips Mode
50
Accessing Strips mode
50
Apply to All Strips
50
Routing display
50
A/B path indicator
51
Changing Strips types
51
Getting Signals into Apollo
53
I/O Boxes & Hydra Patchbays Sample
Rate Selection in H2O
54
Consoles at 96kHz
54
I/O and Hydra2 Patchbays at 96kHz
54
Input Source Organisation
55
Filtering the Hydra2 network
55
Boxes at different sample rates
55
Input ports
55
Hydra2 Patchbays
55
Hydra2 Patchbays at different sample rates 55
Port labels
55
Port lists
56
Creating lists
56
Copying and moving ports to lists
56
Removing ports from lists
56
Renaming lists
56
Removing lists
56
Sets
56
Adding ports to sets
57
Allocating Signal Paths to Faders
58
Assigning channels to faders
58
Assigning buses to faders
58
Assigning auxs and tracks to faders in the
Tools menu
59
Inserting blank faders
59
Removing a path from a fader
59
Layer locking faders
59
Cloning paths
59
Moving / Swapping paths
60
Copying path settings
60
Warnings and Conflicts
60
Fader Setup Screen
61
Memories from larger consoles
61
Assigning auxs and tracks to faders in the
Fader setup screen
61
Remote Production Option
61
Input Types and Patching
62
Ports at different sample rates
62
Searching input sources
62
Searching destinations
62
Channel input / fader views
62
Channel input 2
62
Patching input sources to faders
63
Patching at different sample rates
63
Bulk patching and source views
63
Information
7
Important Information
8
Health and Safety
9
Technical Support
10
Introduction
11
Introduction
12
Bluefin2
12
Hydra2
12
Commitment
12
Concord Processors
12
Control Surface
12
Signal Processing
12
I/O
12
Resilience
12
Power
12
Apollo Sample Rate Comparison
13
Changes to Screen Locations in the Main
Application from V6.0
14
96kHz Overview for Apollo
15
Control Overview
17
Configuration PC Overview
18
Peripherals
18
Windows login
18
Main application
18
USB Port
18
Installing 3rd party software
18
Power and reset
18
Online Documentation
18
Touch Overview
19
Touch/Tap
19
Multiple touches (Hold and Touch)
19
Swipe
19
Surface Control Overview
20
Rotary controls
20
Buttons
20
Control cell
20
Button cell
20
Strip
20
Rows
20
TFT touchscreen
20
Surface Panel Overview
22
Fader Panel
22
Wild assign panel
25
TFT Panel
28
Monitor Panel
29
4 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
Alias mic bus
76
Enabling an alias file
76
Alias patching
76
Tone / Oscillator Controls
77
Oscillator Parameters
77
Tone Idents
78
External Tone
78
Tone Clear
78
Tone Patchable to Output Ports
79
Tone Troubleshooting & FAQs
79
Hydra2 Patchbays
80
HPBs and different sample rates
80
Port Sharing
81
Unpatching
81
Processing Audio
83
Channel Signal Flow
84
EQ and Filters
85
Dynamics 1
87
Processing order
88
Dynamics metering
88
Sidechain EQ
88
About Dynamics Sidechain & EQ
88
Dynamics Links
88
Dynamics 2
90
Dynamics 2 controls
90
Automixer
91
Assigning control
91
Gain reduction metering
91
Adjustment controls
91
Delay
93
Assignable Delay at different sample rates. 93
Individual Assignable Delay
93
Individual Path Delay
93
Delay Settings
94
Global Delay Settings
94
Stereo Width
95
Stereo/Surround Spill
96
Accessing the spill faders
96
Spill faders
96
Current spill panel assignment
96
Nudge
97
Changing the user section
97
Assigning paths on the spill panel
97
Main paths on Monitor/Joystick panel
97
Processing Independence
98
Processing independence
98
EQ independence
98
Dynamics independence
99
Independence status indicators
100
Inserts
101
Patching insert resources to ports
101
Inserts at different sample rates
101
Connecting insert resources to paths
102
Naming insert resources
102
Insert resource lists
102
Creating lists
102
Copying/moving insert resources to lists 103
Removing insert resources from lists
103
Renaming lists
103
Removing lists
103
Insert Order and Sets
103
Insert ON / OFF Control
103
VCA Groups
104
Creating and dissolving VCA groups
104
Group hierarchy
104
Fader status indicators
104
VCA group interrogation
105
Masters and slaves on the same fader
105
Fader level indicator
105
Nulling indicators
105
Preserving balance of slaves at low levels 105
5.1 Surround channels
105
VCA group protection
105
VCA Slaves move with VCA Masters
105
Autofaders
106
Assigning GPI’s to autofaders
107
Assigning autofaders to faders
107
Autofader levels
108
Autofader parameter settings
108
Global Autofader Bypass
108
Default Fader Interaction Mode
109
Routing Audio
111
Buses Overview
112
Setting bus widths
112
Admin protection for Bus widths
112
Buses at different sample rates
112
LtRt / LoRo downmixes
113
Pre-fader Aux send cut options
113
Making a Route
114
Using Assign Mode
114
Accessing Detailed Send Controls
114
Paging Through Buses
114
Using Strips or Wilds Mode
115
Protection against removing multiple
destinations
63
Mic Open field
63
Additional port info - Desc & Diag
63
Over-patching, removing & moving
64
Offline patching
64
Sources used in multiple locations
64
Returning outputs to input channels
64
Hydra2 Patchbays
64
HPB’s at different sample rates
64
Alias patching
64
Patching inputs directly to outputs
64
Patching Shortcuts
65
Custom fader labels
66
Ability to Receive External Source Labels via
SW-P-08
66
Source Label Hierarchy
66
Input Controls
67
Inputs 1 and 2
67
Mic/Line gain
67
±6dB coarse gain
67
Input trim
68
Linking Input Trims
68
Tone
68
Input delay
68
48V
69
Polarity inversion
69
Input balance
69
L>B and R>B
69
M-S
69
SRC
69
Signal flow
69
Replay
70
Adding Paths to the Replay Set
70
Activating Replay
70
Input Port Protection
71
Controlling a Protected Input Port
71
Loading Shows/Memory/Alias Files
71
Dolby E Decoding
73
Passing signals through decoders
73
Important - sample rate conversion
74
Important - synchronisation
74
Metadata
74
Passing encoded Dolby E
74
Alias Files
75
Editing alias files
75
Aliases at different sample rates
75
Alias groups
76
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
5
Panning
116
Multiple Pan Positions per Path
116
Controls
116
Joystick Panning
117
Accessing the joystick controls
117
Making the joystick controls active
117
Disengaging the joystick
117
Pan display
117
Pan control menu
118
Freezing axes
118
Contribution Mode
119
Accessing Bus Contribution
119
Partial Routing Indication
120
Aux Sends on Faders
121
Access AFL in Contribution Mode
121
Default Send Positions
122
Leaving Contribution Mode
122
Splitting Track Sends
123
Removing sends
123
Partial sends
123
Downmixes
124
Bypassing the downmix faders
124
Pre-fader downmixes
124
Setting downmix defaults
124
Selecting the required downmix default
126
Applying default levels to downmix faders 126
Lo/Ro & Lt/Rt Downmix Encoding
127
Selecting Lt/Rt or Lo/Ro
127
Passing Signals out of Apollo
129
Output Types and Patching
130
Ports at different sample rates
130
Patching
130
Patching at different sample rates
130
Patching Shortcuts
130
HPB’s at different Sample Rates
130
Locking output port patching
130
Output Port Protection
131
Patching to Protected Outputs
131
Output Control
132
Accessing further controls
132
Outputs on Faders
133
Bus Output Delay
133
Output Patching Shortcut
133
Assignable Delay at different sample rates
133
Main Paths on Spill/Monitor and Spill/
Joystick Panels
134
Tone to mains
134
Accessing Spill controls for Main faders
134
Direct Outputs
135
Direct Outputs at different sample rates
135
Assign Direct Outputs from the Surface
135
Assign Direct Outputs from the PC
135
Direct Output Controls
136
Direct Output Delay
136
Direct Output Talkback
136
Direct Output Patching Shortcut
136
Monitoring
137
Monitor Mode
138
Control Room Monitoring
139
Pre-selectors (Favourites)
139
Control Room speaker pre-selectors
139
Changing pre-selector source
139
Control room monitor controls
140
Loudspeaker cut buttons
140
Monitoring for multiple users
140
Monitoring at different sample rates
140
Dedicated Monitor Controls
141
AFL, PFL and Output Listen
142
AFL
142
PFL
142
Output Listen (OPL)
142
Access from faders
142
Access bus AFL, PFL and OPL
142
Access AFL in Contribution Mode
142
Cancel AFL and PFL
143
Move PFL within signal chain
143
Patch AFL/PFL to external monitors
143
Send PFL to the small LS
143
Send PFL to the main monitors
143
AFL and PFL with multiple users
143
Patch AFL, PFL and APFL buses
144
PFL via GPI
144
Headphones
145
Patch the headphone output
145
Miscellaneous Monitor Sources
146
Alter the output source
146
Patch miscellaneous monitor outputs
146
Monitor Functions
147
Monitoring controls
148
APFL controls
148
Surround Monitoring
149
Immersive Monitoring
151
Communications
153
Talkback
154
Live talkback routing
154
Talkback groups
154
Talkback & Reverse Talkback levels
154
Microphone settings
155
Monitoring reverse talkback signals
155
Inhibiting Talkback
155
Mix Minus
156
Why remove a source’s input from its foldback
mix?
156
Sending signals to the mix minus bus
156
Assigning a direct output
157
Monitoring a mix minus signal
157
Metering
159
TFT Meters
160
Meter cells
160
Meter Grid Configuration
160
Meter Assignment
161
Meter Scales
161
Meter labels and colours
161
Dynamics meters
162
Peak Sample meters
162
Peak Overload indicators
162
A/B path meters
162
Meter Layout Presets
162
Fader and Dynamics Meter Settings 164
Fader meters
164
Dynamics meters
164
External Meter Outputs
165
Loudness Meters
166
Loudness metering at different sample rates
166
Loudness Metering Modes
166
Controlling Loudness Meters
167
Shows, Memories and Presets
169
Overview
170
Using Shows and Memories
172
Creating a new show
172
Creating shows at different sample rates 173
Opening an existing show
173
Opening Shows at different sample rates 173
Saving / duplicating shows
173
Creating and editing default shows
173
Backing up shows and memories
174
Backup Shows at different sample rates
174
6 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
Renaming shows
174
Deleting shows
174
Changes to Format of Show Data and
Backups
174
Saving user memories
175
Loading user memories
175
Backing up and deleting memories
175
Ordering the memory list
175
Memory load / save without the PC
175
Transferring Shows/Memories between
Consoles
175
Memory Sequencing
176
Remote control
176
Memory Isolation
177
Basic path isolation
177
Setting the scope of memory isolation
177
Applying isolation scope to multiple paths 179
Elements available for isolation
179
Output port isolation
180
Improvements to Memory Isolate System 180
Presets
181
Creating a Preset
181
Loading a Preset
181
Editing a Preset
181
Backing Up Presets
182
Restoring Presets
182
Pooled Resources
182
Console Facilities
183
On Air and Rehearse Modes
184
On Air
184
Rehearse
184
Neither mode selected
184
System Reset
185
Fail warning indicator
185
Reset buttons
185
Technician Mode
186
Supervisors, Technicians and Users
186
Accessing Technician Mode
186
Managing technician/supervisor accounts 186
Exiting Technician Mode
186
Synchronisation Sources
187
Synchronisation at different sample rates 187
External Interfacing
189
GPIO
190
Assigning GPIs
190
GPI functions
190
Mon-Spill Panel Customer Switches
190
Assigning GPOs
191
Common Console Functions
191
GPO signal type
191
Test GPO
191
EMBER+ Virtual GPIO
192
Remote Control
193
EMBER
193
CSCP
193
CSCP Per Fader
193
External Monitor / Meter Inputs
194
Configuring external inputs
194
Monitoring / metering externals
194
Mic Open Systems
195
Assigning Inputs to Mic Open Systems
195
Assigning Aliases to Mic Open Systems
196
Assigning Mic Open Systems to GPOs
196
Assigning to CUT/DIM Loud Speakers
196
Mic Open Systems and multi-leg paths
196
Automation Option
197
Spill Automation
197
Editing Suite
197
Redundancy
197
External Machine Control
197
Automatable Controls List
197
Remote Production RP1 Option
198
Function Table for Parameter Control of
Remote Paths
198
System Status
199
System status notifications
200
Message types
200
Status messages at different sample rates
200
Clearing messages
200
Surface indication
200
External indication
200
Source Offline indication on a path
201
Intermittent Cable Failures
201
Glossary of Terminology
203
Features by Software Version
209
8 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
After Sales Modifications
Please be aware that any modifications
other than those made or approved by
Calrec Audio Limited or their agents, may
invalidate the console’s warranty. This
includes changes to cabling provided by
Calrec and variations to the recommended
installation as detailed in Calrec
documentation.
Modifications to this equipment by any
party other than Calrec Audio Limited
may invalidate EMC and safety features
designed into this equipment. Calrec
Audio Limited can not be liable for any
legal proceedings or problems that may
arise relating to such modifications.
If in doubt, please contact Calrec Audio
Limited for guidance prior to commencing
any modification work.
Installation
In many installations the AC power
connectors will not be readily accessible,
effectively making the equipment
permanently connected. The installation
should be carried out in accordance
with all applicable installation rules and
regulations.
Service Personnel
The AC power disconnect devices are
the 2 x IEC (IEC60320-1 C13/C14)
couplers located at the rear of each unit.
WARNING: The apparatus has a dual
power system. It is essential that BOTH
AC power IEC couplers are disconnected
to prevent exposure to hazardous voltage
within the unit.
Third Party Equipment
Integrating third party equipment into
a Calrec system may compromise the
product's ability to comply with the
radiated emission limits set in the EMC
(Electro Magnetic Compatibility) standard
EN55022.
Calrec Audio Limited can not be
responsible for any non-conformities
due to use of third party equipment. If
in doubt, please contact Calrec Audio
Limited for guidance prior to integrating
any third party equipment.
ESD (Static) Handling Procedures
In its completed form, this equipment has
been designed to have a high level of
immunity to static discharges. However,
when handling individual boards and
modules, many highly static sensitive
parts are exposed. In order to protect
these devices from damage and to protect
your warranty, please observe static
handling procedures, for example, use an
appropriately grounded anti-static wrist
band. Calrec will supply an electrostatic
cord and wrist strap with all of its digital
products.
All modules and cards should be returned
to Calrec Audio Limited in anti-static
wrapping. Calrec Audio Limited can
supply these items upon request, should
you require assistance.
This applies particularly to digital products
due to the types of devices and very
small geometries used in their fabrication,
analogue parts can however still be
affected.
RoHS Legislation
In order to comply with European RoHS
(Reduction of Hazardous Substances)
legislation, Calrec PCB and cable
assemblies are produced with lead-free
(tin/copper/silver) solder instead of tin/
lead solder. See Fig 1.
In the unlikely event of a customer having
to carry out any re-soldering on Apollo
or Hydra2 hardware, it is imperative that
lead-free solder is used; contaminating
lead-free solder with leaded solder is likely
to have an adverse effect on the long-
term reliability of the product.
Circuit boards assembled with lead-free
solder can be identified (in accordance
with IPC/JEDEC standards) by a small
oval logo (see Fig 2) on the top-side of
the circuit board near the PCB reference
number (8xx-xxx). The same logo is used
on the connector hoods of soldered cable
assemblies.
If in doubt, please check with a Calrec
customer support engineer before
carrying out any form of re-soldering.
ISO 9001 and RAB Registered
Calrec Audio Ltd has been issued
the ISO9001: 2008 standard by the
Governing Board of ISOQAR.
The award, for both UKAS (Fig 3)
and RAB (Fig 4) registration, is the
most comprehensive of the ISO9000
international standards. Granted in
recognition of excellence across design,
development, manufacture and after-
sales support, the certification follows a
rigorous and thorough review of Calrec’s
internal and external communication and
business procedures.
FIG 1 - LEAD FREE
Pb
Pb-Free
Lead
Free
FIG 2 - LEAD FREE STICKER
e1
FIG 3 - UKAS REGISTRATION
FIG 4 - RAB REGISTRATION
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
9
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Important Safety Instructions:
• Read these instructions.
• Keep these instructions.
• Heed all warnings.
• Follow all instructions.
• Do not use this apparatus near water.
• Do not block any ventilation openings.
Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
• Do not install near any heat sources
such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
• Protect the power cord from being
walked on or pinched particularly at
the plugs, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.
• Use only with the cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used,
use caution when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to avoid injury
from tip-over.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel. Servicing is required when
the apparatus has been damaged in
any way, such as power-supply cord
or plug is damaged, liquid has been
spilled or objects have fallen into the
apparatus, the apparatus has been
exposed to rain or moisture, does not
operator normally, or has been dropped.
• Warning: To reduce the risk of fire
or electric shock, do not expose this
apparatus to rain or moisture.
• Not intended for outdoor use.
• This equipment must be EARTHED.
• Before starting any servicing operation,
equipment must be isolated from the
AC power supply. The disconnect
devices are the 2 x IEC connectors
(IEC 60320-1 C13/C14 couplers).
• Do not allow ventilation slots to be
blocked.
• Do not leave the equipment powered
up with the dust cover fitted.
Cleaning
For cleaning the front panels of the
equipment we recommend using a soft
anti-static cloth, lightly dampened with
water if required.
Explanation of Warning Symbols
Triangular warning symbols contain a
black symbol on a yellow background,
surrounded by a black border.
The lightning flash with arrow head
symbol within an equilateral triangle, as
shown on this page, is intended to alert
the user to the presence of dangerous
voltages and energy levels within the
product’s enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock or injury.
The exclamation mark within an
equilateral triangle, as shown on this page,
is intended to prompt the user to refer
to important operating or maintenance
instructions in the documentation supplied
with the product. (See Figs 5 & 6)
Earthing
This is a Class I product. An Earth
connection MUST be provided in each AC
power cord.
The Earth Bolt connection at the rear of
the console should be connected to Earth
using Earth cable at least 6mm2 in cross
section (10 AWG).
Lithium Battery Replacement
Caution: Danger of explosion if battery is
incorrectly replaced. Replace only with
the same or equivalent type. Batteries
must not be exposed to excessive heat
such as sunshine, fire or the like
This device complies with part 15 of
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference
2. This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
FIG 5 - DANGEROUS VOLTAGES
FIG 6 - IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS
10 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
Information
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Should you require any technical
assistance with your Calrec product
then please contact your regional
Calrec distributor. Customers within
the UK or Ireland should contact
Calrec directly.
For a complete list of worldwide
distributors by region, go to
www.calrec.com or contact us for
more information.
For pre-delivery technical enquiries, UK
and Ireland customers should contact the
Calrec project manager assigned to their
order. Post delivery, the Calrec Customer
Support team will take care of your
technical enquiries.
Our UK customer support team work
closely with our global distributor network
to provide the highest level of after sales
support. Your distributor should be your
first point of contact and will often be
able to provide an instant solution, be it
technical advice, spares or a site visit by
an engineer.
Calrec UK customer support and our
global technical team provide free of
charge technical support and advice by
phone or email to all customers.
Once your console is installed we can
provide an engineer on site to carry out
system commissioning.
Commissioning ensures the equipment
is correctly installed and fully functioning
before it goes into use.
During commissioning, our engineers can
also help and advise with configuration
and setup.
Calrec after sales support includes:
• Free of charge comprehensive
technical advice and support by phone
and email.
• Software and hardware upgrades.
• Repairs.
• Quick supply of replacement or loan
hardware in the event of a failure.
• Providing export documentation for the
return of faulty parts.
• On site commissioning visits.
• On site service and health check visits.
• Emergency engineer visits.
• On site on-air support, for complete
peace of mind - providing operational
guidance, and technical engineering
support for new installations or high
profile events.
• Operational training.
• Maintenance / technical training.
• Supply of replacement components.
• Supply of documentation.
Service contracts
We offer a range service contracts to our
UK and Ireland customers, offering 24/7
telephone support, regular health checks
and extended warranty amongst other
benefits. Please contact our customer
support team for more information on
service contracts.
Product Warranty
A full list of our conditions & warranties
relating to Goods & Services is contained
in the Company’s standard Terms and
Conditions. A copy of this is available on
request.
Repairs
If you need to return goods to Calrec, for
whatever reason, please contact your
regional distributor or Calrec customer
support beforehand for guidance, as
well as to log the details of the problem
and receive a reference number. For
customers outside the UK and Ireland,
shipping via the distributor saves
customers from dealing with exportation
paperwork. If there is a need to send
direct to Calrec, contact us beforehand to
log the incoming repair and for assistance
with exportation documents.
Standard of Service
Ensuring the highest standards is a
priority, if you have any comments on
the level of service, product quality
or documentation offered to you by
Calrec, please contact the Calrec
Customer Support team in the UK who
will endeavour to address the issues.
Calrec welcomes all customer feedback.
For feedback specific to this document,
please contact [email protected].
