System T

SYSTEM T

Next-generation networked broadcast production

Control interfaces

System T control interfaces allow extremely flexible and adaptable configurations. The fixed-format S300 consoles and modular S500/S500m large format consoles provide faders and tactile encoders, for instant channel and feature access. Any console can be combined within a single system along with additional control interfaces, providing custom solutions to fit any application or environment.

System T is a new generation of dedicated 

broadcast audio production systems from Solid State Logic. Designed for the unique challenges of modern broadcast production, System T provides
a fully networked and flexible platform that delivers in the studio for news and entertainment programming, or for OB covering live events and sports. For more than 40 years, SSL has been
at the forefront of innovative broadcast console design and has incorporated decades of research and customer feedback into the development of System T.

System T is a fully networked production environment. New ways to combine multiple control interfaces, processor cores and I/O devices can be specified to create previously impossible system configurations.

Dante AoIP-based routing and I/O

Dante delivers cost savings, true scalability, interoperability and discoverability. The Dante AoIP network integrates the AES67 and SMPTE 2110-30 audio transport standards. SSL is the only broadcast audio manufacturer to offer

full routing control of the Dante network from within our consoles and control interfaces.

Exceptional audio quality

Audio quality and performance is exceptional. SSL’s pristine SuperAnalogueTM foundations combine with 64-bit floating point processing and mixing to ensure unlimited audio headroom with the power to execute algorithms within

a single sample. Broadcast specific path processing is augmented by an inbuilt comprehensive FX Rack.

Highly configurable technology

System T control interfaces incorporate the latest multi-gesture touch screen technology, greatly expanding the range of controls that can be quickly accessed with reduced overall size.

System T offers fixed format and modular control surfaces which are highly configurable to suit individual preferences. This makes the production system ideal for news, entertainment, multi-purpose event spaces, theatre,

OB and live streaming applications.

Architectural flexibility enables channel signal flow suited
to the most sophisticated users that can also be presented straightforwardly to match the skill and workflow of a full range of users.

Processor engines

Tempest processor engines deploy SSL’s patented Optimal Core Processing (OCP) software using arrayed industrial PC hardware in a controlled operating environment. Housed in a 4RU chassis there are two different engines available, The T80 (offering 800 path capacity) and the T25 (offering 256 path capacity). Paths and processing can be dynamically allocated in real time without interrupting audio. With 3072 inputs and 3072 outputs per engine, System T can handle any large-scale production. Tempest Engines can be deployed as mirrored redundant pairs and if required each engine can be placed in separate fire zones. Near instant audio changeover happens via up to 6 Network I/O HC bridging cards, each providing 512 channels of inputs and 512 outputs.

Advanced broadcast architecture

Power meets flexibility

System T offers exceptional power and flexibility with 3072 input and 3072 output connections. The T80 Engine provides 800 active audio paths and the T25 Engine provides 256. Paths are pooled and consumed dynamically according to user configuration, with any console configuration within pool limits possible.

Channel or bus paths can be added or reconfigured at any time without rebooting and without interruption to audio. A pool of up to 192 mono mix busses with the T80 Engine or 128 with the T25 Engine can be used as desired within defined maximums for each bus type. This provides up to 16 master buses, 32 stems, 32 auxes, 48 mix minus buses and 64 track buses. Paths and buses can be freely configured in a range of formats up to 7.1.4. Path to layer configuration is via an intuitive drag and drop interface.

Path processing

Dedicated path processing provides EQs (T80 x 800,
T25 x 256), Dynamics (T80 x 800, T25 x 256) and Delays (T80 x 400, T25 x 128). The primary signal path has eight process blocks that can be configured in any order using a drag and drop interface. These are preceded by the path gain trim (and input selection/conditioning on channels).

The primary path output feeds either the panning and bus routing (channels and stems) or is available as a source
in the main console signal routing (buses). Two dynamics sections can be placed in each path to enable cascaded compressor/limiter configurations, or adding dynamics to the channel direct output, mix minus or track bus send. An insert send accesses additional signal processing in the System T FX Rack or external hardware via the console routing.

System T FX rack

The System T FX Rack includes a comprehensive set
of SSL’s acclaimed studio quality signal processors and broadcast tools, with ultra low latency and with their own dedicated DSP pool. The selection includes loudness metering, additional tone and dynamic shaping, reverbs, room simulation, ambience processing, dialogue noise reduction, signal generation and analysis tools.

Effects are accessible via the Path inserts, or via the console routing using the Aux and Track buses for parallel time based effects. All settings are saved in System T showfiles and scene automation.

 

 

Network I/O

 

Superior SSL technology and sound for Dante IP Audio Networks

SSL Network I/O is a range of I/O devices which bring SSL’s renowned quality and innovation to Dante based IP Audio networks. IP Audio networking provides a hugely versatile solution for environments where audio assets are shared by multiple users across multiple recording areas and control rooms. Dante is a commercially developed IP Audio network protocol. It uses standard IT infrastructure (Ethernet cables, connections and network routers & switches) for audio transport, routing, device discovery and control. With more than 350 Dante enabled products by more than 150 different manufacturers already released, Dante is considered by many to already be the established industry choice for the use of IP networks for audio distribution. IP audio networking offers a fresh approach to audio routing and asset sharing for audio production with a wide range of benefits:

    • High Channel Counts: 512ch @ 48kHz (256 @ 96kHz) on a single 1GB connection

    • Guaranteed Interoperability: plug & play discoverability of more than 500 devices from 220 different manufacturers – and growing

    • Remote Device Control: parameters configured anywhere on the network

    • Reduced Cost: standard low cost IT hardware, standard and/or existing Cat 5 or Cat 6 cabling with audio and control on the same network down a single cable

    • Simplified Interconnectivity: Ethernet/IP connectivity simplifies interfacing with a wide range of devices including Intercoms

    • Flexible Scalability: systems can grow as your needs evolve. Want a bigger network? Add another switch!

