(Hebden Bridge, UK--October 16, 2009) After less than a year on the air, MLB Network's success is enabling it to upgrade its operation with the addition of a Calrec Alpha audio console to support all of its studio programming, including the technically demanding signature show, "MLB Tonight."
The cable network devoted to Major League Baseball debuted in January 2009 and has relied on two Calrec Omega consoles linked by the company's Hydra audio networking system.
"You don't go back to a manufacturer for a new product unless you're happy with what they sold you the first time," said Brad Cheney, MLB Network engineering manager. "Our experience with Calrec and its U.S. representative, Studio Consultants, is that the consoles install quickly and correctly and then work without problems, proving themselves day in and day out."
"MLB Tonight" covers every major league baseball team in the country, and during an average broadcast includes live reports and live look-ins for up to 15 games at 15 ballparks, with as many as 16 audio channels in play per ballpark. With one eye on future 5.1 surround broadcasting, the 72-fader Calrec Alpha console is capable of up to 480 fully featured channel processing paths, thus eliminating any need for the audio operator to rely on hanging sources, dramatically simplifying his or her task while also increasing flexibility.
Likewise, the Alpha console -- which will be easily added to the Calrec Hydra audio networking system to enable shared I/O resources -- makes life easier for audio operators by saving them the trouble of individually importing multiple sources coming from a single ballpark. Instead, those multiple sources can be remapped across the network onto multiple faders.
The Calrec Alpha console's 72 faders have two layers each, plus 5.1 groups and masters, which will enable MLB Network to take full advantage of surround sound when the time comes. The console is also equipped with 144 mic inputs and 48 returns and a multitrack system that comprises -- all simultaneously -- 128 tracks of built-in AES multitrack, 128 tracks of guest AES multitrack, and 128 tracks of guest analog multitrack.
"Calrec's quality, forward-thinking design, and ergonomics have been championed by top live audio mixers, people who really understand what it's like to fly an audio console," said Mark Haden, MLB Network vice president of engineering and IT. "There's a good reason that, slowly but surely, Calrec consoles have achieved deserved recognition as well-constructed, well-thought-out broadcast tools and now hold a substantial position in the market."
MLB Network anticipates delivery of the new Alpha console in January, which will allow plenty of time for installation before the opening of the 2010 baseball season in the spring.
About MLB Network
MLB Network launched on Jan. 1, 2009 as the largest debut in cable television history and is currently available in approximately 53 million cable and satellite homes. With live games, original programming, highlights, classic games, and coverage of baseball events, MLB Network is the ultimate television destination for baseball fans. For more information and to find MLB Network in your area, go to mlbnetwork.com.
About Calrec Audio
Calrec Audio, part of D&M Holdings Inc., is exclusively dedicated to excellence in audio mixing for on-air and live production. As a broadcast specialist for more than 30 years, this dedication has helped Calrec develop a range of digital and analog consoles relied on by the world's most successful broadcasters. For putting sound in the picture, broadcasters put their trust in Calrec.
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