12 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
INTRODUCTION
Apollo is a hugely flexible and
scalable large format digital audio
console designed to withstand the
most critical broadcast production
and live environments.
Apollo expands on the success of the
Alpha / Sigma / Omega / Zeta product
range, employing the same operational
methodology and expanding upon it to
encompass the powerful feature set
required for modern broadcasting.
Control panels can switch mode on the
fly, allowing for all controls to be quick
and close to hand, irrespective of the
operator’s position and allowing each user
their own preference of control layout.
User splits and independent monitoring
allow for multiple operators to work on
the same surface without impacting upon
each other. Comprehensive, flexible
monitoring and metering ensure operator
awareness and quick reaction over all
aspects of the most complex productions.
Bluefin2
At the heart of the design is a powerful
Bluefin2 digital signal processing engine.
Calrec’s award winning Bluefin DSP was
first launched in 2006 allowing the design
of consoles with very high channel counts
contained on a single card, providing
very efficient, reliable and powerful
systems that can meet the ever increasing
demands of modern broadcasting.
The second generation of Bluefin is even
more powerful and future proof. As well
as high channel counts, amongst other
benefits it provides comprehensive EQ,
filters and dynamics on all paths, sample
delay processing, multiple simultaneous
track/IFB sends per path, LT/RT
encoding as well as very comprehensive
monitoring and metering.
Hydra2
Apollo consoles utilise I/O options from
the comprehensive Hydra2 range. Fixed
format units and modular I/O card-frames
are offered in a wide selection of formats
to suit all needs. The Hydra2 system can
pass up to 512 channels of 48kHz audio
along with control data and error detection
on each copper or fibre connection to the
router within the console’s processing
rack.
The physical location of I/O units can be
selected to minimise external cable runs
and setup time. Multiple Apollo/Artemis
routers can be networked together,
allowing all consoles on a network the
ability to use all of the I/O connected.
Standalone router racks without control
surfaces can also be connected either to
expand the number of I/O ports available
or to centralise I/O connectivity.
Commitment
Calrec has a world-wide customer base
which includes many of the world’s most
prestigious broadcasters and covers the
highest profile events. By consistently
focusing upon purely broadcast
products, Calrec offers consoles with
the most comprehensive combination of
performance and features. The high level
of reliability of all Calrec products, many
of which are still in daily use after 20
year’s service, reflects a clear awareness
of the critical nature of the operating
environment.
This understanding of the real issues of
broadcast operations is one of the many
reasons why operators and management
alike prefer Calrec. Apollo is designed
to ensure this level of confidence will
continue into the future.
Concord Processors
The 3.0 software release for Apollo and
Artemis was huge. So huge, in fact,
that it required newer and more capable
Concord processors to support all the
new functionality. Concord Processors
also provide incredible performance
improvements to the surface making
Apollo and Artemis the most responsive
audio mixers available.
To upgrade to software version 3.0 or
later, and get access to all the powerful
features presented here, surface
hardware must be upgraded with Concord
Processors.
Control Surface
• Up to 160 standard or dual physical
motorised path faders.
• 12 dual layers of faders for flexibility in
organizing path layout.
• Optional dual in-line fader panels
providing simultaneous physical access
to A and B sub-layers.
• Flexible control layout to suit each
user’s preference.
• Very comprehensive and configurable
monitoring and metering.
• User splits allowing for multiple
operators to work independently.
Signal Processing
• 6 full bands of parametric EQ / filters
on each channel, group and main path.
• 2 x compressor / limiters, 1 x expander
/ gate, and sidechain EQ / filters on
each channel, group and main path.
• 4 independent simultaneous post fader,
pre fader or pre EQ track / IFB sends
per channel / group path.
• Up to 4 direct output / mix-minus
sends per path.
• Up to 2.73 seconds of path delay per
path.
I/O
• Integral 8192x8192 router with up
to 512 audio channels per Hydra2
port. Fully integrable with any Hydra2
network.
• Extensive range of Hydra2 audio I/O &
GPIO available.
• Copper or fibre connectivity.
Resilience
• Independent DSP, routing and control
processing.
• Comprehensive hardware and data
path redundancy.
• Fully hot-pluggable and self initializing
components.
• Independent of system PC interface.
Power
• Distributed PSU system – no heavy
duty power cables.
• Power Over Ethernet technologies for
simple internal distribution.
• Low power consumption and heat
generation.
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
13
SIGNAL PROCESSING AT 48KHZ AND 96KHZ
Apollo
Sample Rate @ 48kHz
Sample Rate @ 96kHz
Input Channels
1020
510
Main Output Buses
and LtRt outputs
Up to 16 from Main/Group
pool of 128 mono legs
16 LtRt outputs
Up to 8 from Main/Group
pool of 64 mono legs
Up to 8 LtRt outputs
Audio Group Buses
Up to 48 from Main/Group
pool of 128 mono legs
Up to 24 from Main/Group
pool of 64 mono legs
Track Output Buses
96
48
Aux Output Buses
Up to 48 mono / stereo from
pool of 48 mono legs
Up to 24 mono / stereo from
pool of 24 mono legs
Direct / Mix-Minus Outputs
Up to 4 sends per path from
pool of 512 mono legs
Up to 4 sends per path from
pool of 256 mono legs
Insert Send & Returns
Pool of 256 mono legs
Pool of 128 mono legs
Input Delay
Up to 2.73s per input from pool
of 256 mono legs
Up to 2.73s per input from pool
of 128 mono legs
Output Delay
Up to 2.73s per output from
pool of 256 mono legs
Up to 2.73s per input from pool
of 128 mono legs
EQ
6 full bands of parametric EQ
on each channel, group & main
path
6 full bands of parametric EQ
on each channel, group & main
path
Dynamics
2 x compressor / limiter & 1
x expander / gate on each
channel, group & main path
2 x compressor / limiter & 1
x expander / gate on each
channel, group & main path
ROUTER
Apollo
Sample Rate @ 48kHz
Sample Rate @ 96kHz
Integral Router
8192x8192
4096x4096 (minimum)
1 x 96 kHz route = 2 x 48 kHz
routes
Hydra2 ports
16 / 32
16/32
Audio Channels per Port
Up to 512
Up to 256
APOLLO SAMPLE RATE COMPARISON
14 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
CHANGES TO SCREEN LOCATIONS IN THE MAIN APPLICATION FROM V6.0
For a long time, the Apollo and Artemis
main application has grouped functions
under the top-level menu items
“Other Options” and “Fixed Options”.
These titles have been changed to
“Show Settings” and “System Settings”
respectively. In the screens contained
under each of these top-level menus
some screens have been moved and in
some cases renamed to make them easier
to find, and to make it clearer where the
data is stored and how it changes.
The “Show Settings” area contains only
settings that are stored and recalled at
show level.
The System Settings” area contains the
remaining functions that are stored at
system level, and do not change with
shows.
The table in Fig 1 shows the Old and
New names and locations of the various
screens for reference purposes before
and after the V6.0 release.
Misc/Default Settings
General Settings
Inserts Setup moved to System Settings
Meter Setup
Meter Layout
Mon/Mtr Ext I/P moved to System Settings
User Split
User Split
Down Mix
Down Mix
Ext Control
Ext Control
External Inputs (from Other Options)
(was Mon/Mtr Ext I/P)
Mon TB MTR Patch
Fixed I/O
Inserts Setup (from Other Options)
LAN Config (for 2015 cores only)
Surface Illum
Surface Illum
Surface Layout
Surface Layout
Sync
Sync
TX/REH
TX/REH
FIG 1 - SCREEN LOCATION AND NAME CHANGES IN V6.0 ONWARDS
Pre V6.0
Post V6.0
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
15
96KHZ OVERVIEW FOR APOLLO
With v8.0, Apollo consoles can now
work at 96kHz sampling frequency
(sample rate).
The following list is a quick overview of
the impact of running Apollo consoles at
96kHz:-
The consoles can switch between 48kHz
& 96kHz working as required.
Consoles switch sampling frequency by
loading a show at the required sample rate
built from a template at that rate.
The numbers of channels and buses are
reduced at 96kHz but the numbers at
48kHz are the same as before.
There is no reduction in the numbers of
monitor inputs and outputs at 96kHz.
I/O boxes can be set to 48kHz or 96kHz,
or to follow the sample rate of a specific
console, via H2O.
The Hydra2 network supports 48kHz
and 96kHz consoles and I/O boxes
simultaneously.
Hydra2 runs at 48kHz irrespective of
whether the consoles and I/O boxes are
running at 96kHz or not. It simply uses 2
samples per 96kHz signal.
Because Hydra2 always runs at 48kHz,
the system will still require a 48kHz sync
(if using its AES3 & Wordclock inputs)
even if all consoles and I/O are at 96kHz.
The console patching screens and
required list indicate which ports, HPB,
aliases, or boxes are at a different sample
rate to the desk. These ports etc can be
patched (except for System level patches)
but will not work until the sample rates are
matched.
The H2O patching screens filter the ports
visible by sample rate, as it can make
patches at either rate.
Consoles cannot successfully make port
to port patches (including via aliases) for
I/O that is at a different sample rate to the
desk. Note these patches can be made
in H2O and by SW-P-08 and will work if
patched there.
System Status messages are produced
for I/O boxes & HPB that are in the
required list but are not set to the same
sample rate as the desk.
An I/O box can run at 48kHz or 96kHz
irrespective of which rack it is plugged
into. If a console is running at 48kHz, an
I/O box plugged into that rack could be
running at 96kHz with another console.
Fixed format 1U MADI boxes do not
support 96kHz. They are shown offline
when the box is at 96kHz.
SDI de-embedder modules do not support
96kHz on the SDI stream. They are
shown offline when the box is at 96kHz.
SDI embedder modules do not support
96kHz on the SDI stream. They are
shown offline when the box is at 96kHz.
For the following, at 96kHz the Apollo
consoles have half the numbers as at
48kHz for each desk/pack size:
•
Channels.
•
Mains & LtRt processes.
•
Groups.
•
Main/Group buses pool.
•
Auxes & aux buses pool.
•
Tracks & track buses pool.
•
Inserts pool.
•
Direct Outputs pool.
•
Input Delay pool (but each element
is still 2.73 sec).
•
Output Delay pool (but each element
is still 2.73 sec).
•
Loudness meters.
For the following, at 96kHz the Apollo
consoles have the same numbers as at
48kHz for each desk/pack size:
•
Mix Minus bus.
•
4 Track Sends per path.
•
4 Direct Outputs per path.
•
Path Delay of 2.73 sec per path.
•
EQ & Dynamics per path.
•
Dynamics Links.
•
Automixers.
•
Main Output Downmixes/Main.
•
Autofaders.
•
External Monitor Inputs.
•
Monitor systems and outputs
(pre & LS), including Mon 1 Insert.
•
PFL & AFL systems including
Side-chain listen, APFL and
outputs (pre & LS).
•
4 Meter Selectors and outputs.
•
Assignable Meter Processes.
•
TB & RTB.
•
Tone/oscillator including interrupts,
external inputs and outputs.
18 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
CONFIGURATION PC OVERVIEW
The configuration PC is mounted
inside the surface. The only access
available to the PC is through the
keyboard, trackball, touchscreen
display and USB port on the console
upstand.
No control, audio or router processing is
carried out by the system PC. Processing
is carried out on dedicated independent
hardware located in the processing
rack. The system PC provides a control
interface for setup and configuration. The
control surface itself, as well as audio and
routing systems will all boot and continue
to run irrespective of whether or not the
PC is active or powered.
Peripherals
A standard control surface will have the
PC’s touchscreen monitor mounted to
an adjustable arm on the right hand side.
A keyboard with trackball is normally
located in a retractable tray mounted to
the underside of the surface at the right
hand side. As an option, consoles can
be built with the PC peripherals on the
left-hand side. Consoles are also often
ordered with PC monitor screens and
keyboards on both sides of the surface.
In these cases only one of the pair will be
connected to the system PC, the other
set is typically used to control 3rd party
equipment such as playout systems.
Windows login
The default user login for operators is
‘calrec’ and requires no password.
Main application
The main purpose of the configuration
PC is to run the main application, which
provides access to many important
console options.
The main application is launched
automatically when the configuration PC
is booted. If the application has been
closed, it can be re-loaded from the Start
menu.
Fig 1 shows the layout of the main
application. Along the bottom edge of
the application is the main menu which
contains buttons for each of the main
sections of the application. When this
document instructs you to go to the
>MEM section, for example, it is the
equivalent of saying: ‘touch the MEM
button in the main application main menu’.
Once a certain section has been selected,
a list of available screens will appear
vertically along the left hand edge of
the application. Touching one of these
buttons will update the main application
to display the relevant screen. When this
document instructs you to go to a certain
screen, it is referring to touching the
relevant button on this list, down the left
hand side of the screen.
USB Port
A USB port linked to the configuration PC
is available in the broadcast facilities panel
located in the TFT meter upstand. This
can be used for backing up and restoring
memories or settings from the console. It
is designed for portable flash based USB
memory devices and as such may not
provide power for larger USB hard drives.
FIG 1 - MAIN APPLICATION
Installing 3rd party software
Although not relied upon for console
operation, the system PC should be
considered as broadcast equipment.
Installation of software unauthorised
by Calrec may impact on the PC’s
performance and as such can invalidate
the warranty.
Power and reset
The system PC should automatically boot
up when the control surface is powered.
If the PC screen is dark and does not
wake up when the trackball is moved,
check the AC power to the back of
the monitor and that it has not been
turned off by pressing its’ power switch.
A simple way to check if the PC is
powered is to press Caps Lock on the
keyboard and check if the Caps Lock LED
on the keyboard responds. A reset switch
for the PC is located behind the keyboard,
at the rear left-hand side. If the PC
has been shutdown but is still powered.
Pressing the reset switch should reboot it.
Online Documentation
Electronic versions of all documentation
may be accessed on the configuration PC.
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
19
TOUCH OVERVIEW
Apollo makes great use of touch
technologies to provide direct
interaction with on screen controls.
The configuration display, surface displays
and wild assign TFTs are all touch
sensitive and should be used with a finger
rather than any other pointing device
(such as the top end of a pen) which
may damage the surface of the displays.
Certain aspects of the software have
been designed to be accessed primarily
through touch and so some terms should
be defined to aid in reading this document.
Touch/Tap
The main interaction between operator
and touch control is the touch (or tap).
The operator should touch the desired
control on the display then immediately
release without changing position.
See Fig 1.
Multiple touches (Hold and Touch)
In some cases it is necessary to combine
touch controls to achieve the desired
result. One control will normally be held
which touching other controls. Fig 2
demonstrates this process. This is
normally only required between control
cell displays on the surface. Combinations
between configuration PC and the surface
will not be used.
Swipe
The swipe motion may be used to scroll
through a list of items or page through
a number of views. Touch the control
and straight away swipe in the required
direction. Remove the at the end of the
swipe. This motion is shown in Fig 3.
FIG 3 - SWIPE
Touch the display, swipe a fnger to
another position then release
FIG 1 - TOUCH/TAP
Touch the screen momentarily and then release in the same position
FIG 2 - HOLD AND TOUCH
Touch an area of a mini-TFT and hold while touching another area
Hold
Touch
Release
20 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
SURFACE CONTROL OVERVIEW
Apollo works the way you want to.
A variety of operating modes and
different ways to display information
ensure that every operator will feel at
home behind the console.
There are a range of different panels
available that make up the Apollo surface.
These are detailed in the ‘Surface Panel
Overview’ section of this document. It is
first important to understand the different
control types which make up these panels.
The main control types on the surface are
as follows:
Rotary controls
The rotary controls on the surface will
change colour to reflect the type of
control they are currently assigned to. For
example, when assigned to an Aux control
they would be coloured green.
Buttons
The small square and triangular buttons,
like the rotary controls, change colour
when active to reflect the currently
assigned control. Where there are
buttons that relate to the same control
as displayed on a control cell display,
the buttons will be used for control. The
control cell displays are not touch sensitive
when a physical button is present.
Control cell
The two interface elements described
above are combined with a display to
make up control cells. One of these cells
is shown in Fig 1.
The upper rotary control and button
control the parameters shown in the
upper half of the control cell display.
The lower rotary control and button
control the parameter shown in the
lower area of the control cell display.
Controls that are not active (e.g pan
controls when assigned to a surround bus)
are hidden; the rotary controls, buttons
and control cell display sections will not
be lit.
Button cell
In a button cell, as shown in Fig 2, the
buttons map directly to the nearest control
cell display. Each graphic display is split
into up to four functions. Buttons above
and below point to the functions on the
displays that they control. Some functions
are shown the full width of the display. In
these cases, pressing either of the two
buttons will activate the function.
A strip across the centre of a button cell
is sometimes used as a label. Labels
sometimes span across more than one
display and sometimes a cell may have a
label but no associated button functions.
Strip
A Strip is a collection of controls that are
specific to each fader on the surface. For
example, each fader control cell always
contains controls that affect the fader
directly below it. The control cells and
TFT on the wild assign panel may also be
arranged in this way dependent on the
wild assign panel mode.
Rows
Certain horizontal sets of controls are
used together to group similar controls.
These are known as rows. See Fig 3.
Each row on the surface has a name, such
as ‘Functions row’ or ‘Modes row’. The
rows are identified on the next page.
The Layers row and Modes row always
span the width of the panel and contain
controls that do not relate directly to a
specific fader.
TFT touchscreen
Various control parameters in the
different panel modes are changed using
buttons located on the TFT touchscreen
of the Wild Assign panel.
If a touchscreen is found to be inaccurate,
it can be calibrated - Press the Tools
button in the right-hand button-cell of the
modes row. This replaces the fader layer
select buttons with setup functions. Press
the Misc button, then select CAL TFT
from the row of button cells above. From
a normal seating position, press the TFT
touchscreen in the centre of the targets
presented. Once complete, change the
panel mode to refresh the display.
FIG 1 - CONTROL CELL
FIG 2 - BUTTON CELL
22 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
Fader Panel
Each fader panel consists of 8 fader strips
at a fader pitch of 30 mm. Each fader
strip contains an A/B assign section, a
button cell and a control cell. A blank
fader panel is shown in Fig 1.
SURFACE PANEL OVERVIEW
FIG 1 - FADER PANEL
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
23
The main control features are highlighted
in Fig 2. All these controls are normally
relevant to the highlighted fader and are
repeated eight times across the panel.
FIG 2 - FADER PANEL CONTROLS
20
+
-
PEAK
40
0
60
50
5
20
30
10
5
0
10
0
20
10
10
START
ON
0
STRIP
FDR
CUT/ON
AUTOM
EXT
CUT
STRIP
FDR
CUT/ON
AUTOM
EXT
CUT
STRIP
FDR
CUT/ON
AUTOM
EXT
CUT
STRIP
FDR
CUT/ON
AUTOM
EXT
CUT
STRIP
FDR
CUT/ON
AUTOM
EXT
CUT
STRIP
FDR
CUT/ON
AUTOM
EXT
CUT
STRIP
FDR
CUT/ON
AUTOM
EXT
CUT
STRIP
FDR
CUT/ON
AUTOM
EXT
CUT
20
+
-
PEAK
40
0
60
50
5
20
30
10
5
0
10
0
20
10
10
START
ON
0
20
+
-
PEAK
40
0
60
50
5
20
30
10
5
0
10
0
20
10
10
START
ON
0
20
+
-
PEAK
40
0
60
50
5
20
30
10
5
0
10
0
20
10
10
START
ON
0
20
+
-
PEAK
40
0
60
50
5
20
30
10
5
0
10
0
20
10
10
START
ON
0
20
+
-
PEAK
40
0
60
50
5
20
30
10
5
0
10
0
20
10
10
START
ON
0
20
+
-
PEAK
40
0
60
50
5
20
30
10
5
0
10
0
20
10
10
START
ON
0
20
+
-
PEAK
AFL
PFL
AFL
PFL
AFL
PFL
AFL
PFL
AFL
PFL
AFL
PFL
AFL
PFL
AFL
PFL
40
0
60
50
5
20
30
10
5
0
10
0
20
10
10
START
ON
0
4
8
12
16
20
24
42
E
C
60
DYN 2
DYN 1
O/P 1
PATH
4
8
12
16
20
24
42
E
C
60
DYN 2
DYN 1
O/P 1
PATH
4
8
12
16
20
24
42
E
C
60
DYN 2
DYN 1
O/P 1
PATH
4
8
12
16
20
24
42
E
C
60
DYN 2
DYN 1
O/P 1
PATH
4
8
12
16
20
24
42
E
C
60
DYN 2
DYN 1
O/P 1
PATH
4
8
12
16
20
24
42
E
C
60
DYN 2
DYN 1
O/P 1
PATH
4
8
12
16
20
24
42
E
C
60
DYN 2
DYN 1
O/P 1
PATH
4
8
12
16
20
24
42
E
C
60
DYN 2
DYN 1
O/P 1
PATH
MR
SL
MR
SL
MR
SL
MR
SL
MR
SL
MR
SL
MR
SL
MR
SL
MR
SL
MR
SL
MR
SL
MR
SL
MR
SL
MR
SL
MR
SL
MR
SL
CUT
CUT
CUT
CUT
CUT
CUT
CUT
CUT
Layer B assign key
Layer A assign key
96x96 pixel TFT display
Fader ‘TRIM’ offset scale
PFL overpress at end of fader travel
PFL key (latching or momentary)
Fader bargraph meter sources
Fader open indicator
Fader nulling LEDs
Peak indicator at -2dBFS
Cut/On key
AFL key (latching or momentary)
Path width indicator with variable
backlight colour
Fader bargraph meter showing
input signal level
Layer A/B indicators
and path labels
Illuminating push button
Button Cell
Provides quick access to
common channel features
Illuminating rotary control knob
with integral push switch
Control Cell
Provides access to two
Wild controls for each fader
24 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
There are two, eight wide control cell rows
that span the width of the panel which are
highlighted in Fig 3.