    • Full Network Redundancy: technology tried and tested across many industries and fully compatible with all network redundancy models

    • Distributed Routing Control: routing control from unlimited devices or terminals

    • Absolute Resilience: catastrophic failure of a single device will have no effect on any other devices in the network

    • Standards compliant: IEEE and IETF compliant thus deployable on and can mix with traffic on any standard IP infrastructure.

    • With Dante committed to conform with AVB standards and with AES67, the SSL Network I/O range is ready for future networked audio developments.

The SSL Network I/O range was developed initially for use in broadcast installations. There is a wealth of detailed information about IP Audio Networking and Dante in our extensive white Paper: IP Audio Networking. Professional AoIP for Broadcast – The Way Forward. If you are new to IP Audio and/or multi-space audio routing and distribution it is essential reading.

There are currently nine products available in the SSL Network I/O range:

 

Network I/O : A16.D16

A versatile combination of mic/line and digital I/O

 

Network I/O : A32

Bulk analogue line level I/O

*Network B connectivity provides a future hardware upgrade path for direct SFP fibre connection

Network I/O : D64

AES to Dante and MADI conversion wherever you need it

 

The D64 provides 32 input/output Pairs of AES3 audio I/O connectivity to redundant Dante network connections*. Sample Rate Convertors allow seamless integration of unlocked AES sources. D64 includes redundant network connections and PSUs.

*Network B connectivity provides a future hardware upgrade path for direct SFP fibre connection

 

Network I/O: MADI-Bridge

Standalone Broadcast Specification MADI to IP Audio Network Interface

The SSL Network I/O: MADI-Bridge is a broadcast specification bridge between the industry standard MADI audio format and IP audio network’s using Dante. The MADI-Bridge enables C100 and C10 Digital Broadcast Consoles or any other standard MADI device to connect to Dante based IP Audio networks with full redundancy maintained.

Network I/O : Dante PCIeR

Fully redundant high capacity Dante connectivity for your computer.

The SSL Dante PCIeR interface provides high capacity Dante connectivity to any suitably specified Mac or PC. It features Primary and Secondary network connections and streams up to 128 channels (at 44.1, 48 kHz, 88.2, 96 KHz) or 64 channels (at 176.4 or 192 kHz). Minimum latency and synchronisation is less than 1 μSec. The card is compatible with external PCIe chassis for laptops.

Network I/O : Stageboxes

Superior SSL mic/line preamp technology for your Dante IP Audio Network.

SSL Network I/O Stageboxes make SSL’s renowned SuperAnalogueTM preamp design with its superior audio performance available for a wide range of Dante network applications.

Designed for use on any Broadcast studio floor, venue or recording room, SSL Network I/O Stageboxes allow easy deployment of Mic Pres and Speaker feeds where needed. Network I/O’s plug and
play features allow devices to easily be moved, even between locations and retain routing and settings if required. All units can be remote controlled via System T broadcast consoles and control interfaces, SSL Live consoles, and the SSL Remote Stagebox Application. There are three different models available; SB8.8, SB i16 and SB32.24.

SB 8.8 & SB i16

These 2RU units offer slightly different configurations but share identical features. The SB 8.8 offers eight mic/line inputs and eight line level outputs. SB i16 offers sixteen mic/line inputs. Both models feature a pair of redundant RJ45 Dante network connections, a pair of network extension connections, GPIO connectivity and redundant PSU’s. They have individual signal present, phantom power and local attention LEDs to provide intuitive front panel feedback.

The SB 8.8 and SB i16 feature inbuilt limiters and SSL’s innovative AutoPad system that automatically applies a Pad according to gain setting. The AutoPad is applied if the gain is set at a low value that would
require a pad to achieve making the entire possible mic gain range seamlessly available at all times. An Audition feature allows individual channels to be monitored over the network (using an SSL console or App) without the signal actually being routed to a network destination.

SB 32.24

SB 32.24 is a 5U ruggedised enclosure featuring dual redundant power supplies, 32 mic/line inputs, 16 analogue line outputs and 8 digital inputs and outputs on 4 AES3 input/output pairs. It has a pair of redundant RJ45 Dante network connections in addition to a user configurable SFP port that can be fitted with RJ45 or optical connectors. These can be used for network extension or to provide network separation for the gaincompensated Dante “split”, for connection to a second Dante-equipped console or appropriately equipped device on a different network. It has individual signal present, clip and phantom power LED’s as well as global indication of PSU, Network A and B and Hardware status.

Stagebox Remote Control Application

The SSL Stagebox Remote Control application provides comprehensive remote control of SSL Network I/O Stageboxes via a Dante network. The software can be installed onto any PC located anywhere on the network and multiple instances of the software can coexist on the network, with all instances of the application having access to all SSL Stagebox units currently available on the network. The Remote Control Application offers complete control over the extensive feature set of SSL’s Stageboxes and acts as a communication aid with clear real time device and channel attention indication.

Key Features

    • Comprehensive control over SSL Stageboxes via a Dante network

    • Clear real time device and channel attention indication

    • Runs on any PC anywhere on the network

    • Multiple instances can coexist and control all Stageboxes on the network