The Modes row is used to control the
mode of the wild assign panel above it.
The Layers row is used for layer switching
and accessing certain other panel
functions.
The Functions row changes between
displaying controls relevant to each fader
(as shown in the previous figure), or a
range of setup and configuration options
which do not directly relate to any one
fader.
It is an important to make the distinction
that unlike other displays and controls on
the panel, these rows are not linked to a
single fader.
FIG 3 - FADER PANEL ROWS
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
25
Wild assign panel
Each wild assign panel consists of 24
identical dual rotary control cells and a
row of 8 identical quad button control cells
as shown in Fig 4.
The bottom row of the wild assign panel
is used to provide additional switch
controls for the assigned channel or page
selection for the ‘rotary’ control cells
above.
The control cells will display different
controls and be arranged in different ways
depending on the mode that the panel is
operating in.
The panel could be in Assign, Outputs,
Monitor, Strips or Wilds mode.
Assign mode makes the panel function
as an assignable panel. In much the
same way as previous Calrec assignable
consoles, such as Alpha, a range of
parameters are displayed that reflect
the values of, and allow control over, the
currently assigned path.
Strips or Wilds mode splits the panel
up into eight vertical strips effectively
providing six additional strips controls per
fader.
Outputs and Monitor modes provide
control over output and monitor functions.
A TFT touchscreen located at the top of
the panel is used to display and interact
with control settings.
FIG 4 - WILD ASSIGN PANEL
26 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
Each type of control on the wild assign
panel is detailed in Fig 5.
FIG 5 - WILD ASSIGN PANEL CONTROLS
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
27
Fig 6 highlights the quad button row
at the bottom of the wild assign panel.
This row is known as the wild assign row.
In Assign, Outputs or Monitor mode this
functions as a panel wide row working
with various controls in the control cells
and mini TFTs above.
In Strips or Wilds mode, the panel is
divided up into eight vertical strips. In this
case the control cell displays in the Wild
Assign row each relate to a separate strip
of controls per fader.
FIG 6 - WILD ASSIGN PANEL ROWS
28 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
TFT Panel
This is primarily used to display metering
information and is not touch controlled.
An example meter layout is shown in Fig 7.
FIG 7 - TFT METER PANEL
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
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Monitor Panel
The monitor panel can act as either a spill
controller, downmix controller or a main
output controller. These functions are
accessed with the four 60mm motorised
faders.
Each fader has its own PFL/AFL/CUT
controls and a set of A/B assign keys
either side of an control cell display.
The panel also contains a subset of the
main monitoring controls including the
large CR Monitor level knob, small LS trim
and changeover, Dim level, AFL and PFL
levels and the 4 preselected monitor Hear
controls.
At the bottom of this panel are 8
customer illuminating buttons which can
be configured to act as general purpose
controls or indicators. See Fig 8.
FIG 8 - MONITOR PANEL
30 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
Joystick Panel
Like the monitor panel, this panel
(see Fig 9) can act as either a spill
controller, downmix controller or a main
output controller accessed via the four
60mm faders.
Instead of monitor controls, the lower
green area of the panel is dedicated to
controlling the surround panning facilities
of the console with a motorised joystick.
FIG 9 - JOYSTICK PANEL
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
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Broadcast Facilities Panel
The Broadcast Facilities panel is shown in
Fig 10.
The top two buttons provide switching
and indication for On Air and Rehearse
states. The Fail Warning Cancel button
acknowledges any failures in the system.
Under these is an APFL indicator which
lights if the main monitoring is being
overridden by AFL or PFL. This is also
used to clear any latched AFL and PFL
when pressed.
A Talkback Mic XLR connector is provided
on this panel and also a USB connector
which allows you to plug in a USB
memory stick which can be used to load
and store console configurations from
the configuration PC in the body of the
console.
At the bottom of the panel are the reset
switches. Each of these can be pressed
together with the Enable button to reset
the Surface, DSP module or Control
Processor independently.
The Dark button switches on the surface
screensaver. This turns off all control
cell displays and LEDs and displays a
screensaver graphic on the TFT displays.
Simply touching any fader or control on
the surface will disable the screensaver
and switch on all displays. Dark mode
does not affect audio.
FIG 10 - BROADCAST FACILITIES PANEL
32 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
Dual Fader Panel
The Apollo dual fader panel is shown in
Fig 11. This panel is the same size as -
and can be used in place of - the standard
fader panel.
The panel contains eight 100mm and
eight 60mm motorised faders with
overpress. The functionality of these
faders and controls around them are as
described in the fader panel section.
The 60mm faders on the dual fader panel
take the place of the control cells and
button cells which are present on the
standard fader panel.
Modes and Layers rows
The Layers row and Modes row from the
standard fader panel remain in place but
are both situated at the top of the panel
as shown in Fig 12. Both rows are touch
sensitive as on the standard fader panel.
The controls in the Tools and Layer Tools
functions of the standard fader panel are
also accessible on the dual fader panel.
They are accessed in the same way using
controls on the Layers row, but instead
of appearing on the button cells of the
standard fader panel, the controls appear
on the Modes row control cell displays.
While accessing these functions, the
standard controls of the modes row are
inaccessible.
Path access
Where the standard fader panel has
two paths available per fader (in each of
the 12 layers) using the A and B assign
buttons, the dual fader panel associates
only one path per fader (in each of the 12
layers). The B paths are presented on the
upper 60mm faders and the A paths are
presented on the lower 100mm faders.
This is the opposite way to the orientation
on the standard fader panels.
FIG 11 - DUAL FADER PANEL
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The A and B assign buttons assign the
paths to any relevant assign modes on the
surface, as on the standard fader panel,
but the advantage is that both A and B
paths are visible and accessible on faders
at all times.
The assigned path will have its assign
button illuminated blue as on the standard
fader panel.
Strips or Wilds mode
When a wild assign panel is located
above a dual fader panel and is switched
into Strips or Wilds mode, the path which
the controls relate to (the active path) is
determined by which assign button A or
B is selected for each fader. The active
path for each fader can be changed by
pressing the relevant assign button.
The path label for the active path will take
up two thirds of the path label display
and will have the relevant assign button
illuminated.
Mixing dual and standard fader
panels
A surface can be configured with both
dual fader panels and standard fader
panels. In this situation, the standard fader
panels will only have the A layer enabled
on the lower assign button so that
operation is consistent with the dual fader
panels. The B layer will not be accessible
on these standard fader panels.
FIG 12 - ROWS
34 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
Custom Metering Panel
This panel provides the customer with an
area to mount moving coil PPM/VU style
meters and/or Vectorscope displays such
as the DK MSD600M++ (Fig 13) or the
RTW 10800 range (Fig 14).
FIG 13 - DK METERING PANEL
FIG 14 - RTW METERING PANEL
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
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PANEL MODES
Wild assign panels can operate in
six different modes, three of which
are commonly required. Users often
set three panels across the console
into each of these modes to make
the most commonly used controls all
visible at the same time, in the layout
of their preference.
The six panel modes available are:
• PROCESSING
• SEND-ROUTE
• BUSES & OUTPUTS (Outputs)
• MONITOR (Monitoring)
• WILDS (customer defined controls)
• STRIPS (in-line controls)
• OFF Each panel-mode area can be
set to off if only one instance of each
mode on the surface is to be shown.
To set a wild assign panel into one of
these modes, touch the desired mode on
the modes row shown in Fig 1. This is
located at the top of the fader panel, as
highlighted in Fig 2. The modes row on
a given fader panel sets the mode of the
wild assign panel directly above it.
Apply Mode to All Panels
A mode can be applied to all panels in the
user section by holding the desired mode
button, then pushing the APPLY MODE
TO ALL PANELS button.
Mode Lock
A panel may be locked into a certain
mode by pressing the MODE LOCK
button. The mode buttons on the modes
row will be removed and the panel mode
will not change when APPLY MODE TO
ALL PANELS is used to change the rest
of the surface. Press the MODE LOCK
button again to unlock.
Fixed layout
FIXED LAYOUT is a fixed arrangement of
modes on the surface panels included to
allow the user to return to a default layout.
User Layout
User layout is a stored arrangements of
modes on the surface panels. The USER
LAYOUT button in the lower half of the
modes row allows switching to this layout.
An example layout is shown at the top
of Fig 3 on the next page. This layout is
set up to simulate the same operational
concept as a centrally assignable console
such as Calrec’s Alpha, Sigma, Omega or
Zeta.
This feature is very useful if the
arrangement of the surface layout has
been altered and the user needs to
quickly get back to a known and familiar
state. It is also useful to be able to switch
between two operational concepts easily.
The user could switch between a console
full of Strips or Wilds controls and a
centrally assignable surface at the touch
of a button, and switch back with the
same ease.
Setting up/Recalling the User Layout
To set up the User Layout, simply select
the modes for each panel on the console
in the arrangement that you wish them
to appear, then press and hold the USER
LAYOUT button. The text will change
briefly to USER LAYOUT SAVED to show
that the process has been successful.
Press the USER LAYOUT button to recall
the saved panel mode arrangements.
Assignable modes
The PROCESSING and SEND-ROUTE
panel mode are two of the most commonly
used modes. Both are assignable control
modes, in that they display information for,
and can adjust parameters of the currently
assigned audio path.
Unless user splits have been put in place
for multiple operators, only one audio
path is assigned at any given time. The
currently assigned path is shown on
FIG 2 - LOCATION OF MODES ROW
FIG 1 - PANEL MODE OPTIONS (SET TO OFF)
the TFT screen in the upstand when
displaying either of the two assign modes.
If the currently assigned path is on an
active fader layer, it is highlighted by its
fader label display & assign button being
illuminated blue. The most common way
to select an audio path to make it the
currently assigned path and the focus of
assignable panel modes is by pressing
the fader assign button above (A layer) or
below (B layer) a fader label display.
The actual controls available in an
assignable panel mode may change
depending upon the type of audio path
currently assigned. For example, mono
and stereo paths have different pan
controls available. Paths with analogue
inputs patched to them have phantom
power buttons, whilst paths with digital
inputs have sample rate convertor
buttons. If a Main output is the currently
assigned path, fewer routing options are
available than if a channel or group path is
assigned.
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
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Current Assign and Fader Touch
indication shown on meters
When an Assign button is pressed the
associated meter highlights in a matching
colour to the blue Assign button and
blue background for the Fader display.
This is to further clarify which is the
currently assigned path, see Fig 3 Fader
25A below.
In addition when fader knobs are touched
the background of the associated upstand
meter highlights to indicate those paths,
see Fig 3. Fader 27B below right.
To assign either of these paths, press the
relevant button above or below the display
(above for path A, below for path B).
Note that the positions of the A and B
buttons are swapped over if a dual fader
panel is included in the surface layout.
ASSIGNING PATHS
An important concept of Calrec
consoles is that of assignability.
This allows controls to be shared
amongst all paths, reducing physical
space requirements and providing
quick and familiar access.
When a path is assigned, certain areas of
the surface will display and allow control
of parameters of that assigned path. For
example, any wild assign panels in Assign
mode and the surround spill panel will
update to reflect values of the currently
assigned path. Assigning a different path
will alter these displayed values.
Assigning a path
Above each fader is a display and two
buttons as shown in Fig. 1 below. The
display shows the name of the A and B
paths of each fader. The lower section
(green) shows the A path and the upper
section (yellow) shows the B path. The
path that is currently being controlled by
the fader takes up a greater percentage
of the display area, is coloured with the
relevant colour and has the relevant
assign button lit.
FIG 1. - ASSIGN BUTTONS
FIG 2. - A/B PATH ASSIGNMENTS
FIG 3. - CURRENT ASSIGNMENT AND FADER TOUCH SHOWN ON METERS
The section of the display showing the
assigned path will turn blue to indicate the
current assignment. The relevant button
will also light up blue as confirmation.
The fader will now control the assigned
path as shown in Fig 2 (shown right).
Other areas of the surface that are set up
to respond to Assignments will display and
control parameters of this selected path.
38 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
USER SPLITS
User splits allow the control surface
to be sectioned, allowing multiple
operators to work without impacting
upon each other.
User splits are also often used to
separate an extended control surface or
sidecar from the main control surface. A
maximum of three user splits can be set
across the combination of main console
and extension/sidecar.
User splits can be placed between control
panels to provide separate areas of
control for up to three operators. User
splits partition faders and the assignable
panel modes PROCESSING & SEND-
ROUTE. The assignable panel modes
can only affect the currently assigned
path within their user area. Each area
can have its own currently assigned
path. Changing the assigned path within
an area does not change or cancel the
assigned path or focus of assignable
panels in other user areas. Also, changing
layers only affects faders within the user
area that the change was made from.
If multiple operators require their own
monitoring, speakers / headphones can
be fed from monitor output 1, monitor
output 2 or miscellaneous monitor
outputs, and each operator then use the
controls relevant to their area. The PFL
and AFL listen outputs of the faders within
each user are can be selected to feed one
of three different APFL bus sets, each of
which can be patched to outputs for local
monitoring, and the two main monitors
can be configured to be interrupted by
different APFL sets, allowing each user
to be able to listen to their paths without
affecting each other’s monitoring. Please
refer to Monitoring section for details on
configuring monitoring for multiple users.
See “Monitoring for multiple users” on
page 140.
FIG 1 - MAIN APPLICATION, SHOW SETTINGS>USER SPLIT SCREEN
Identifying User Split Locations
The location of active user splits is shown
on the control surface in the left hand
button cell in the Layers Row.
If this display shows ‘USER SPLIT’, the
panels to the left are in a different user
area to the panel with the indication and
the panels to the right. See Fig 2.
FIG 2 - ACTIVE USER SPLIT
ON LAYERS ROW
Creating / removing user splits
User splits are managed from the Main
Application >Show Settings>User Split
screen. See Fig 1. Clicking on the ‘Add
User Split’ button above any of the panels
allows the choice of users 1, 2 or 3 to be
applied to that panel and to those to the
right of it. Click the ‘Apply new layout to
surface’ button in the top right corner
to apply the user split settings on the
screen to the control surface, or ‘Revert
to current surface layout’ to put it back as
it was.
The User split configuration is saved in
the Show. No changes are applied to
the surface until the ‘Apply new layout to
surface’ button is clicked.
Clicking the ‘Reset all to User 1’ button
will remove all user splits.
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
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LAYERS
Apollo provides an comprehensive
layers feature to aid in organizing
and accessing many paths extremely
quickly.
Layer selection is performed from the
right hand side of the Layers row of any
standard control bed panel, as shown
right. If the layer select controls are not
visible on a particular panel, it is likely to
be in Tools or Layer Tools mode - press
the Tools/Layer Tools button, or the exit
button in the row above to return to the
default modes row menu. Fig 1 shows the
layout of controls on the Layers Row.
A/B Paths
Each fader provides instant access to
two paths. These paths are known as the
A and B paths and are described in the
Assigning Paths section of this document.
To switch all faders to the A or B path
use the ALL A or ALL B buttons on the
Layers row.
Layers 1-12
There are also 12 layers available on the
surface. Each layer contains its own A
and B paths.
Layers can be switched using the green
buttons on the Layers row. The 12 layers
are divided into two banks. The first
bank contains layers 1-6 and the second
contains layers 7-12. The selected bank
and selected layer are highlighted.
Using layers
Layers provide a flexible method of
organizing paths on the surface. Layer 1,
for example, may be configured to contain
all main presenter microphones on path
A and audience microphones on path B.
Layer 2 may contain VT or server audio
sources on path A. Switching between
layers 1 and 2 provides fast access to
both of these organised collections of
sources. A path may appear on multiple
layers simultaneously.
Layer Locking
A path can be locked to a fader and
remain on the surface regardless of the
selected layer. To lock a path touch the
LAYER TOOLS button on the Layers Row.
On the updated Functions row above,
touch and hold the LAYER LOCK button
and then tap the assign buttons of any
faders which contain paths that are to be
locked to the surface. Holding LAYER
LOCK and tapping an assign button
toggles the lock on and off. See Fig 2.
When a path is locked, a padlock icon
will appear in the fader label display to
indicate the lock is active.
When a path is unlocked the A/B display
will show text to indicate the original layer
location of the path as it may not be the
currently selected layer. The locked path
will still remain in view until a different
layer or All A/B selection is made.
Layer Split
The Layers row contains a button entitled
LAYER SPLIT. Touching this button on
any panel inserts a layer split along the
left hand side of that panel. The button
will light up as an indication of the split.
Any layer changes made to the left of the
split will not affect any faders to the right
of the split. This applies to All A and All
B selections too. Multiple layer splits can
be put in place across the surface, each
obeying the same rules described above.
Turning off the B layer
The global B layer, which allows each
fader to access a B path can be turned
off. This is currently a factory set option
and Calrec should be contacted for
activation.
With this option set, the faders on the
surface will only have access to one path
per layer and can be accessed using the
A layer path assignment buttons.
FIG 1 - LAYERS ROW
FIG 2 - LAYER TOOLS
Control Panel Modes
42 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
PROCESSING
The Processing mode is actually a
set of viewing modes to control the
processing of an assignable path, in
that it displays information for, and
can adjust certain parameters of the
currently assigned audio path.
The currently assigned path, and therefore
the focus of the control panel is shown on
the TFT screen. The controls available in
an assignable panel mode may change
depending upon the type of audio path
which is currently assigned. For example,
paths with mic inputs patched have
additional gain and power controls, whilst
paths with digital inputs have sample rate
convertor controls.
The view shown in Fig 1 is known as the
Overview mode which gives you access
to a combination of critical operational
controls. You can adjust EQ gain and
frequency for all bands. Tweak the
threshold and ratio of a compressor, or the
threshold and depth for a gate. Quickly
dial in input delay, path delay, or output
delay if on a bus. Switch the insert on
or off, change stereo path width, disable
AutoFaders, and override remote control.
Overview provides the essential controls
you need to reach quickly. If you need
more detailed control, change to the
dedicated EQ, Dynamics 1, Dynamics 2,
Delay, or AutoFader views by selecting
them from the icon button cells at the
bottom of the panel mode area which
show a thumbnail representation of each
processing function as shown.
Path input controls are coloured red,
running down the left hand side of this
panel mode with buttons extending into
the TFT display above. EQ controls are
colour coded teal and spans 7 columns of
control cells.
Dynamics controls also span 3 control
cell columns and are colour coded purple.
The remainder of the rotary controls
deal with Delay, Stereo Width and Pan.
In addition there are a number of switch
controls related to Inserts, Autofaders and
External Control.
FIG 1 - PROCESSING ASSIGNABLE PANEL OVERVIEW MODE CONTROL LAYOUT
The TFT screen above shows the
Equaliser curve with it’s band markers,
numerical values and response type, it
also shows separate Dynamics 1 & 2
curves with numerical values and gain
reduction bargraphs, the AutoFader status
diagram with its settings and the current
position of the Insert in the audio chain.
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
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FIG 1 - SEND-ROUTE ASSIGNABLE PANEL MODE CONTROL LAYOUT
The Send-Route mode is also an
assignable panel mode, in that it
displays information for, and can
adjust parameters of the currently
assigned audio path.
Like the Processing mode, the currently
assigned path, and therefore the focus
of the control panel is shown on the TFT
screen.
This panel mode allows for the currently
assigned path to be routed to the various
buses / outputs that are available. The
TFT screen provides routing buttons and
displays whilst the panel below provides
colour coded rotary controls for send
levels to applicable outputs, such as
Auxs, Track sends and Direct outputs.
Pressing down on a rotary encoder
highlights that send in the bottom row of
controls providing further options such
as pre-fader / post fader switching. The
last two columns of control cells provide
pan controls for positioning of the path’s
output. See Fig 1.
SEND-ROUTE
Control Panel Modes
44 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
OUTPUT MODE
Outputs mode provides controls for
manipulating output paths such as
Main outputs, Track outputs, Aux
outputs and Groups.
The TFT display provides audio bargraphs
for Main and Aux buses. The control cells
below are colour coded by output type,
providing level controls and cut buttons if
applicable for each output / bus. Button
cells in the bottom row allow for different
groups of outputs / buses to be viewed in
the control cells above.
Pressing down on a rotary control
highlights that output/bus in the bottom
row for additional controls such as listens,
tone and talkback selectors.
For Main and Group buses, this area also
includes an Assign button, allowing that
bus to be assigned and be the focus of
PROCESSING & SEND-ROUTE panel
modes without the need to have the bus
on a physical fader. See Fig 1.
FIG 1 - OUTPUTS MODE CONTROL LAYOUT
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
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MONITOR MODE
Monitor mode compliments the
dedicated monitor panel, providing
control over monitor configuration and
source selection as well as standard
monitor controls that can be accessed
from any location on the control
surface along with provision for
independent monitoring for multiple
operators.
The four monitor pre-selectors, along
with four meter selectors are located in
the bottom row. Pressing SEL on any
of these makes it the focus of the right
hand side of the TFT screen, allowing
for the source to be changed and for
miscellaneous settings to be applied.
The button cell to the left of the meter
selectors allows for the panel to switch
between controlling monitor output 1 and
monitor output 2. See Fig 1.
The button cell at the bottom left switches
the left hand side of the TFT screen
between talkback functions and a user
memory load / save screen see Fig 2.
FIG 1 - MONITOR MODE CONTROL LAYOUT
FIG 2 - MEMORIES SCREEN
ON CONSOLE MONITOR MODE
Control Panel Modes
46 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
WILDS MODE
WILDS mode allows the user to
configure custom wild controls within
the Assign and single Fader panels.
It requires another panel in that
User section to use as the selection
source.
Setting Up Wilds mode
To access Wilds mode across both the
Assign and single Fader panels, select the
SET UP WILDS key on the modes row
whilst in WILDS mode. If WILDS mode
is not selected, then the SET UP WILDS
key is shown as SET UP FADER WILDS
and solely acts on the single Fader panel
see “Setting Up Fader Wilds” on page
48 for details.
Dual fader panels will only show the
SET UP WILDS key if WILDS mode is
engaged, as Fader Wilds are not available.
To show a panel is in SET UP WILDS
mode , the fader display toggles between
normal and ‘Setting Up Wilds’ .
To leave Set Up Wilds mode, press the
BACK TO MODES touch key in the
modes row.
Selecting Wilds
Any combination of Wildable path controls
can be assigned to the rotary controls and
buttons in the Wild assignment areas in
Fig 1.
In SET UP WILDS mode, press the rotary
control or button of the assignable wild to
be set which will flash red to indicate that
selection for change. Note that only one
rotary control or button can be selected at
the same time in the same column.
A range of controls can be selected by
pressing and holding two similar wild
controls on the same row at the same
time.
FIG 1 - WILD ASSIGNMENT IN WILDS MODE
Modes row
Wild assignment
area on Assign
Panel
Fader Wild
assignment area
on single Fader
Panel
If the LINK WILD SELECTIONS button is
selected, any subsequent press of a wild
control will select the entire row - through
all layers of the console - and put them all
into selected wild assignment flashing red.
Memorising Wilds
Once wild assignments have been created
they are stored in memories and can be
copied elsewhere using the Copy Path
tool or using Presets which also allows
Wilds to be transferred between Apollo &
Artemis consoles.
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
47
FIG 2 - SELECTING AND ASSIGNING WILDS
Assigning and Clearing
Once a wild control has been selected
for assignment, any other valid control
from a different panel within the same
user section can be used as the source
for duplication. Once applied, the wild will
immediately display the same control as
the source.
The process for selecting and assigning
wilds is shown in Fig 2.
If an invalid source selection is made,
the relevant fader display will show the
message ‘Cannot Assign Control’:
Wilds are assigned on a fader rather than
a path basis so an unassigned fader can
be given wild controls which only become
active once a path has been assigned to
that fader.
Wilds and/or fader wilds can be copied
from one path to another using the
Copy Path settings function within
LAYER TOOLS (see Getting Signals
into Apollo>Paths and Faders for more
details).
If a path is moved or cloned, all wilds
assignments will move along with it. As
wilds are fader/layer based, wilds can also
be set differently for each layer.
To clear any selected wild control, press
the CLEAR WILD touch key on the
modes row. Note the CLEAR WILD key
will deselect after any successful ‘clear’
operation.
In ‘Setup
Wilds’ mode,
select Wild
rotary control
or button(s)
from the
assign
or fader
panel. The
selection will
flash red
From
another
console
panel, select
any control
from any
panel mode.
On the
original
panel, the
chosen
control
assigns to
the Wild
control(s)
Panel 1
Panel 1
Panel 2
Wildable controls
The rotary control and button cells in
wild assignment areas can be assigned
to many controls including input, output,
equaliser, dynamics, auxs, pan, group and
monitor levels. For a full list of assignable
controls see “Wildable Controls” on page
49.
For instance, path delay, and if assigned,
input delay, direct output delay, aux output
delay, track output delay and main output
delay, could be assigned to a wild control.
Some controls such as pre eq/pre fader
& post fader, PFL, AFL and assign delay,
are not Wildable and will show the ‘Cannot
Assign Control’ message as above.
Alternate Fader Wilds
Whilst assigning a control, if a faders
assign button is held down whilst touching
its fader knob, rather than pushing an
assign rotary control, the fader control
for the alternate A/B sub-layer will be
assigned to the wild control. For example,
while operating on sub-layer A then the
fader control of sub-layer B would be
placed on the selected wild control.
Alternate fader wilds allow dual fader
functionality on a single fader panel.
Control Panel Modes
48 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
Setting Up Fader Wilds
Note that Fader Wilds are only available
on Apollo Single Fader Panels.
To set up Fader Wilds exclusively (existing
settings within the Assign panel are not
affected), select the SET UP FADER
WILDS key on the modes row. SET UP
FADER WILDS is only available when
not in WILDS mode. If WILDS mode is
selected, then the same key becomes
SET UP WILDS and acts on both Fader
Wilds on the single fader panel and Wilds
on the Assign panel, see Wilds mode
above.
As in Wilds mode, the fader display
toggles between normal and ‘Setting Up
Wilds’ to show a panel is in Set Up Wilds
mode. The assignable wilds controls
within the single Fader Panel are show in
Fig 3.
Other functionality is the same as
described for Wilds mode, except the user
is confined to assigning Fader Wilds.
Memory Isolation
The Memory Isolation function includes
the ability to prevent the wilds of any path
from being overwritten when loading a
memory.
To do this, you must set the scope of
memory isolation to include Wilds and/
or Fader Wilds using the LAYER TOOLS
button in the layers row.
See “Memory Isolation” on page 177.
FIG 3 - SETTING UP FADER WILDS
FIG 4 - LINK WILD PAGING
‘Setting Up Wilds’
flashes in Fader
Wilds Set Up mode
Assignable Fader
Wilds controls. Red
indicates a selected
rotary control or
button
Wilds pages
The system provides two pages of wilds,
per fader, allowing twice as many controls
as there are control and button cells. The
top right button in each fader quad button
cell toggles between pages 1 and 2.
Pressing LINK WILD PAGING in SET UP
WILDS mode links all wilds page buttons
together, and any page toggle changes all
paths to show page 1 or 2 . When wilds
pages are linked, a link symbol appears on
each - see Fig 4.
Control Panel Modes
50 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
STRIPS MODE
Strips mode arranges the wild assign
panel controls and touchscreen into
vertical strips with the same controls
above each fader on a panel by panel
basis. This provides quick access to
up to six strip controls and a section
of the TFT touchscreen for each fader.
A wild assign panel set into Strips mode
is shown in Fig 1. Currently there are a
range of pre-configured strips available
for use.
Accessing Strips mode
To set a wild assign panel into Strips
mode, touch the STRIPS button on the
Modes row at the top of the fader panel.
If the Strips bu tton is not visible on the
Modes row, make sure that the panel is
not locked by checking the status of the
MODE LOCK button also located on the
Modes row. The MODE LOCK button is
always available even in strip type select
mode, allowing the user to switch between
STRIPS mode and strip type select mode
while locked to STRIPS.
Selecting STRIPS mode will display the
last used strip type on the panel and show
the available strip type buttons.
Apply to All Strips
By default, the user-wide Apply To All
Strips button is ON, and pressing the strip
type applies it to all panels in that console
area. Turn Apply To All Strips off to allow
individual panels to change to different
strip types.
Routing display
Each strip on the TFT contains a routing
overview for the relevant fader. Tapping
on the TFT overview expands that strip
to allow access to all the bus outputs of
that type to add or remove routes to that
output from that channel.
FIG 1 - STRIPS MODE LAYOUT
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
51
FIG 2 - SETUP STRIPS ON THE MODES ROW
Modes row in its typical state.
After touching the STRIPS button, the different Strip
control options are shown.
Touching the BACK TO MODES button re-
turns the Modes row back to its typical state.
PROCESSING
A/B path indicator
There is an indicator below each routing
strip on the TFT which shows the fader
number and path label. This changes
colour to indicate whether the A (green)
or B (yellow) path is selected on the fader.
The currently assigned path is coloured
blue.
Changing Strips types
When STRIPS mode is selected on the
Modes row, the available strips types are
shown here: Input & Pan, EQ, Dynamics,
Aux 1-24, Aux 25-48, Track Sends and
Direct Outputs. To select an arrangement
of strips, touch the desired strip to assign
it to the panel. Touch the BACK TO
MODES button to return to the typical
Modes row display. This process is
illustrated in Fig 2.
Getting Signals into Apollo
54 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
I/O BOXES & HYDRA PATCHBAYS SAMPLE RATE SELECTION IN H2O
From Version 8, Apollo consoles
can now work at 96kHz sampling
frequency.
There are 2 elements to 96kHz
operation of Apollo consoles:-
Configuring the DSP and configuring the
I/O to run at different sample rates.
Consoles at 96kHz
The consoles can switch between 48kHz
& 96kHz working as required and they
switch their sampling frequency by loading
a show at the required sample rate built
from a template at that rate.
The numbers of channels and buses are
reduced at 96kHz but the numbers at
48kHz are the same as before.
There is no reduction in the numbers of
monitor inputs and outputs at 96kHz.
I/O and Hydra2 Patchbays at 96kHz
Before the I/O can be used with a 96kHz
console its sample rate has to be changed
to match. In H2O a new button labelled
“Sample Rate” is made available, selecting
this opens the list of I/O boxes connected
to the Hydra2 Network.
The list shown in Fig 1 shows the sample
rate set for each I/O box or Hydra2
Patchbay. In order to change the sample
rate the user first selects the required I/O
box or Hydra2 Patchbay box, this enables
the Set Sample Rate button at the bottom
left of the screen.
Clicking on this opens the Set Sample
Rate popup, allowing the I/O boxes and
Hydra2 Patchbays to be set to 48kHz or
96kHz, or to follow the sample rate of a
specific console. This is shown in Fig 2,
please note that certain older I/O boxes
cannot be set to run at 96kHz such as the
fixed format MADI box.
The Hydra2 network supports 48kHz
and 96kHz consoles and I/O boxes
simultaneously, it achieves this by running
at 48kHz irrespective of whether the
Consoles and I/O boxes are running at
96kHz or not. It simply uses 2 samples
per 96kHz signal.
FIG 1 - I/O BOXES & HYDRA2 PATCHBAYS SAMPLE RATE SCREEN IN H2O
FIG 2 -SET SAMPLE RATE POPUP SCREEN IN H2O
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
55
INPUT SOURCE ORGANISATION
Input sources may take the form
of physical audio input ports, DSP
outputs from the same console,
Hydra2 patchbay outputs from other
consoles connected to the same
Hydra2 network, or Hydra2 patchbay
inputs the sources of which can be
switched remotely by H2O or 3rd
party controllers.
Filtering the Hydra2 network
Given the shared and hugely scalable
nature of the Hydra2 system, your
console may be able to access a large
number of I/O boxes. Many of these will
not be relevant to the show or project
that is currently being worked on and
their inclusion in any source lists would
only reduce clarity and result in clutter.
Apollo provides a method to filter out
unwanted I/O boxes so that they do not
appear in the patching lists, or anywhere
else in the software. This feature is shown
in Fig 1.
Open >Hydra2 Settings>Edit Network
screen in the main application. There will
be two lists shown. The left list shows all
Hydra2 boxes connected to the network.
Selecting a box in this list and pressing
the ‘Add’ button will add that box to the
list on the right. This means it will now be
visible in the console patching screens.
Boxes can be removed in a similar way
by selecting one in the right hand list and
pressing the ‘Remove’ button.
Boxes at different sample rates
Note that now different sample rates are
available, boxes whose I/O is set to a
different sample rate to that of the show
appear with the SR kHz warning icon to
indicate that it cannot be used unless the
sample rate of the I/O box is changed in
H2O, or a different show is loaded using
the correct sample rate. See Fig 1.
Input ports
A port is a physical input to, or output from
the Apollo system. As all I/O is contained
in a Hydra2 network, each input socket on
a Hydra2 box can be termed an input port.
Hydra2 Patchbays
Hydra2 patchbays are virtual patchbays
within the Hydra2 domain. Like hardware
patchbays, Hydra2 Patchbays have a set
of input ports which are ‘hard wired’ to
output ports. For port patching purposes,
Hydra2 Patchbay inputs are destinations
and Hydra2 patchbay outputs are sources.
When a source is patched to a Hydra2
patchbay input, it immediately becomes
available at the corresponding Hydra2
Patchbay output.
Once configured in H2O, Hydra2
patchbays appear as online in the Edit
Network screen and can be added to the
Required list to make them available from
the I/O patching screens on each console.
For example, if a console operator
patches a direct output to a Hydra2
Patchbay input, the Direct Output feed
becomes available to all Hydra2 users
(who have been granted access) as the
corresponding Hydra2 Patchbay output.
Hydra2 Patchbays are described in
more detail at the end of this section see
“Hydra2 Patchbays” on page 80.
FIG 1 - EDIT NETWORK SCREEN
Hydra2 Patchbays at different
sample rates
Note that now different sample rates
are available, Hydra2 patchbays can be
created to operate at a different sample
rate (as shown in the rate column in Fig 1)
to that of the show appear with the
SR kHz warning icon to indicate it cannot
be used unless the sample rate of the
Hydra2 patchbay is changed in H2O or a
different show is loaded using the correct
sample rate.
Port labels
I/O boxes have default native port labels
based on the box ID and port number.
These labels can be changed using the
H2O application. H2O edited labels will
appear on all consoles on the Hydra2
network. Labels can also be edited at a
console level using the main application.
Console level edits overrule H2O and
native labels but are only visible on the
console they were edited on.
Getting Signals into Apollo
56 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
FIG 2 - PORTS LIST SETUP SCREEN
Console level port labelling is performed
from >Hydra2 Settings>Port Lists &
Labels screen in the main application see
Fig 2. In this screen, touch the ‘Input
Alloc’ or ‘Output Alloc’ button to access
the available input or output ports. Double
click a port name to provide a new name.
Each label is updated as soon as they are
edited.
If the port list is being viewed
alphabetically in label order, editing them
will cause them to move position in the list
and they can disappear from view. The list
view can be filtered by any of the columns.
To prevent ports moving as they are
labelled, click on the ‘Diag’ column header
to view them in their physical order.
Note that up to 20 characters can be
entered as port labels. All 20 characters
are visible in the main application, and
H2O, however the control surface has
limited text fields. Fader displays only
show the first 10 characters of a port
label, TFT meter labels will show 14.
When reviewing port lists in the patching
screens, the ports are displayed
alphabetically. This should be considered
when labelling ports. Ports can be
grouped together even if they are not in
alphabetical order using sets which are
described later in this section.
Port lists
Ports can be assigned to lists. Lists
provide a way of filtering the information
shown when patching ports.
To access ports lists, go to the
>Hydra2 Settings>Port Lists & Labels
screen in the main application (Fig 2).
Select the ‘Input Alloc’ or ‘Output Alloc’
button at the left of the screen to work
with input or output ports respectively.
The screen will show all available port lists
just to the right of the ‘Input Alloc’ button.
The ‘Default List’ is created automatically
and contains all available input or output
ports.
Creating lists
To create a new list, select the required
ports from the default list (or any other
list that already exists) and touch the
‘Create List’ button. A popup will appear
prompting for the name of the new list,
which can be six characters or less. Enter
the name and touch OK.
The new list will appear below the default
list and will contain the selected ports.
Touch the new list to confirm this. It
is possible to make a new list which is
empty, by ensuring that no ports are
selected when touching the ‘Create List’
button.
Copying and moving ports to lists
Ports can be copied or moved between
lists by selecting the required ports in the
source list and touching ‘Copy Lists’ or
‘Move Lists’. A popup dialogue will appear
allowing selection of the destination list.
Select the destination list and touch OK.
Removing ports from lists
To remove ports from a list, select the
required ports and touch the ‘Remove
Ports’ button.
Renaming lists
Touch the ‘Modify Lists’ button to bring up
a popup dialogue. This dialogue allows
you to select a list and rename it.
Removing lists
To remove a list, select the required list
and touch the ‘Remove List’ button.
A popup dialogue will appear asking for
confirmation of the removal.
Sets
Sets provide a way to group ports which
together form part of a single source, for
example a 5.1 surround source.
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
57
When viewing a port list, ports are sorted
alphabetically according to their port
name. If ports are labelled with the box
name and port number this will present
a logical order in the list. If however,
the ports are labelled according to their
function, for example the name of the
source feeding the ports with a suffix of
each individual leg as shown in the left
column of Fig 3, the ports may not appear
in a sensible order in the list.
If all ports associated with a certain
source are added to a set and arranged
in the correct order within it, they will be
presented in the port list in that order.
The set will be sorted in the port list by the
name of the first port in the set.
Adding ports to sets
To add ports to a set, navigate to the
>Hydra2 Settings>Port Lists & Labels
screen in the main application and select
either ‘Input Order’ or ‘Output Order’ from
the buttons at the left of the screen, see
Fig 4.
On the left of this screen, the lists in the
current view are displayed. Press the
‘More Lists’ button to scroll through any
available views. Select a list to work on by
touching it. The main area will now update
to show the ports stored in the selected
list. Select the ports that re to be stored
in a set and touch the ‘Create Set’ button.
The number of the set will appear next to
the ports. The order of the ports within
the set can be changed by selecting a
port and touching the up or down arrow
buttons.
Ports can be removed from a set by
selecting them and touching the ‘Remove
From Set’ button. Ports can be added
to an existing set by selecting them and
touching the ‘Add To Set’ button. This will
bring up a popup dialogue which allows
the user to select the destination set.
FIG 3 - SETS EXAMPLE
Playback 1 C
When ports are not assigned to sets,
they appear in the port lists in
alphabetical order. This may not list the
ports in a sensible order, for example in
the case of 5.1 surround sources.
By using sets to group ports for related
inputs, the lists will display the ports in
the correct order. The ports will be
sorted by the name of the first port in
each set.
Playback 1 L
Playback 1 LFE
Playback 1 LS
Playback 1 R
Playback 1 RS
Playback 2 C
Playback 2 L
Playback 2 LFE
Playback 2 LS
Playback 2 R
Playback 2 RS
Playback 3 C
Playback 3 L
Playback 3 LFE
Playback 3 LS
Playback 3 R
Playback 3 RS
Playback 1 L
Playback 1 R
Playback 1 C
Playback 1 LFE
Playback 1 LS
Playback 1 RS
Playback 2 L
Playback 2 R
Playback 2 C
Playback 2 LFE
Playback 2 LS
Playback 2 RS
Playback 3 L
Playback 3 R
Playback 3 C
Playback 3 LFE
Playback 3 LS
Playback 3 RS
FIG 4 - SETS
Getting Signals into Apollo
58 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
ALLOCATING SIGNAL PATHS TO FADERS
A path is a generic term that refers
to a DSP process in the system. A
signal present at an input port must
be routed to a Channel path in order
for it to be processed, routed, then
sent back out of the system.
Running at 48KHz, Apollo has 1020
mono channel paths available. The user
is free to configure this pool of mono
resources as required. Simply assigning
any path type to a fader (mono, stereo
or surround) automatically allocates the
required number of DSP resources from
the pool of 1020. A mono channel path
uses a single DSP resource, a stereo
channel path uses two mono resources,
and a 5.1 channel path uses six mono
resources.
Assigning channels to faders
For a path to be directly controlled,
processed and routed, it must be attached
to a fader on the surface. Input Channels
and Output buses need to be patched to
a path in order for audio to pass through
the system. This is detailed in the
‘Getting Signal into Apollo’ section of this
document.
Select TOOLS>FADER ASSIGNMENT
from the Layers row, as shown in Fig 2
and then NEW CHANS from the row
above to display the input channel types
available for allocation.
Select a blank fader by pressing its’
assign button above (A layer) or below (B
layer) its label display to highlight it blue
and make it the currently assigned path
- the focus of assignable controls. From
the New Chans menu, select a width of
input channel to allocate to the fader – 5.1
surround, stereo or mono. On releasing
the button, a DSP input channel of the
chosen width is instantly allocated to the
assigned fader and its label display is
updated accordingly.
Paths of the same width can quickly be
assigned to multiple faders by holding a
channel width button down whilst then
selecting the assign buttons of the blank
faders to allocate the channels to.
Once a fader has a signal path on it, the
path type or width cannot be changed,
the path must first be removed before a
different path can be allocated.
When assigning input channels to paths in
this way, a new input channel is allocated
to each fader from the available DSP
resource pool. DSP resources are quoted
in mono channel legs. When a stereo
channel is allocated, 2 mono paths are
used from the resource pool, and 6 are
used to create a 5.1 surround channel.
Assigning buses to faders
Main Output buses and audio sub-group
buses that have been configured can
also be allocated to faders if required.
Selecting Mains or Groups from the
TOOLS>FADER ASSIGNMENT menu
displays the relevant bus types that are
available. If more groups are available
than can be displayed across the panel,
buttons will be present to allow the view to
page through the different groups.
Selecting a Main or group will allocate
that DSP path to the currently assigned
fader as long as the fader does not
already have a path allocated. Main
output paths can also be allocated to the
faders on the dedicated monitor panel
if the full-featured version with faders is
fitted. When allocating to these faders,
FIG 1 - ROW LOCATIONS
FIG 2 - ASSIGN FADERS VIEWS ON THE SETUP ROW
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Layers Row
Functions Row
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
59
ensure the panel is not in spill or Downmix
mode. Unlike input channels which
are configured as they are allocated to
faders, the buses need to already be
configured from the main application
>Operate>Bus Config screen. Please
see the Buses Overview section for
more detail. Each numbered main or
group is a unique bus signal path. If the
same main or group bus, e.g. ‘Main1’ is
allocated to more than one fader, each
fader is controlling the same bus path and
adjustment of any of them will be reflected
by the others. Cloning bus faders in this
way can be useful to provide access to a
bus from different physical locations or
different fader layers.
Assigning auxs and tracks to faders
in the Tools menu
From V7.0 it is possible to assign auxs and
tracks to faders from the Tools menu in
exactly the same way as groups & mains.
The aux buses are arranged in three
pages of 16 for up to 48 auxs and the
track buses arranged in six pages of 16
for up to 96 tracks.
Inserting blank faders
It is possible to blank out the A or B path
of a fader and shuffle the existing paths
on the surface to the left or the right.
Fig 3 illustrates this feature.
To achieve this, hold the INS << BLANK
or INS >> BLANK button and then press
the A or B assign button on the fader
where the blank is to be inserted.
Paths may only be inserted if there are
enough empty faders to the left or right
of where the path is inserted. If there are
locked paths between the empty faders
and the path to be inserted they will not
allow the insertion to continue. Similarly,
paths cannot be moved past the faders at
the left and right edges of the surface.
Removing a path from a fader
To completely remove a path from a
fader on the surface, touch the LAYER
TOOLS button on the Layers Row. In the
updated Function row touch and hold the
REMOVE / DELETE PATHS button, then
touch the assign buttons of the faders
that contain the paths to be deleted. The
assign buttons of the selected paths will
strobe to indicate the selection. Release
the REMOVE / DELETE PATHS button
and touch either the EXEC or CNCL
buttons to execute or cancel the selection
respectively.
Layer locking faders
Each fader can be locked to a chosen
layer. Layer locking ensures that chosen
paths are always active and available on
the control surface, irrespective of which
is the active fader layer for the rest of the
console.
To lock faders to the currently selected
layer, select the LAYER TOOLS menu
from the Layers Row, then on the updated
Functions row above, press and hold
the Layer Lock button whilst selecting
the faders to be locked by pressing their
assign buttons. Repeatedly pressing a
faders Assign button whilst holding the
Layer Lock button will toggle the lock on
and off.
When a fader is locked to a layer,
a padlock icon will appear in the fader
label display to indicate the lock is active.
After unlocking, a fader will remain on
the same layer until the next console
wide layer change, or its A/B sub-layer
is changed. Unlocking does not cause
it to automatically change to the current
console layer. If only the A or B layer of a
fader is locked it will no longer be possible
to switch between the two. To retain A
and B layer switching whilst locking a
fader to a layer, both the A and B ASSIGN
buttons must be pushed when locking the
layer.
Cloning paths
An existing path may be cloned to
an empty fader. This action does not
duplicate the path, rather it allows multiple
faders to control the same DSP path.
Any changes made to the path on one
fader will be reflected when the path is
accessed by another fader.
The source path should be assigned by
pressing the A or B assignment button.
FIG 3 - INSERTING BLANKS
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Inserting a blank and shuffling existing faders to the right is
allowed here. There is nothing to block the path of the
shuffled faders.
The arrangement of paths below serves as the starting point for the two following examples.
Inserting a blank and shuffling existing faders to the left is
NOT allowed here. Locked faders are blocking the path of
the faders to be shuffled.
Getting Signals into Apollo
60 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
Now touch the LAYER TOOLS button on
the Layers row to update the Functions
row above. Touch and hold the CLONE
PATHS button on the Functions row and
then press the assignment button of the
destination fader to which the path will
be cloned. This must be an empty fader.
The destination fader’s A or B assign
button will strobe to indicate the selection.
The CLONE PATHS button can now
be released and either EXEC or CNCL
can be pressed to confirm or cancel the
cloning respectively.
Moving / Swapping paths
Two paths that are attached to faders
on the surface can have their locations
swapped. All settings on the paths remain
intact, this function simply swaps the
faders that control the two paths.
To swap the location of two paths:
1. In a similar way to cloning a path, push
the ASSIGN button of one of the paths
to be swapped.
2. Touch the LAYER TOOLS button on
the Layers row to update the Functions
row above.
3. Touch and hold the SWAP PATH
button on the functions row then press
the assign button of the other path
which is to be swapped. The assign
buttons of the two paths should now be
flashing to indicate the selection.
4. Release the SWAP PATH button and
press the EXEC button to confirm the
process or press the CNCL button to
cancel the process and leave the path
positions unchanged.
The path on the first fader moves to the
second selected fader, and at the same
time the path on the second fader moves
to the first rather than being removed.
Faders with no path allocated can also
be selected as part of the swap-path
process, i.e a path can be moved to a
blank fader, leaving its original fader blank.
Swapping paths moves the whole DSP
signal path from one physical fader to
another. The input source and its settings
along with DSP and routing settings are
all moved from one fader to another.
Copying path settings
Settings for a given path may be copied
over to another path. You can choose
whether to copy all settings, or just a
certain subset of the settings.
The elements which can be copied are:
• IP1 + DELAY ( Input 1 settings - 48V,
input trim, SRC and input delay)
• IP2 + DELAY (Input 2 settings - 48V,
input trim, SRC and input delay)
• EQ 1-4 (EQ bands 1-4)
• EQ 5-6 (EQ bands 5-6)
• DYN1
• DYN2
• PATH DELAY (Path delay settings)
• FDR + D-MIX (Fader level and down
mix levels if used)
• DIR O/P + DEL (Direct output and
output delay settings)
• TO M/G (Routing to mains and groups)
• TO TRK (Routing to tracks)
• TO AUX (Routing to Auxiliaries)
• WILDS
• FADER WILDS
• AUTOFADER
• ALL (All of the above elements)
Note, when copying settings which
include assignable (input and output)
delay, the delay settings will only be
copied if the destination already has
the delay assigned. The copy function
is just for the delay setting, not the
delay itself.
To access the copy function, touch the
LAYER TOOLS button on the Layers row.
The updated Functions row above will
display the controls shown in Fig 4.
FIG 4 - COPY PATH SETTINGS
To copy path settings:
1. Use the middle four button cells to
select the path elements that you wish
to copy by toggling on/off the buttons
above each option.
2. Press the assign button of the path
from which you wish to copy settings.
3. Now press and hold the COPY CHAN
PROPERTIES button and whilst
holding, press the assign button(s) of
any paths you wish to copy the settings
to. Release all buttons and then press
the EXEC or CNCL buttons to confirm
or cancel the copy respectively.
Some important points to note:
• If you are copying the properties of a
stereo or surround spill leg the stereo
or surround master will be used as the
copy source.
• If any copied properties do not apply to
the copy destination, those properties
will not be copied, for example Balance
settings will not be copied from a
stereo to a mono path.
• If a path’s properties are copied to
a path of a different width, only the
master settings for the path will be
copied.
• Input 1/2 switching and TONE on/off
switching will not be copied.
Warnings and Conflicts
When copying path properties it may be
the case that now path settings create
conflicts, for example, when altering the
input settings of a shared input port. If a
conflict does arise a pop-up will appear
on the TFT to inform you along with the
usual Input/Output sharing pop-up on
the main application screen. See “Input
Port Protection” on page 71 for more
information.
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
61
FADER SETUP SCREEN
Fader / path management can also be
carried out from the main application
GUI.
The >Operate>Fader Setup screen
provides a visual representation of all
faders and all layers, showing the current
path to fader assignment of the control
surface.
The on-screen display shows the type
of path (if any) assigned to each fader,
along with the input port / fader label, and
supporting indicators such as VCA group
status, layer locks, memory isolates, and
cloned paths.
Clicking on a fader cell will bring up the
options available:
If the fader currently has no path
assigned, a pop-up menu will allow path
allocation as shown in Fig 1.
If the selected fader already has a path
assigned, options will be presented to
create a clone, to move, or to delete the
path. If ‘Clone’ or ‘Move’ is selected, the
user should next select the destination
fader - where the clone will be placed, or
where the path is to be moved to.
When moving a path to a fader already
occupied by another path, the user is
presented with the option to swap the
position of the two paths over (same as
the Move Path function when performed
from the control surface), or to discard the
original path on the destination fader.
Operations can be performed on multiple
consecutive faders at the same time by
dragging, or shift-clicking to select a
group. Whole rows can be selected by
clicking the A / B layer markers down the
left hand side of the screen.
The fader setup screen now follows fader
access on the surface, in the same way
as the patching screen. This behaviour
can be toggled in the States button in the
left hand side of the footer of the main
application.
FIG 1 - MAIN APPLICATION, OPERATE>FADER SETUP SCREEN
FIG 2 - PATH WIDTH ICONS
- Mono
- Stereo
- 5.1 Surround
Memories from larger consoles
User shows / memories can be
transferred between mixing consoles of
the same type, for example, an Apollo
User Memory can be transferred to
another Apollo surface.
If a memory is loaded that was created
on a larger control surface, with more
faders, the additional paths are displayed
as virtual faders. The fader setup screen
can then be used to re-organise the paths
needed on to available physical faders /
layers.
The ICONS shown above in Fig 2 are
used to show the widths of various paths.
Assigning auxs and tracks to faders
in the Fader setup screen
From V7.0 it is now possible to assign
auxs and tracks to faders from the
Fader setup screen in the same way as
channels, groups and mains see Fig 1
above, these can also be assigned from
the Tools menu.
Remote Production Option
From V8.0 it is now possible to assign
remote paths from RP1 remote production
units by clicking on the ‘Remote’ option
as shown in Fig 1. This allows the
user to map the remote faders and
remote aux masters of RP1 units on
to the console surface. The operation
and integration of the RP1 remote
production unit with the Apollo console
is the subject of a separate manual :-
Remote Production RP1 System Manual
(926-222) which can be downloaded
from the Calrec Website. In the manual
is a chapter ‘Operation Via Host Console’
which shows how to setup and operate
the RP1 remote production unit via a host
console in this case an Apollo .
Getting Signals into Apollo
62 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
INPUT TYPES AND PATCHING
The main application >I/O>I/O Patch
screen is used to route Hydra2 audio
input & output ports for general use.
This screen works on a source to
destination basis, with the left hand
side of the screen displaying a table of
sources, and the right hand side displaying
a table of destinations. See Fig 1.
All patches made from the I/O screen are
saved as part of the user memory.
Ports at different sample rates
Note that now different sample rates are
available, ports set to a different sample
rate to that of the show appear with the
SR kHz warning icon to indicate that it
cannot be used unless the sample rate of
it’s associated I/O box is changed in H2O
or a different show is loaded using the
correct sample rate. See Fig 1.
Searching input sources
The source and destination lists are
filtered by type. Click on the Select
Source button at the top of the sources
list to bring up the available sources menu.
See Fig 2. Source types are shown in
a column on the left side of this menu,
highlighting ‘Input Ports’ displays a series
of buttons for the Hydra2 input port lists,
as defined by the >Hydra2 Settings>Port
Lists & Labels screen (see the Input
Source Organization section for more
details on port lists). The Default List
contains all Hydra2 input ports that have
been made available. If port lists have not
been customised, there will be a separate
list for each Hydra2 I/O box, labelled with
the box ID numbers. Custom lists may
have been created and / or individual
box by ID lists deleted. Custom lists are
commonly used to group ports by location
or type, for example ‘Studio 1 Mic’s’, ‘VT
machines’ etc. Selecting a port list closes
the Available Sources Menu and displays
the chosen list in the sources table.
Searching destinations
Click on the Select Destination button
at the top of the destinations table to
bring up the available destinations menu.
Destination types are listed in a column
down the right hand side of this menu.
Highlighting ‘My Desk Inputs’ displays the
types of DSP inputs available to patch to,
clicking ‘Channel I/Ps’ closes the available
destinations menu and displays a table of
the control surface faders.
Channel input / fader views
When displaying channel inputs, the right
hand column of the destinations table, and
the text field above the table show the
fader layer being viewed. Different fader
layers can be viewed by clicking Select
Layer. Choosing ‘Desk Layer’ makes the
screen follow whichever is the active layer
on the control surface.
Note that each channel path has two
inputs which it can switch between,
allowing the source on a channel fader to
be quickly changed without re-patching.
Channel input 2
Input 2 is often used for backup sources
such as secondary microphones. The
input 1/2 switch takes place at the front
of the DSP channel path - all processing,
such as EQ, dynamics and routing of
the channel is the same irrespective
of whether input 1 or input 2 is active,
meaning that changing to a backup
source in this way not only utilises
the same fader but also ensures all
processing and routing is the same as
when using the original source.
The two inputs do have independent
controls for input specific functions, such
as analogue gain and phantom power,
allowing for different types of sources to
be used on the two inputs.
As well as fader layer, the text field above
the destinations table also shows whether
it is displaying input 1 or input 2. Buttons
in the right hand corner beneath the table
are used to switch between displaying
Input 1 & Input 2. The labels are
highlighted when viewing input 2 to draw
attention to the fact that these are not the
default inputs.
This screen is used for the patching
and viewing of patches only, the actual
switching of a channel between using
input 1 and input 2 is performed from the
PROCESSING panel mode.
FIG 1 - MAIN APPLICATION, I/O>I/O PATCH SCREEN SHOWING DESK INPUTS
Change source list / type
Change destination list / type
Change fader layer
FIG 2 - AVAILABLE SOURCES POP-UP
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
63
Faders in the table run in numerical order
and are colour coded green for A layer
faders and yellow for B layer faders.
Buttons under the table allow for the view
to be filtered between showing both A &
B layers or A layer only/B layer only.
The ‘Type’ column shows the width of the
path as M for mono, and two rows for the
L and R for stereo. Surround paths take
up six rows in the table: front L and front
R; C and LFE; and rear Ls and rear Rs.
Faders with no DSP path allocated are
displayed as ‘No Path’ in the type column.
Patching input sources to faders
Patching is carried out by highlighting the
required light blue ‘Port’ cell in SOURCES,
and highlighting the desired Fader row in
DESTINATIONS then pressing ‘Patch’.
The example in Fig 3 shows input port
135-1-01 being highlighted. Find the
desired channel / fader from the list on
the right and highlight it by clicking on the
light blue ‘Connected Source’ cell - turning
the row darker blue, the example above
shows a mono path on fader 1B - Layer 2
being selected. Note that faders with no
path allocated, or non-channel paths on
faders such as group and main buses will
not display a light blue patching cell and
cannot be highlighted.
Once the relevant source and destination
is highlighted, click the ‘Patch’ button to
place the source onto the destination.
Once patched, the source label is shown
as a ‘Connected Source’ in the destination
cell, as well as the fader’s label display
on the control surface, and audio will be
passing from the port to the channel input.
Note the ‘Connected Destination’ field in
SOURCES, is to quickly show the user all
the places a particular source is going to.
Patching at different sample rates
Sources at different sample rates to the
show including ports, hydra patchbays and
aliases can be patched (except for System
level patches) to desk inputs but will not
work and are shown as !! pending !! until
the sample rates are matched. Similarly
with desk outputs to destinations at
different sample rates.
Port to port patches cannot be made for
I/O that is at a different sample rate to the
desk. However they can be made in H2O
and by SW-P-08 providing the source and
destination ports are at the same rate.
Bulk patching and source views
Multiple patches can be made at a time
by selecting multiple cells. For example,
selecting one source, but multiple faders
by click-dragging, or control / shift-clicking
then patching will place the one source
onto the multiple faders. Alternatively,
selecting multiple sources and a single
destination will patch all the selected
sources to consecutive channel paths
starting with the one selected. This can
be useful for example to patch a group of
6 sources onto a surround fader in one
process, or a group of consecutive ports
to consecutive faders.
Protection against removing
multiple destinations
In order to prevent accidental removal of
multiple connected destinations. When a
source has more than one destination and
the connected destinations remove button
is pressed, a message appears warning
the user that “ All connected destinations
selected above will be removed. Are you
sure you want to do this?. They can then
press the Remove button or the Cancel
button if the user changes their mind.
Mic Open field
The Mic Open (MO) field shows if a mic
open bus is assigned, with a number from
1-5. If no mic open bus is assigned then
a single dash is shown - as above. More
information on mic open can be found
in the Mic Open Systems section within
External Interfacing.
Additional port info - Desc & Diag
Additional source view filters are ‘Desc’
which displays a description text field for
each port alongside the label and ‘Diag’
which shows diagnostic information as to
the physical location of the port - this is
particularly useful when port labels have
been edited from their defaults.
Clicking on the column headers orders the
list by column, therefore clicking on the
diag column will order the ports by their
physical order and box ID rather than by
the alphabetic label order.
FIG 3 - PATCHING HYDRA2 INPUT PORTS TO INPUT CHANNEL PATHS ON FADERS
Highlight destination cell
Patch selection
Highlight source cell
Connected Destination
Getting Signals into Apollo
64 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
Over-patching, removing & moving
Patching a new source to a destination
with a source already patched will replace
the original patch with the new one.
Sources can be removed from
destinations by highlighting the relevant
destination’s ‘Connected Source’ blue cell
and clicking ‘Remove Source’. Similarly,
destinations can be removed from
sources by highlighting the destination in
the ‘Connected Destination’ column and
clicking ‘Remove Dest’.
Clicking the ‘Move From’ button with
destination cells highlighted allows for
different destination cells to then be
selected, the button changes to display
‘Move To’ and clicking it will remove the
sources from the original destinations and
place them on the new ones.
Moving sources in this way moves the
input port and input settings (analogue
gain, phantom power and SRC) from one
input channel to another, it does not move
the DSP channel path itself - path settings
such as EQ, dynamics and routing do
not move with the input. The Move Path
function from the control surface’s Layer
Tools menu can instead be used to move
the whole path, including all its settings
along with the input and input settings
from one fader to another.
Offline patching
Sources that are currently offline, i.e if
the I/O box is not powered are displayed
red with an ‘OFF’ icon. Patches can still
be made and saved using offline ports.
When the I/O box comes online audio
will automatically be routed as per any
patching made.
Sources used in multiple locations
Hydra2 input ports can be patched to
multiple console inputs as well as directly
to Hydra2 outputs and to other console’s
on the same Hydra2 network. Audio is
passed to all destinations simultaneously.
Please note however that analogue input
gain, phantom power and sample rate
conversion are set in the Hydra2 domain
in the I/O box rather than console DSP
and therefore adjusting these parameters
will affect all instances where that input
port is used, including any other consoles
on the same network.
Returning outputs to input channels
As well as patching Hydra2 input ports,
input channel paths can also be fed from
the console’s DSP outputs. Highlighting
‘My Desk Outputs’ in the Select Sources
menu offers bus and direct output lists
that can be patched to channel inputs in
the same way as input ports. Patches
made in this way actually loop the output/
bus audio back into a channel input. This
is different to assigning a bus to a fader to
provide fader level control over the bus.
Hydra2 Patchbays
Any Hydra2 Patchbays that the console
has been granted access to from the
H2O GUI will also appear in the Select
Sources menu. Consoles can patch
their DSP outputs to Hydra2 Patchbays
which can in turn be patched as console
sources, allowing consoles to share their
outputs across the network without using
physical I/O.
In addition to accessing other consoles
outputs, H2O network administrators and
SW-P-08 router controllers can patch
Hydra2 Patchbays to / from physical I/O
ports, allowing them to remotely control
which consoles are feeding which outputs,
and to be able to change the audio on
sources feeding console inputs. Please
refer to the H2O user guide for details on
configuring Hydra2 Patchbays.
HPB’s at different sample rates
Any Hydra2 Patchbays that has been set
to operate at a different rate than the desk
will behave in the same way as ports do at
different sample rates than the desk.
Alias patching
The ports of any alias files that are
active on the console will be available
for patching from the ‘Input Port Aliases’
group of the Select Sources menu. The
audio on Alias ports is determined by the
active Alias file. Changing the active alias
file allows for the audio on aliased patches
to be changed en-masse by the operator
without changing the user memory and
therefore retaining all other settings.
This may be used for example to allow a
show to be made from different studio
locations, using different I/O boxes but
using the same user memory so that
any parameter changes only need to be
managed in the one memory file. Please
refer to the Alias Files section for detail on
setting up aliases.
Patching inputs directly to outputs
As well as patching to console inputs,
input sources can also be patched directly
to output ports. This may be for simple
routing of signals from point A to point
B, to distribute a signal from one source
to multiple destinations, or to convert
the format of a signal between analogue
/ AES / SDI / MADI etc. Sources can
be patched to multiple outputs, channel
inputs and other console’s inputs
simultaneously. When patching an input
directly to an output, it does not use up
any console DSP resource.
The signal is routed prior to any console
DSP parameter settings, but post the
Hydra2 domain input settings - analogue
input gain, phantom power and SRC
settings are carried by input to output
patches.
To patch to output ports, click the Select
Destinations button, select Output
Ports, then choose the relevant port list.
Patching is performed the same way as
for channel inputs - highlight the blue
source cell, the blue destination cell then
click patch.
If an output port already has a source
patched, it will be displayed. Like channel
inputs, patching a different source will
replace the original one. Outputs with
sources patched from other consoles on
the network are prefixed R:
Please refer to “Output Types and
Patching” on page 130 for more details
on output patching.
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
65
Patching Shortcuts
From V6.0 there are some added
shortcuts on the Apollo and Artemis
surfaces and in the main application,
which will dramatically speed up the
patching workflow.
The first few shortcuts are in the patching
screens on the main application. In any
source list, double tapping (or double
clicking) any connected destination cell
will change the destination area to display
a list containing the relevant destination,
which will be selected ready to be easily
moved, replaced, or removed.
Similarly, you can double tap (or double
click) on any connected source cell in any
destination list. Doing this will change the
source area to display a list containing the
relevant source, which will be selected
ready for you to remove it, or make
another connection. See Fig 4.
The remaining shortcuts are available on
the surface. In the area at the top of the
touch display in Processing mode, INPUT
PATCHING. OUTPUT PATCHING and
INSERT PATCHING buttons are available,
depending on the type of path accessed.
Tapping one of these buttons will change
the main application to show the relevant
patching screen, show the appropriate
source and destination lists, and select
the specific sources and destinations.
See Fig 5.
In the Focus Area, at the bottom of
Routing mode when you tap on a direct
output level rotary control, or at the bottom
of Buses & Outputs mode when you tap
on an output level control, we have added
an “Output Patching” button. Pressing
this button changes its display to show
‘SEE PC’ and will again instruct the main
application to show the relevant patching
screen, show the appropriate source and
destination lists, and select the specific
sources and destinations. See Fig 6.
FIG 4 - PATCHING SHORTCUTS IN MAIN APPLICATION
FIG 5 - PATCHING SHORTCUTS IN THE CONSOLE PROCESSING MODE SCREENS
FIG 6 - PATCHING SHORTCUTS IN THE BUSES & OUTPUTS FOCUS AREAS
Getting Signals into Apollo
66 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
FIG 8 - SOURCE LABEL HIERARCHY
Source Label Hierarchy
Path labelling has been improved providing consistency across all path widths and types.
There is a hierarchy of labels available: from system defined default labels, through
network level user labels, all the way up to user defined path labels:
1. User Path Label
2. External Label (from SW-P-08)
3. Hydra2 Patchbay Source (if source connected to channel via a Hydra2 Patchbay)
4. Source Alias Label (if connected through an alias)
5. Source Label - Local (if given a label in the main application)
6. Source Label – Network (if given a label in H2O)
7. Source Label – System (combination of the box and port ID)
By default, the highest level of label in this hierarchy is displayed, but you can choose
to force this to show whichever level of label you prefer. This can be very useful for
diagnostics. It’s also possible to turn off dynamic labels received via SW-P-08, or when
showing the sources of Hydra Patchbays, see Fig 8.
Custom fader labels
The ‘Label’ column allows custom user
labels to be shown in the fader’s label
display. Double click on a cell in this
column to enter a custom label. Note that
custom labels are associated with the
fader, rather than the input port.
The custom label is retained even if
the input port is changed. If the port is
removed, the fader’s label will display ‘No
Input’. When a new port is patched, the
custom label will be displayed again.
To clear a custom label and revert to
the port label, double click the label cell,
delete it and press enter. See Fig 7.
Ability to Receive External Source
Labels via SW-P-08
Apollo and Artemis can now receive and
display external labels over SW-P-08.
This can be incredibly useful when
integrating with external matrices, as it
allows the source labels from the external
matrix to be passed through to faders on
the surface.
FIG 7 - ENTER CUSTOM FADER LABEL
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
67
FIG 1 - INPUT CONTROLS COLUMN ON PROCESSING OVERVIEW
INPUT CONTROLS
Once a path has been assigned to a
fader, certain options are available to
control the input signal.
Depending on the operating mode, the
controls may be accessible in various
locations on the surface. As the controls
available in Wilds mode are very flexible
and may have been customised by the
user, this section will detail the controls
available on a panel in Assign Mode
using any of the standard PROCESSING
layouts.
Fig 1 shows the layout of input controls
in the PROCESSING - Overview Assign
mode layout.
Inputs 1 and 2
Each input channel can be quickly
switched between two inputs using
the INPUT 1 and INPUT 2 selection
buttons. A common use for input 2 is for
backup microphones, allowing them to
be easily available, using the same fader,
processing and routing as when using the
primary microphone on Input .
Mic/Line gain
The gain of any connected mic/line input
can be adjusted with this control. The
gain range varies from +78 to -18 dB.
This gain control alters the gain at the
input port in a Hydra2 I/O unit and will
only be available to the owner of that port.
Port ownership is discussed in the Input
Sources section of this document.
If the gain is not the same on all legs of a
channel then the gain display will show the
highest and lowest value, as highlighted in
Fig 1’s exploded view. (Shown Right)
±6dB coarse gain
This control allows coarse gain
adjustments to be made to the mic/line
input gain. Pressing the + or - buttons
will boost or attenuate the gain by 6dB
respectively.
Getting Signals into Apollo
68 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
Input trim
Input trim boosts or attenuates an input
signal by ±24dB inside the channel path.
This is the only input gain control available
for digital input signals. As the gain is
applied inside the channel path it has no
effect on any other operators using the
same port.
Linking Input Trims
Inputs 1 and 2 have separate input trim
controls. These can be linked together by
simultaneously pressing the INPUT 1 and
INPUT 2 buttons in the wild assign row.
The wording on the button cell changes to
‘TRIMS LINKED’ to show that the process
has been successful.
Adjustment of a linked input trim control
will be applied to both Input 1 and Input 2,
maintaining any offset between them.
Tone
A button on the TFT touchscreen
overrides the input of the path with tone
at the frequency and level currently set.
When tone is applied to a channel an
indicator will appear on the input controls,
the fader and any meters relevant to the
fader as a visual aid to the user.
Input delay
A pool of 256 legs of assignable input
delay is available to channel paths,
allowing up to 2.73 seconds of delay to be
applied to each path with delay assigned.
Input delay is assigned to channel paths
from the PROCESSING - DELAY panel
mode, see “Delay” on page 93.
FIG 2 - INPUT SIGNAL FLOW
Mic gain
with 48V
to L and R
AES input
with SRC
Other
inputs
Input 1
trim
Balance
Stereo channel / leg
Mono channel / leg
To channel
ø L
ø R
M/S
LTB
RTB
Input
selector
(1/2)
Hydra2
Input 1
delay
Tone
Input 2
delay
Input 2
trim
Balance
ø L
ø R
M/S
LTB
RTB
Hydra2
Mic gain
with 48V
AES input
with SRC
Other
inputs
Input 1
trim
To channel
ø
Input
selector
(1/2)
Hydra2
Input 1
delay
Tone
Input 2
delay
Input 2
trim
ø
Hydra2
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
69
The following controls allow
manipulation of mono or stereo
input signals. Should a fader have
a surround path assigned to it, each
mono or stereo leg of this surround
signal may be manipulated by
assigning the relevant leg on the spill
panel.
48V
48V (phantom power) can be sent to
each leg of the input signal using the
48V button (mono) or the 48L and 48R
buttons (stereo). These are located on the
TFT touchscreen.
Polarity inversion
The polarity of the each leg of the signal
may be inverted individually
Input balance
The balance of a stereo input pair can be
varied from +/- 3dB left/right, through
centre stereo.
L>B and R>B
Path leg routing options L>B (left to both)
and R>B (right to both) allow you to route
the left or right legs to both sides of a
stereo channel. With both switches in the
off position the left signal feeds the left
leg and the right signal feeds the right
leg of the stereo path, this is a ‘normal’
stereo setup. Switching on L>B feeds
the left signal to both left and right sides
of the stereo path, and switching on R>B
feeds the right portion of the signal to
both left and right sides of the stereo path.
Switching both switches on sums the left
and right portions of the signal together
and outputs this on both the left and right
legs.
With both switches in the same position,
either on or off, you have access to the
input balance control. When they are
both off the balance control responds as
described above but with both controls
switched on the it is a full range balance
control i.e turning the dial all the way to
the left outputs the left hand signal from
both legs of the path.
With either L>B or R>B switched on
independently, the balance control is
unavailable—it would have no effect as
the left and right portions of the signal
would be the same.
M-S
If the input signal on a stereo input is
presented as an M-S pair it may be
presented incorrectly unless the M-S
decoder is switched in. A button on the
touchscreen toggles the decoder in or out.
SRC
Sample rate conversion may be turned on
if an AES input is selected. The buttons
for this are found in the same location as
the 48v buttons when a Digital Source is
selected.
Signal flow
Fig 2 shows the signal flow of Apollo’s
input section for a stereo input with input
1/2 selection.
Note that it is possible to change
input controls for an I/O box port
which is offline. In this case it is
important that console operators
regularly save the User Memory to
avoid losing settings when the I/O
box comes back online.
Getting Signals into Apollo
70 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
REPLAY
The Replay feature allows easy
switching between inputs 1 and 2 for
a pre-determined set of paths.
The primary use of replay is to provide a
quick way to play back multitrack content
over the same fader paths used for
recording. This is achieved by patching
each live audio source to a path’s input 1
and the corresponding recording device
output to the path’s input 2. All paths
being used with the multitrack recorder
should then be added to the replay set,
allowing their inputs to be switched
between 1 and 2 with a single button
press.
Replay control buttons can be accessed
by selecting TOOLS and then MISC from
the Layers row. On the far left of the
functions row above there are two buttons
associated with replay: ON and SETUP.
Adding Paths to the Replay Set
Paths can be added or removed from
the Replay Set by pressing their ASSIGN
button whilst holding the Replay SETUP
button down, as indicated in Fig 1 above.
Whilst holding down Replay SETUP,
notice that all paths currently in the Replay
Set are indicated by strobing ASSIGN
buttons.
Activating Replay
Pressing ON in the replay button cell
activates Replay, switching all paths within
the Replay Set to input 2, regardless of
which input they were previously assigned
to. Pressing ON again will deactivate
Replay and switch all paths in the Replay
Set to input 1, see Fig 1.
FIG 1 - REPLAY CONTROLS
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
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INPUT PORT PROTECTION
Input Port Protection is a simple
process designed to protect input
sources when they are being used by
multiple operators across a network.
Audio input sources can be shared by all
consoles connected on the same Hydra2
network. All operators can control a
shared input using their own console’s
input controls, but no operator has direct
control of the shared input’s Mic Gain,
phantom power (48v) or SRC. To help
avoid unwanted or accidental changes,
these critical input controls are ‘protected’
using a simple manual process.
If the currently assigned path is using a
protected input, a pop-up will appear in
the upper left of the PROCESSING mode
TFT screens showing the names of all
sharing consoles, see Fig 1. If ‘Protected’
appears in this list, as shown above,
this indicates that the input has been
protected by the network administrator via
the H2O GUI (see the H2O user guide for
more information).
When the fader assign button is pressed
on a path using a protected input, it’s Mic
Gain, 48v and SRC controls will appear
disabled (greyed out) on the input (left
hand) column of all the PROCESSING
mode assign layouts.
Controlling a Protected Input Port
To alter a protected input’s Mic Gain,
48v or SRC, simply hold down the
corresponding fader’s assign button whilst
making the desired change using the
usual surface controls.
Loading Shows/Memory/Alias Files
There are implications for protected
inputs’ Mic Gain, 48v and SRC settings
during the process of loading shows,
user memory and aliases. For more
information on memories, see “Using
Shows and Memories” on page 172.
If memories are loaded which affect
protected inputs, a pop-up appears on the
main application screen, see Fig 2 above
right.
FIG 1 - SHARED INPUT NOTIFICATION POP-UP - CONSOLE
FIG 2 - INPUT SHARING POP-UP - MAIN APPLICATION
This pop-up contains a table of
information to help in deciding which
protected input settings, if any, need to
be overwritten. All protected inputs are
listed, along with the consoles they are
shared with, current settings and the
potential overwrite settings. There is also
a column indicating Alias names, if in use.
The left hand check box column is used
to choose which settings to overwrite.
Initially all changes are de-selected.
Once selections have been made, the
ACCEPT CHANGES button can be
pressed to accept the selected changes
and prevent changes that are deselected.
CANCEL ALL will prevent any settings
changes. In both cases the protected
input sources will still be patched to the
desired console paths, it is changes to
Mic Gain, 48v and SRC that are being
protected.
Getting Signals into Apollo
72 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
A simple ‘Ports in use by others’ pop-up
will also appear on the surface’s Memories
screen. This Pop-Up gives the option to
ACCEPT CHANGES or CANCEL ALL,
allowing full functionality through the
surface, but with reduced options and
information.
When using this pop-up, there is a second
layer of protection which will ask the
operator is they are really sure about
the changes before being prompted to
ACCEPT CHANGES again. See Fig 3.
Remember to ensure you know what
the effect of the memory load will be
before selecting ACCEPT CHANGES,
as this will alter the protected input
sources for all operators.
The pop-up in the main application
may have 2 stages - Input Sharing and
Output Protection. This indicates that
the memory to be loaded also contains
changes to outputs which are in use by
other operators.
See Fig 4, also see “Output Port
Protection” on page 131 for more
information.
FIG 3 - SHARED INPUT NOTIFICATION POP-UP - MEMORIES SCREEN
FIG 4 - INPUT SHARING AND OUTPUT PROTECTION 2 STAGE POP-UP
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
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DOLBY E DECODING
Dolby E decoders are no longer
available as an option for fitting in
Hydra2 modular I/O boxes. However
there are a number of existing mixing
consoles that have these fitted.
If fitted, the decoders are patchable
and can be used to decode any
Dolby E signal being input to any
Hydra2 I/O box on the network.
The VO5873 modular I/O card has 2 SDI
inputs and 4 slots for Dolby E decoder
modules. Multiple VO5873 cards can be
fitted within the same or different modular
I/O boxes across the network to provide
the total quantity of decoders required.
Although physically located on the same
card as SDI inputs, the Dolby E decoders
are in fact fully patchable in their own right
and can be used to decode any Dolby E
signal fed into any Hydra2 input on the
network, whether it is coming in as an
AES pair or is embedded into an SDI or
MADI stream.
LED’s A, B, C & D on the front of the
module itself illuminate green to show if
decoder cards have been fitted in the four
available slots on the module.
Passing signals through decoders
Consoles with access to VO5873s will
display the Dolby E decoders as I/O ports
available for patching in a similar way to
regular I/O patching. Unless the I/O lists
have been customised, the decoders will
appear in the port lists labelled with the
ID number for the modular I/O boxes they
are fitted in, and like other I/O are ordered
by the slot the module is fitted in.
Dolby E encoded signals that are fed to a
Hydra2 input port and require decoding
should be patched to a decoder. Using
the main application >I/O>I/O Patch
screen, find and highlight the input port
pair being fed with encoded signal in the
sources lists on the left side of the screen,
see Fig 1, also see “Input Types and
Patching” on page 62 for more details
on I/O patching.
FIG 1 - AES INPUT PATCHED TO OUTPUT PORTS FEEDING A DOLBY E DECODER
FIG 2 - OUTPUT FROM A DOLBY E DECODER PATCHED TO AN INPUT CHANNEL
Getting Signals into Apollo
74 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
Passing encoded Dolby E
If required, Dolby E encoded signals can
be routed through the Hydra2 domain
without decoding. When patching input
ports containing Dolby E encoded signals
directly to output ports, it is important to
ensure that any sample rate convertors
on the incoming signal are switched OFF.
An Encoded signal may be input as an
AES pair or embedded into SDI or MADI
streams and can be patched directly to
AES, MADI or SDI outputs irrespective
of the format the input is in. Calrec AES
and AES within SDI do have sample rate
convertors and will be switched in as a
default.
To maintain the integrity of the encoded
signal, ensure the SRC of the port it is
being fed into is switched off. Patching
the input ports to a decoder (as well as
directly to the required output ports)
will automatically switch the SRC off. If
required, the patch to the decoder can
then be removed, the SRC will stay off.
Alternatively, or if no decoders are fitted,
the SRC can be switched manually by
patching the input port to a channel input
(as well as directly to the required output
ports). SRC can be switched on and
off from the TFT screen of any of the
PROCESSING panel modes when the
channel is the currently assigned path.
The ports can then be removed from the
input channel and the port’s SRC on/off
status is retained.
Note: DolbyE will not function at
sample rates other than base rate
i.e. it won’t work at 96kHz.
Click on the Select Destinations button
above the destinations table, choose
Output Ports from the pop-up menu
and then select the port list containing
the decoders. Two ports are available
for each decoder card for the L & R of
an encoded pair. Highlight one of the
encoders in the list and patch the L& R
input port pair to the L & R of the chosen
encoder. The audio from the chosen input
ports is now feeding the chosen encoder
card.
Then, from the Select Source menu find
the list containing the decoder’s output.
8 ports provide inputs to the system from
the output of each decoder card. These
ports can be patched in the same way as
regular I/O ports. To put them on input
channel paths, choose My Desk Inputs
from the Select Destinations menu, or
to pass the decoded audio straight out
they can also be patched directly to
output ports of any format. Like other
input ports, the feed from the decoders
can be patched to multiple destinations
simultaneously.
Important - sample rate conversion
In order for a DolbyE signal to be
decoded, it must NOT be sample rate
converted before reaching the decoder.
Patching an AES input source, either from
a regular AES port or from within an SDI
stream to a decoder will automatically turn
the sample rate convertor (SRC) off for
that specific AES pair at the Hydra2 input
stage. For successful decoding, ensure
that the signal is not being sample rate
converted before it reaches the Hydra2
input, for example by external routers or
de-embedders.
The switching of SRC on an input port
will affect all instances where that port
is being used, including other consoles
on the network that may be accessing
it. To turn a Calrec SRC back on, or to
manually switch on / off, the input itself
(as oppose to the decoder) should be
patched to an input channel. With the
input channel selected as the currently
assigned path, SRC switching buttons
are available from the TFT screen of any
of the PROCESSING panel modes. The
on / off status of a port’s SRC is retained
after removing it from an input channel.
Once the signal has passed through the
decoder it is then automatically sample
rate converted to ensure the integrity of
the signal through the console. SRC of the
decoded signal cannot be turned off.
Important - synchronisation
If an SDI stream is connected to the
VO5873, its’ decoder cards will operate
using the SDI stream’s frame sync. This is
to allow extracted metadata to be aligned
relative to the video frame sync. If the
card is being fed SDI whilst decoding a
signal that is not part of that SDI stream,
it is important that the encoded signal
has the same sync reference as the
SDI stream feeding the card. Failure to
ensure this will result in loss of audio and
metadata.
Metadata
A connector on the VO5873 front panel
outputs metadata extracted by the Dolby
E decoder cards.
Please refer to the Hydra2 Installation
Manual for the connector pin-out
information.
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
75
ALIAS FILES
Alias files enable easier setup of
input and output configurations when
productions move to different studios.
In systems with several studios and
control rooms, moving a production
causes a change to some of the
resources used, but retaining a similar I/O
patching scheme. For example changing
a show from Studio 1 to Studio 2 is likely
to require a similar set of inputs patched
to the console channels but coming from
a different studio wall box. An alias file
provides easy re-patching. Similar alias
files also exist for output routing.
Editing alias files
To create or modify an input alias file,
go to >Hydra2 Settings>Aliases>Input
Files. With either a new or existing file
open for editing, all the available input
ports are shown in the right hand window
and can be placed as part of the alias by
touching the ‘Add Ports’ button. Once
added, the ports can be given a function
related name as shown in Fig 1. The
commonly used CTRL X, CTRL C and
CTRL V for cut, paste and copy can be
used to speed the entry of text names.
Names must all be unique and any
temporary duplicate is shown with a red
warning.
Once the alias file for use with one set
of ports has been saved, another can be
created using an alternative set of ports,
assigning matching names for the audio
signal to those used in the first alias file.
It will often be convenient also to organise
the output ports into suitably named
Output Alias files.
Aliases at different sample rates
Although the alias is sample rate agnostic
the alias is made up from ports that may
be at a different rate to the desk. Only
ports inside the aliases that are at the
same sample rate as the desk will work.
FIG 1 - INPUT ALIAS FILE EDITING
FIG 2 - ALIAS GROUPS
Getting Signals into Apollo
76 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
FIG 3 - ALIAS ENABLING
Alias groups
The display order is alphabetical so to
ensure related are adjacent in source lists,
ALIAS GROUPS can be created.
These can be thought of as performing
a function similar to input sets and within
the group, the term SET is again used.
First select the alias file for which groups
are going to be assigned and then
select the first port that is to belong to
that group. Touch ‘Create Group’ and 1
appears in the SET column. Other ports
can then be chosen as in Fig 2, either to
be added to an existing group, or for a
newly created group. This grouping is only
of the ports within the alias file and should
not be confused with any other form of
grouping that may be in use on a console.
Alias mic bus
‘Alias Mic Bus’ allows the ports to be
assigned to one or more of the console’s
five mic open buses so that studio
speaker muting is correctly assigned
when the production changes studios.
Enabling an alias file
To make an input alias file active and
ready for use, go to ‘Inputs Active’ and
using the arrows, placed the required
file(s) into the left window of active alias
files as in Fig 3. Only files that contain
valid input patching can be made active.
When output alias files have been created,
they should also be enabled to make them
available for use.
Alias patching
To use the routes defined in the input alias
file, go to the I/O patching screen.
When filtering the Sources, as shown in
Fig 4, all the currently active Input Alias
files will be shown, as well as available
inputs ports and desk outputs. Output
aliases are used in a similar way.
FIG 4 - USING AN INPUT ALIAS
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
77
TONE / OSCILLATOR CONTROLS
There are many tone injection points
within the Apollo DSP to aid with path
checking and line-up.
Tone can be routed in the following ways:
• To a channel or group fader’s input -
press the fader’s ASSIGN button and
select TONE in the lower left hand
corner of any PROCESSING mode
TFT screen.
• To Track outputs - press the rotary
controller for the required track output
when in the OUTPUTS panel mode to
bring up extra controls including tone
switching, then select TONE>TRACK
• To Aux outputs - press the rotary
controller for the required aux output
when in the OUTPUTS panel mode to
bring up extra controls including tone
switching, then select TONE>AUX
• To Group Outputs - press the rotary
controller for the required group output
when in the OUTPUTS panel mode to
bring up extra controls including tone
switching, then select TONE>GROUP
• To Main outputs - press the rotary
controller for the required main output
when in the OUTPUTS panel mode to
bring up extra controls including tone
switching, then select TONE>MAIN
• To Main outputs from the 4 faders on
the monitor panel - If main outputs
are assigned to these faders, and the
panel is not in downmix or spill levels
mode, the button just above each fader
becomes a tone selector.
Changing the mode of panels or the
assigned focus by selecting a different
fader or output bus does not clear the
tone. Tone will remain until deselected or
globally cleared.
FIG 2 - OSCILLATOR CONTROLS
The Oscillator functions provide
control over internal tone parameters
and allow the option to override the
internal tone generator with external
or ‘house’ tone.
These controls can be accessed from any
fader panel by pressing TOOLS and then
OSCILLATOR on any fader panel’s Modes
row. The oscillator controls will then be
displayed in the Functions row above, as
shown in the image below.
Oscillator Parameters
The Functions row provides controls to
adjust the internal oscillator’s level and
frequency, including a repeating tone
sweep function and mute options for each
leg of the accessed path:
• Frequency ranges cover the band from
20Hz to 20kHz.
• Level is displayed in both dBFS and
dBU.
• The oscillator sweep is stepped and
runs from 20Hz to 20kHz.
• The < and > buttons allow you to
change the direction of the sweep.
• Pressing and holding ‘1KHz’ or ‘Ref
Level’ will reset to the default values.
Note, the default level value is intended
to match your regional or chosen running
levels and line-ups, e.g for the US, the
default lineup setting is -20dBFS/+4dBU
whereas for the UK it is -18dBFS/0dBU.
If your line-up levels are not as expected
please contact your engineering support
or Calrec support at [email protected].
FIG 1 - ASSIGNING TONE TO A BUS OUTPUT
• Panel in Outputs mode shown after Aux 1 rotary control press
Getting Signals into Apollo
78 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
Tone Idents
Ident patterns are used to identify which
channel is which to help verify routing and
patching. Apollo consoles support three
ident formats which can be selected from
the ‘Idents’ control cell within the oscillator
control row.
‘L ONLY’ is similar to the EBU ident
specification. The tone on the left audio
channel is repeatedly interrupted whilst
the right channel remains constant.
‘L=1, R=2’ is similar to the GLITS
ident specification. Tone is repeatedly
interrupted on both left and right
channels. Each interruption on the left
channel is followed by two interruptions
on the right channel.
These are stereo idents and will only
be applied to tone being injected onto
stereo paths / outputs. If tone is selected
directly onto a surround output (rather
than on a fader routed to an output) the
stereo ident will only affect the stereo
downmix / encoded output channels.
Only one of the two stereo idents can be
selected at any given time.
BLITS ident is for use on 5.1 surround
paths and will not affect tone on mono
or stereo paths. BLITS ident can be
selected / used at the same time as one
of the stereo idents.
Four different modes can be selected for
the BLITS format, selectable from the
control cell to the right.
‘NORM’ is the full BLITS cycle mode -
First, a short burst of tone is applied to
each of the 6 channels, one at a time,
in order. Four different frequencies of
tone are used at this stage to help ID
the channels - L/R outputs at 880Hz,
Centre at 1320Hz, Lfe at 82.5Hz and
Ls/Rs at 660Hz. This is followed by
1KHz tone the on L & R legs only. The
right channel is continuous, whilst the left
channel is repeatedly interrupted. The
last stage of the cycle applies 2KHz tone
on all 6 channels simultaneously before
beginning the cycle again. Each cycle
lasts approximately 13 seconds. The
different frequencies used also help to
identify each part of the cycle, for example
if 1KHz can be heard anywhere other than
front L/R there must be a problem with
routing or patching.
All Idents apart from BLITS can be used
in conjunction with the Oscillator sweep
function. Selecting BLITS automatically
disables the sweep.
External Tone
The ‘EXT TONE’ buttons override the
console oscillator, allowing for externally
generated tone to be applied for users
who have a ‘house’ tone / ident system.
Mono, stereo and 5.1 tone paths are
separated to support their idents.
External tone can be applied and selected
individually to each ‘width’ of tone bus,
meaning a mixture of internal and external
tone could be used if required.
External tone sources can be fed into any
Hydra2 input. The inputs used need to be
patched accordingly -
From the main application, >System
Settings>Fixed I/O>Select Destinations
in the upper right area of the screen and
choose TONE + TB. From the upper left,
‘Select Source’ and choose the relevant
Desk Inputs list for the I/O ports the
external tone is connected to. Highlight
the blue cell for the correct ‘Ext Tone’
destination, highlight the blue cell for
the correct input port and click ‘Patch’
to apply. Repeat for any other sources
required.
The destinations side of this page also
provides the option to switch in/out
sample rate convertors if digital sources
are patched or to select phantom power
and adjust input gain on analogue inputs,
though the analogue settings are normally
only changed from their defaults for the
Talkback destinations displayed in the
same list. For Tone destinations using
analogue inputs the default setting is 0dB
gain and NO phantom power.
Patches made on this page are
automatically saved and remain the same
for all memories and shows
Tone Clear
The upper half of the control cell on the
far right provides a TONE CLR function.
This will clear all tone selections made on
the control surface - i.e it will deselect
tone switched to channel inputs, bus
outputs etc (it does not affect external
tone patches and does not turn off the
oscillator). This is a convenient way to
ensure all paths are passing normal signal
and no tone is injected over the path prior
to going on air. It is also a convenient
method to kill tone in a hurry when the
source is not so obvious.
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
79
Tone Patchable to Output Ports
Tone can be selected to multiple points
throughout the DSP from channel inputs
to bus outputs, and is also available to be
patched directly to output ports for use
by others. This makes the tone oscillator
available as a externally available source
without using the DSP.
Tone is available as a source to be
patched to output ports from
>My Desk Outputs>Tone Outputs.
See Fig 3.
Tone Troubleshooting & FAQs
No tone present when selected
Selecting external tone will replace the
console oscillator whether external tone
is present or not. If internal tone is not
present when expected, check it is not set
to external.
If using external tone, check the correct
input ports are patched to the external
input (and that the tone generator is
connected, on and set correctly)
Also check that the oscillator level and
frequency are set to suitable values.
Tone on stereo downmixed / encoded
outputs lower than expected
When selecting tone to a surround output
bus, it is also applied to that buses’
LoRo/LtRt outputs at the same level.
This is because tone is being applied at
the final output stage. With tone to line
selected the signal on LoRo/LtRt is NOT
derived from a downmix or encoding of
the surround channels. The same level
of tone is applied to both the 5.1 and the
downmixed output.
Tone on stereo downmixed/encoded
outputs higher than expected
If tone is fed from a surround channel /
path which is in turn routed to a surround
output, the LoRo/LtRt of that output will
generally be of a higher level than that
on the surround legs as the LoRo/LtRt
output is derived from a downmix of the
content on the surround legs as per the
downmix settings.
Tone not present or low on Lfe
channel of outputs
If tone is routed from a channel to
surround main output and signal is not
present on the Lfe leg of the output, this is
likely due to the default state of surround
Main outputs having a high frequency
filter switched in on their Lfe leg.
Reduce the frequency of the oscillator to
around 50Hz to see (and hear) the Lfe
channel.
If desired, the filter can be switched out or
adjusted by selecting the Main output as
assigned, then selecting the Lfe channel
from the surround spill panel and adjusting
the filters from an EQ panel.
FIG 3 - PATCH TONE TO OUTPUT PORTS
Getting Signals into Apollo
80 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
HYDRA2 PATCHBAYS
Hydra2 patchbays (HPBs) allow
console operators to make selected
DSP audio outputs available on
the Hydra2 network, allowing other
Hydra2 users to access them as well
as allowing console input sources and
output feeds to be changed remotely.
HPBs are virtual patchbays within the
Hydra2 domain. Like physical patchbays,
HPBs have a number of input ports which
are ‘hard wired’ to output ports.
For port patching purposes, Hydra2
Patchbay inputs are destinations and
Hydra2 Patchbay outputs are sources,
see Fig 1.
When a source is patched to a Hydra2
Patchbay input, it immediately becomes
available at the corresponding Hydra2
Patchbay output.
For example, if a console operator
patches a direct output to a Hydra2
Patchbay input, the direct output feed
becomes available to all Hydra2 users
(who have been granted access,) as the
corresponding Hydra2 Patchbay’s output.
There are two types of HPB: ‘console
specific’ and ‘shared’. Console specific
Hydra2 Patchbays are available to the
console that they have been created for,
plus H2O and 3rd party controllers via
SW-P-08.
Shared Hydra2 Patchbays are available
to all Hydra2 users who have been
granted access, plus H2O and 3rd party
controllers via SW-P-08.
Consoles can patch signals to their own
or shared Hydra2 Patchbay inputs in the
same way they patch to physical output
ports.
Hydra2 Patchbays allow network
administrators (via H2O) to patch console
inputs and outputs (which have been
patched to Hydra2 Patchbay ports) to
physical I/O ports.
H2O users can choose physical input
ports to connect to console’s Hydra2
Patchbay inputs, and physical output
ports to connect to console’s Hydra2
Patchbay outputs allowing them to choose
and change console feeds and output
destinations.
External routers supporting the SW-P-08
protocol can also have access to Hydra2
patchbays enabling 3rd party control over
console patching.
Hydra2 patchbays are created from the
H2O user interface. See the H2O user
guide for more information.
FIG 1 - HYDRA2 PATCHBAYS
HPBs and different sample rates
From version 8.0 Hydra2 patchbays can
be configured to operate at 48kHz, 96kHz
or follow the sample rate of a particular
console when it loads a show. See “I/O
Boxes & Hydra Patchbays Sample Rate
Selection in H2O” on page 54
A Hydra2 Patchbay set to a different rate
than the desk will behave in the same way
as ports at different sample rates to the
desk. See the H2O user guide for more
information.
Once created, Hydra2 patchbays are
available for patching, they appear ‘online’
in the >Hydra2 Settings>Edit Network
screen of main application from where
they can be added to the console’s
Required List for use in port patching.
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
81
Port Sharing
Input and output port protection works
as normal when dealing with Hydra2
Patchbays for both console and H2O
users. In situations when two or more
consoles are using the same feed from
a Hydra2 Patchbay (as shown in Fig 2)
it is possible for one console to change
the patching of the other by changing the
I/O box port which is feeding the shared
Hydra2 Patchbay input, either through
a Memory load, or through changing the
individual patch.
In these circumstances it is important that
the console operator understands the
contents of the Input/Output protection
dialogue before accepting any changes,
as these changes directly affect other
network users.
Console operators are given the
ability to change the source feeding a
HPB that is feeding other consoles to
add increased flexibility. However we
advise that all I/O box port to Hydra2
Patchbay input patching is controlled
from H2O or a third party controller
to avoid unwanted changes to other
console’s source feeds.
Unpatching
Under normal circumstances when I/O
box ports are unpatched, their input
settings (Mix Gain, SRC. 48V) are reset
to their default values. However, when
using Hydra2 Patchbays it is possible to
unpatch a port at two points in the signal
chain, as shown in Fig 3 on the right.
If the port is first unpatched at point
2, the I/O box port’s input settings will
be retained, even when the port is also
unpatched at point 1.
FIG 3 - HYDRA2 PATCHBAY - UNPATCH
FIG 2 - HYDRA2 PATCHBAY - CONSOLE PATCHING CHANGE
84 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
CHANNEL SIGNAL FLOW
Fig 1 below illustrates the signal flow
in an Apollo channel path, showing
how Inserts, EQ, Dynamics, Path
Delay and the relevant send and
output points can be positioned within
the signal path.
FIG 1 - CHANNEL SIGNAL FLOW
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EQ AND FILTERS
EQ is available on all paths without
restriction. Each path has access
to six full range, fully parametric,
switchable response EQ bands.
Each EQ band has a frequency range
from 20Hz to 20kHz and can have either
a high-pass filter, low shelf, notch, bell,
high shelf or low-pass filter response.
See Fig 1.
Given the flexible and configurable
nature of the surface, the EQ control
layouts used here are available on both
the PROCESSING-OVERVIEW mode
which was briefly described in the
CONTROL PANEL MODES section and
the PROCESSING-EQUALISER mode
as shown and described here in greater
detail. These controls would only affect
the currently assigned path.
On/Off
Buttons in the left button cell switch all
bands 1-4 on or off together and bands 5
and 6 on or off together.
A & B alternate EQ Settings
Two EQ curves can be created per
channel using the EQ Settings A & B
buttons on the TFT screen. Tapping these
flips between the two EQ curves for quick
EQ changes or comparisons. The Copy
EQ Settings buttons on the TFT screen
copies EQ A > EQ B or EQ B > EQ A.
Reset EQ A and Reset EQ B
Holding the Reset EQ A or Reset EQ B
buttons for a second will reset the gain,
frequency and response (and Q where
applicable) for all EQ bands.
Gain
The left column of Control cells contains
gain controls (where relevant) for all six
bands.
FIG 1 - EQ CONTROLS ON THE PROCESSING-EQUALISER ASSIGN MODE LAYOUT
86 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
Frequency
Each band has a full frequency range
from 20Hz to 20kHz. This is controlled by
the middle rotary control on each row.
Response
Pressing the RESP button for any band
in the right column of Control cells allows
the rotary control to scroll through the
available response types. The button
will be lit during this process. Once
the response has been chosen it can
be selected by pressing the button a
second time. When the RESP button is
not pressed, the rotary doubles as the Q
control. Fig 2 shows the Response Types
and parameters
EQ curve display
The touchscreen shows a graphical
representation of the current EQ curve
for the assigned channel. With its band
markers, numerical values and response
type.
Note that a thumbnail view of the EQ
curve is also made available in the
PROCESSING-EQ button cell selector.
Range
Q
High Pass Filter
N/A
12 dB/octave
Low Shelf
+18dB to -18dB Variable
6dB/octave
Notch
-30dB Fixed
22.2
Higher Mid
Frequency Bell
+18dB to -18dB Variable
0.3 to 10
Lower Mid
Frequency Bell
+18dB to -18dB Variable
0.3 to 10
High Shelf
+18dB to -18dB Variable
6dB/octave
Low Pass Filter
N/A
12 dB/octave
FIG 2 - EQ PARAMETERS
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DYNAMICS 1
FIG 1 - DYN CONTROLS ON THE PROCESSING-DYN 1 ASSIGN MODE LAYOUT
Every channel / group / main path
has to two dedicated dynamics
processing units that are always
available to them. Dynamics 1 shown
right provides a Compressor / Limiter
and Expander or Gate.
Dynamics controls
The dynamics controls and related
displays are all located in the
PROCESSING-DYNAMICS 1 panel
mode, as shown in Fig 1.
Dynamics controls and displays
are all colour-coded purple. The
controls are arranged in 3 blocks:-
Compressor /Limiter controls for ON,
Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Recovery and
Gain Make-up. Expander or Gate controls
for ON, Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Recovery
and Depth and 2 bands of Dynamics
sidechain EQ controls for Gain, Frequency
and Q / Response types.
The TFT screen displays a graph of
input level versus output level along with
switchable gain reduction meters, the
position of the Dynamics 1 processing in
the Signal Path and switches for control
and gain reduction independence of
legs for stereo and 5.1 path legs. With
SCEQ selected on the TFT screen, it also
displays the EQ curve for the dynamics 1
side-chain. Also shown are the 8 Dyn
Links selector which this path can be
linked to or can be left as No Link for
independent operation .
Both dynamics 1 & 2 can be used
as limiters simply by switching the
compressor in and setting the ratio to
the maximum of 50:1. At this setting,
the input has to increase by 50dB above
the threshold in order for the output to
increase by a negligible 1dB - the signal is
effectively being limited.
88 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
The Expander in Dynamics 1 can be
switched to perform as a gate by pressing
the Gate button in the 4th control cell in
the bottom control row of the wild assign
panel.
Processing order
Buttons on the TFT screen allow each
dynamics unit to be selected to operate
post fader, pre fader (post EQ) or pre EQ
(pre fader).
Dynamics metering
In addition to the gain reduction meters
shown in the panel mode TFT area which
show the status of the currently assigned
path, dynamics gain reduction meters
are also displayed for each path in the
upstand metering area above. These
upstand meters can be switched between
displaying Dynamics 1 and Dynamics 2
using the panel TOOLS>METERS menu
found in the layers row, to bring up the
options in the functions row above.
Dynamics gain reduction meters light
upwards, away from the zero point, in
a red colour to indicate the amount of
gain reduction being applied due to
compression. Where expander / gates
are available (Dynamics processor 1), the
same meter bar will light downwards, away
from the central zero point, in a green
colour to indicate gain reduction due to
gating or expansion.
If a surround master is the currently
assigned path on the control surface, the
panel mode area of the TFT will display
gain reduction bargraphs for each of
the surround elements. In addition, ‘C’
& ‘S’ indicators above each meter show
whether each surround element has
dynamics control and / or gain reduction
independence from the surround master.
Sidechain EQ
The ‘SC EQ IN’ button in the 8th control
cell in the bottom row of the wild assign
panel is used to switch sidechain EQ in
and out.
Pressing the sidechain ‘LISTEN’ button in
the same cell allows the user to listen to
the effect that the sidechain EQ is having
on the signal. As with regular EQ bands,
you can select various response types by
pressing RESP and turning the related
shaft encoder. The remaining controls
change according to the response chosen.
The EQ response curve for the side-chain
can be viewed by selecting SCEQ ON
from the TFT screen on the left of the EQ
curve or from the panel as described.
About Dynamics Sidechain & EQ
All Dynamics 1 processors have optional
sidechain EQ. Channels have 2 band of
SCEQ, whilst Groups and Mains have a 1
band of SCEQ.
The sidechain is an offshoot from the
audio path through the Channel / Group
/ Main. Dynamics processors use the
sidechain to determine the audio level and
then apply gain reduction to the ‘through’
audio path. Sidechain audio is not passed
on, it is used purely as a reference for
dynamics processors.
Applying EQ to the sidechain does NOT
change the relative frequency response
of the audio path though the console, only
the audio that ‘triggers’ the dynamics.
By applying EQ to the sidechain you can
tune the dynamics to act on or ignore
peaks depending on the frequency.
For example, a basic ‘De-Esser’ used
to reduce sibilance is a compressor
with a high pass filter on the sidechain.
The compressor only receives the high
frequency content and will therefore only
apply gain reduction if high frequency
content exceeds the threshold setting.
Dynamics Links
The compression gain reduction level of
multiple paths can be bussed together
using dynamics links. Paths that share
a common dynamics link, will all get the
same amount of gain reduction applied.
If the signal level on a path, combined with
the path’s compression settings causes it
to apply gain reduction, the same amount
of gain reduction will be applied to all
other paths using the same dynamics link,
irrespective of their own audio content
and compression settings.
If multiple paths are triggering
compression, the gain reduction across
the linked group will be the same as
whichever path is compressing the most.
For example, if the settings and audio
level of one path causes its compressor to
apply 5dB of gain reduction, and another
path is causing 10dB of reduction, all the
paths in the group will have their signals
reduced by 10dB.
When Expander/Gate units are part of a
dynamics link and one feed within the link
reaches the threshold level to open the
expander/gate, all expander/gates within
the link open regardless of the levels of
their feeds.
Fig 2 shows the available parameters for
the Dynamics Processors.
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
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Compressor
Threshold
+20dB to -20dB
Recovery
75ms to 4s + Auto
Ratio
1:1 up to 4:1 in 0.1 steps, 4:1 up to 10:1 in 0.2 steps, 10:1 up to
20:1 in 1.0 steps, 20:1, 25:1, 30:1, 35:1, 40:1, 50:1 (Limiter)
Attack
50µs to 200ms (5ms default)
Make Up Gain
0dB to 20dB
Expander
Threshold
+10dB to -40dB
Recovery
75ms to 4s + Auto
Depth
0dB to 40dB
Ratio
2:1 and Var (variable according to level)
Attack
300µs (fast) 16ms (normal)
FIG 2 - DYNAMICS PARAMETERS
Gate
Threshold
0dB to -40dB with 6dB hysteresis
Recovery
75ms to 4s + Auto
Depth
0dB to 40dB
Attack
300µs (fast) 16ms (normal)
Gate Delay
0s to 1s
90 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
DYNAMICS 2
Every channel / group / main
path has two dedicated dynamics
processing units that are always
available to them. Dynamics 2
shown right provides a second
Compressor / Limiter or can be
retasked to provide AutoMixer
Processing
Dynamics 2 controls
The Dynamics 2 controls and
related displays are all located in the
PROCESSING-DYNAMICS 2 panel
mode, as shown in Fig 1.
Dynamics controls and displays
are all colour-coded purple. The
controls are arranged in 1 block:-
Compressor /Limiter controls for ON,
Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Recovery and
Gain Make-up.
The TFT screen displays a graph of
input level versus output level along with
switchable gain reduction meters, the
position of the Dynamics 2 processing in
the Signal Path and switches for control
and gain reduction independence of legs
for stereo and 5.1 path legs. Note in this
image a Mono Path is being displayed so
no independence controls are on show.
Also shown are the 8 Dyn Links selector
which this path can be linked to or can be
left as No Link for independent operation .
Mono paths also allow the Dynamics
2 process to be replaced with 1 of 8
Automixers which are selected from the
TFT screen.
FIG 1 - DYN CONTROLS ON THE PROCESSING-DYN2 ASSIGN MODE LAYOUT
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
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AUTOMIXER
Automixers are designed to control
audio levels for shows where there
are multiple guests or presenters
talking together. Automixers adjust
the individual microphone levels
automatically and dynamically in order
to pick out the people speaking, and
to reduce the level of people that
are not speaking, whilst maintaining
consistent overall mix and ambient
levels. In reality, Automixers only ever
apply attenuation, signals are never
actually boosted.
Automixers are available on Calrec Apollo
& Artemis consoles running software
V1.12 and higher.
Each mixing console has 8 separate
automixers, each of which can control any
number of mono input channels and mono
audio group buses on the control surface.
Stereo and surround paths, and outputs
or buses other than groups cannot be
assigned to automixer control.
Automixers are embedded within the
‘Dynamics 2’ processing unit and are
assigned using the same menu as the
dynamics side-chain links. See Fig 1.
Paths assigned to automixer control
cannot use the Dynamics 2 processor for
normal compression / limiting at the same
time, however the Dynamics 1 processor
is still available for full use as compressor
/ limiter and expander or gate.
Assigning control
To assign a path to automixer control,
select the PROCESSING-DYNAMICS2
panel mode. In this mode, the TFT screen
displays the settings for the Dynamics 2
processors. Call attention to the chosen
path by pressing its fader assign button.
Select one of the eight Automixer modes
for the dynamics 2 processor by pressing
one of the buttons on the TFT screen note
that these only appear on Mono paths - if
the path is not currently assigned to an
automixer or dynamics 2 side-chain link,
the ‘No Link’ button will be lit. Select the
other faders that need to be in the same
automix group and assign them to the
same automixer number.
To clear a path from automixer control
(and side-chain links), select ‘No Link from
the Dyn Links area on the TFT screen.
To place the path under the control of
a different automixer, simply select a
different numbered automixer.
Gain reduction metering
The Dynamics 2 display area shows a gain
reduction bargraph meter and the In /
Out status of the control for the currently
assigned path. Upstand bargraph meters
for fader inputs will automatically also
show an automixer gain reduction meter
for each path assigned to an automixer, as
shown in Fig 3 on the following page.
A number at the bottom of this meter
indicates which of the 8 automixers is
controlling a path. Automix gain reduction
meters are distinct in colour and display
from standard dynamics gain reduction
meters. If the automixer is not applying
gain reduction to a path, its meter will
display full scale to the 0 point.
When gain reduction applied, the meter
drops to indicate the amount it’s being
reduced by. See Fig 3 on the next page
for an image of the Automixer metering in
the meter bridge.
Adjustment controls
The automixer controls appear when
one of the eight automixers have been
selected. Buttons on the same TFT
screen allow for the processing to occur
post fader, pre fader (post EQ) or pre EQ
(pre fader).
When viewing Dynamics 2 controls with
the currently assigned path assigned to
an automixer, control cells on the panel
provide two sets of controls, some for the
Automixer as a whole and some for the
individual assigned path.
FIG 1 - AUTOMIXER CONTROLS ON THE PROCESSING-DYN2 TFT SCREEN LAYOUT
92 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
ATTACK and RELEASE affect how the
Automixer module reacts to all assigned
paths. These controls are used for
‘smoothing’ out incoming signals, faster
attack and release times lead to a faster
reacting but therefore more erratic
automixer, whereas, slower attack and
release times lead to a slower reacting but
smoother effect.
Individual paths can be placed in and
taken out of the assigned Automixer by
enabling and disabling the corresponding
IN button.
Each Automixer can be disabled and
enabled using the DISABLE button in the
control cell to the right of the Automixer
Attack and Release settings. See Fig 2
for automixer controls.
Weight and levels
The Automix weight control allows the
emphasis to be set for each input, the
higher the weight of an input relative
to the others, the higher the signal that
passes from that input, e.g to give more
emphasis to a presenter over guests when
they are talking at the same time.
As an example, if only one fader within
an automixer group has audio content,
no gain reduction is applied to that input
and its automix meter will display full
(0dB). If only two faders have audio, and
the audio is at the same level (e.g tone
for test purposes), 6dB of gain reduction
is applied to each, maintaining the same
overall mix level when the signals are
routed to the same bus. If one of the two
paths is set to have a 10dB higher weight
than the other, the same overall level is still
passed when they are mixed, however the
higher weighted path will only be reduced
by 2dB, whilst the lower weighted one will
be reduced by 12dB. Note, these values
are given only as an example that can be
clearly demonstrated on a console using
tone.
FIG 2 - AUTOMIXER CONTROLS ON THE PROCESSING-DYN2 PANEL LAYOUT
FIG 3 - UPSTAND METERS
• The meters above show an example of 2 mono channels under
automix control. Both channels are fed with identical input audio
and are routed to Main 1.
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DELAY
Delay can be inserted into the signal
path in the following ways:
• Input delay - up to 2.73s available per
input path from a pool of 256 mono
legs (e.g when assigning to a 5.1
signal, 6 of the 256 mono legs will be
used). This can be assigned from the
PROCESSING-DELAY panel
• Path delay - up to 2.73s always
available for all paths from the
PROCESSING-DELAY panel which
can be placed, pre-eq, pre-fader or post
fader.
• Output delay - up to 2.73s available per
path from a pool of 256 mono legs this
delay can be applied to Direct Outputs,
Mains, Tracks and Auxs when assigned
to the surface from the Bus Output
panel.
Note that Input, Path and Output
delay can be used individually or in
combination. See Fig 1.
Assignable Delay at different
sample rates.
From version 8.0 the desk can be
configured to operate at different sample
rates such as 48kHz & 96kHz.
At the higher sample rate the pool size for
input and output delay is halved, meaning
that the pool of 256 mono legs worth of
delay becomes 128 mono legs of delay,
however the amount of delay per leg
remains unchanged at 2.73s.
Individual Assignable Delay
To apply an assignable delay, select the
PROCESSING-DELAY panel mode and
press the appropriate assign button
(Input or Output) on the lower control row.
Note that for direct outputs the outputs
themselves have to be assigned first
before delay can be assigned to them.
Individual Path Delay
The Path Delay control is always available
on all Channel, Group, Main, Aux or Track
paths and can be placed, pre-eq, pre-fader
or post fader using the Position buttons
in the PATH DELAY column on the TFT
screen. Working from the top of the
FIG 1 - DELAY CONTROLS ON THE PROCESSING-DELAY ASSIGN MODE LAYOUT
position block, the TFT shows a three-
state button cell which allows the signal
chain positioning to be changed between
PRE EQ, PRE FADER and POST FADER.
As shown in “Channel Signal Flow” on
page 84, path delay is inserted at the
end of the processing block, after insert,
dynamics 1 and dynamics 2. The pre EQ
and post fader sends are situated after
the respective path delay, but it is worth
noting that the pre fader send is situated
prior to the pre fader path delay.
94 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
DELAY SETTINGS
FIG 1 - ASSIGNING DELAY WHEN A PATH IS NOT ASSIGNED TO A FADER
FIG 2 - GLOBAL DELAY CONTROLS - MAIN APPLICATION
Once Input or Output Delay is assigned
(or for Path Delay already present), the
rotary controls and up/down stepper
buttons for use as an alternative to the
rotary controller for setting the delay time
become available to the user.
The TFT screen shows the Delay Units
either in Time format in milliseconds /
seconds or Frame format which can be
set for each delay type from the screen
buttons.
The current delay settings and ON / OFF
status are shown at the bottom of the
screen. See Fig 1 on the previous page
for the Delay processing mode.
Assigning Delay to a Path
which is not attached to a Fader
To assign Delay to a path which is not
assigned to a fader, put a panel into
OUTPUTS mode and press on the rotary
controller associated with that output.
This brings up the selected bus controls
within the Wild Assign row, on which there
is an assign button. Press this assign
button and then assign delay in the usual
way from any surface panel that is in
PROCESSING-DELAY mode, see Fig 1.
Global Delay Settings
Global delay controls can be accessed
from the main application by selecting:
>Show Settings>General Settings
There are three global delay settings as
shown in Fig 2 on the right.
Default Delay Unit sets the resolution
type for all new delay assignments,
the interface is a two state button to
switch between ‘ms’ and ‘frames’. This
‘ms’/’frames’ selection can be applied to
all existing delay assignments by clicking
‘Apply to all existing delays’.
The Frame rate selection button is used
to set the video frame rate for all frame-
based delay assignments. The frame rate
should be set to match the frame rate
of the video signal that the audio feed is
related to.
Finally there is the Frame Step Size
selection button which sets the resolution
of the stepper button within the surface
pop-up shown above. There are two
options: 1 frame and 0.5 frames.
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
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STEREO WIDTH
Stereo paths and stereo legs of
surround paths have access to the
stereo width control.
This control varies the width of the
paths stereo image from mono through
stereo, through to wide. Wide creates an
apparent extension of the image past the
usual left and right limits.
Stereo width appears pre fader, post EQ
and dynamics in the processing chain and
it’s rotary control and ON switch appears
on the PROCESSING-OVERVIEW panel
mode. It must be switched in circuit using
the ON button in the 4th Control cell , top
row as shown in Fig 1.
FIG 1 - STEREO WIDTH CONTROL
96 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
STEREO/SURROUND SPILL
Apollo makes very efficient use of
surface controls for accessing and
controlling stereo/surround signals.
Whether controlling mono, stereo
or surround signals, only one fader
is required on the surface for global
manipulation and application of signal
processing to the complete collection
of paths that make up that signal. For a
stereo signal, two mono paths are required
and controlled simultaneously by a single
fader. For surround signals, six or more
mono paths are required and controlled
simultaneously by a single fader.
Under normal circumstances this provides
an extremely quick way to alter the level
of, or assign processing to all component
paths of a given signal. However for times
when more flexibility or greater control of
individual component signals is required,
the signal can be expanded onto the spill
faders.
Accessing the spill faders
On the dedicated monitor panel, shown in
Fig 1 (or the Joystick panel which has the
exact same upper section as highlighted
right) press the SPILL LEVELS button.
This upper section will now allow access
and control of the individual legs of a
stereo or surround path via the spill faders.
Spill faders
The spill controls follows the currently
assigned path. When a fader which
controls a stereo or surround signal is
selected as the currently assigned fader,
the spill panel updates to reflect the
status of the component signals. If the
assigned fader controls a mono path, the
spill panel will become unavailable until a
fader controlling a stereo or surround path
is assigned.
The faders on the spill panel behave in
the same way as every other fader on
FIG 1 - SPILL CONTROLS
the surface. They have the same assign
buttons above and below the fader label
display, the same AFL, PFL and cut
buttons and the same bar graph meters.
They can be assigned in the same way as
any other fader and by doing so, individual
control of the processing of a specific
component path is possible.
Depending on the width of the signal
present on the assigned fader, the
component signals will be arranged
differently on the spill faders. Stereo
components of a surround signal such
as L-R and Ls-Rs are normally grouped
together and controlled by a single spill
fader, whereas mono components such as
LFE are present on their own fader.
In spill mode with a stereo path selected,
the first two faders control the left and
right channels. The fader label displays
above each fader list the available
component paths which may be split
between the A and B paths. These are
accessed and behave in the same way as
all other A and B paths on the surface.
Current spill panel assignment
The fader label display above the currently
assigned fader is mirrored below the
right most spill fader. This can be used to
change the path assignment between the
A and B paths on that same fader without
leaving the spill controls.
The spill controls can be set to follow the
current path assignment, or they can be
locked to a specific path. This function
can be changed by pressing either the
FOLL A/B or LOCK buttons respectively.
If the path controlled by the spill faders is
locked, the fader label display on the spill
panel will not follow the path assignment
on the surface. It will display the locked
path as an indicator of which path is being
controlled by the spill panel.
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
97
FIG 2 - SEL USER
Nudge
The spill controls contain a function that
will nudge the current path assignment
along the surface in either direction.
Pressing the right nudge button changes
the fader assignment to the fader on the
right of the currently assigned fader. The
left button moves the assignment to the
left along the surface.
Changing the user section
When multiple operators are using the
surface, it is possible for any of them
to access the spill controls for paths
assigned in their own user sections.
Press the SEL USER button in the lower
button cell of the spill control area as
shown in Fig 2 below. This will update the
rest of the control cell display to display
the three user sections. Press the button
corresponding to the required user section
that the spill controls should respond to
and then press the SEL USER button
again. The chosen user section should
now be shown in the middle of the display
and the spill faders should respond to that
users path assignments.
Assigning paths on the spill panel
When a stereo or surround path is
accessed on the spill panel, each leg of
the signal may have processing applied
to it individually. Individual legs may be
assigned using the assign buttons above
each spill fader in the same way that paths
on the normal faders are assigned.
When a path on a spill fader is assigned,
the assign button of the parent stereo/
surround path will still appear blue but will
also strobe. This indicates that any assign
modes will affect a single component of
the stereo/surround signal, rather than the
whole signal.
Main paths on Monitor/Joystick
panel
When the faders on the Monitor or
Joystick panels are switched into ‘Mains’
mode (rather than Spill or Downmix mode)
and a Main path on one of these faders is
assigned, it is not possible to switch the
mode of the faders on the same panel
and use them to alter the spill legs of
the assigned main. The function of the
faders cannot be switched unless a path
from a normal fader or another Monitor
or Joystick panel is assigned. This is
intended to avoid the confusion of having
a single fader indicate the assigned path
and the relevant spill leg at the same time.
98 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
PROCESSING INDEPENDENCE
Processing independence
By default on a stereo or surround path,
any processing is applied to all legs in the
path (with some exceptions discussed
later). One set of master controls set the
processing applied to all legs. However,
processing can be made independent for
an individual leg of a stereo or surround
signal, for example the C leg of a 5.1 path.
A surround path which is being processed
will be referred to as the surround master
in the following example. Note that a
stereo path can be treated similarly.
EQ independence
By default, the EQ set on the surround
master is applied to all legs of the path
except the LFE leg.
Independence can be set for each band
of EQ. Fig 1 shows EQ controls for the
LFE leg of a surround channel set to
be independent. Also note the Reset
Independence EQ button on the TFT
screen this resets the values to default
for legs set to be independent, it does not
remove their independence.
To apply independent EQ to an individual
leg of the path, first assign the required
leg on the spill faders (see “Stereo/
Surround Spill” on page 96 for further
information on this process).
Now in PROCESSING-Overview mode
or PROCESSING- EQ mode press the
INDEP button next to the EQ band (shown
right) you wish to make independent for
the assigned leg. This band can now
be adjusted to process the assigned leg
independently from the assigned surround
master. EQ bands still following the
surround master settings will display the
text S.MSTR see Fig 1- EQ Band 3 (right).
Adjustments to EQ bands still following
the surround master will also affect all
other legs in the path.
Note that switching off the Equaliser
independence of an EQ band restores its
the Surround Master Path settings.
FIG 1 - EQ INDEPENDENCE CONTROLS
CALREC Putting Sound in the Picture
99
Dynamics independence
By default, the DYN settings on the
surround master is applied to all legs of
the path except the LFE leg.
Dynamics of individual legs can be made
independent from the surround master in
two ways. Fig 2 shows an LFE leg of a
surround path made independent.
The independence over dynamics settings
for the assigned surround element
are switched for control and sidechain
independence for stereo and 5.1 path legs
on the PROCESSING-DYNAMICS mode
TFT screen as shown right.
The first way to make a given leg e.g. LFE
dynamics processing independent is to
make the gain reduction independent.
Under normal circumstances, any leg of
the surround signal which crosses the
threshold first determines the amount
of processing to be applied to all legs
equally. For example, if the C leg has the
highest level and is the only leg to cross
the compressor threshold, it will have a
certain amount of gain reduction applied
to it. This same amount of gain reduction
is also applied to all other legs even if they
didn’t cross the threshold. This keeps the
relative balance of the sound field intact.
By making the dynamics gain reduction
linking independent for a given leg, that
leg will only have gain reduction applied
when it crosses the threshold itself. The
control values remain common with
the surround master, but the leg will be
processed independently.
To make the dynamics gain reduction
linking independent, assign the required
leg of the surround master go to:-
PROCESSING - DYN1 mode and tap
the DYN1 gain reduction independence
button (or the PROCESSING-DYN2 mode
equivalent to make the second dynamics
unit linking independent). This is shown
on the right hand side of the TFT screen.
The second way to make dynamics
processing independent is to make the
control values independent for a given
leg. This would mean that any leg in
the surround master can have different
dynamics controls. If the dynamics linking
is not made independent, the paths
would be processed according to the
first path to cross the threshold, but their
thresholds and other parameters may be
set independently.
It is possible to have both dynamics linking
independence and control independence
set for individual legs. For example, a
surround group or main path may contain
a 5.1 sports mix with a commentator in
the C leg, and crowd, music and effects
signals in other legs. Using Apollo’s
flexible processing section it is possible to
compress the commentator independently
from the signal in the surround legs.
This provides Apollo with a very flexible
processing section, able to handle almost
all situations with ease. To make the
dynamics controls independent, assign
the required leg of the surround master go
to:- PROCESSING - DYN1 mode and tap
the Control Independence button (or the
PROCESSING-DYN2 mode equivalent
to make the second dynamics unit
independent). This is also shown on the
right hand side of the TFT screen.
FIG 2 - DYN INDEPENDENCE CONTROLS
When gain reductions are linked, but
control is independent, different dynamics
parameters, such as threshold and ratio
can be set for the elements, but the same
amount of gain reduction will be applied
to all gain reduction linked elements
if the audio on any of them crosses
their threshold settings. This allows for
different dynamics settings to be applied
to each element whilst maintaining the
overall mix level between them. If gain
reduction independence is set for an
element, gain reduction will only ever
be applied to that element if the audio if
its own audio crosses its own threshold
settings.
As well as EQ & dynamics, other settings
can be applied to elements of a stereo/
surround path that do not require an
independence setting, such as input gain
and routing. These parameters can simply
be selected or adjusted whilst the stereo/
surround element is the currently assigned
path.
By default the LFE leg of a surround path
has independent EQ and dynamics from
the surround master.
Note that switching off the Dynamics
Independence for that control restores its
Surround Master Path settings.
100 APOLLO Digital Broadcast Production Console
FIG 3 - INDEPENDENCE INDICATORS
Independence status indicators
The status of EQ bands 1-6 equaliser
Control independence and DYN1 or
DYN2 dynamics Control and/or gain
reduction independence is indicated on
the monitor and/or joystick panel. When a
surround path is assigned and the faders
on the monitor or joystick panel are set
to show spill or downmix levels, the two
displays highlighted on the right show a
blob next to any processing which has
been made independent. See Fig 3.
By default all the controls for an LFE leg
of a 5.1 channel are made independent.