SIMPLY DIGITAL

SIMPLY DIGITAL
Now with two sizes of chassis: Up to 12 and 20 Faders
COMPACT DIGITAL AUDIO MIXER
FOR RADIO AND TELEVISION
Product Overview
The FORUM Compact Digital Audio Mixing Console represents the culmination of AEQ’s many years of technological development and experience producing the highest quality digital consoles
for the broadcast industry. It is based upon our ARENA Digital
Console found in use at hundreds of high-level studios. Our valued
customers asked us for a powerful, versatile, yet simple product to
digitally replace analog consoles found in most radio and television
studios today. FORUM offers just that – an unprecedented feature
set, extremely simple installation and configuration, coupled with
intuitive and totally agile operation.
Main Features
The FORUM is a self-contained digital audio mixing console specifically designed to meet the most rigorous demands of the radio and
television broadcast industry. Its flexible design allows it to readily be
adapted to any ON-AIR application.
FORUM incorporates all of the features necessary for use in environments requiring: automatic monitor speaker cut-off, cough muting,
fader start, control signaling, interface signaling for automation of
external equipment, external communications management, intercom, etc.
Thanks to its self-contained modular design and reduced footprint,
FORUM adapts perfectly to any environment: auto-control, studio
control, television production, sound production, mixed configurations, integration in large installations, etc.
One of the primary features which sets the FORUM apart is its internal routing capability: any combination of 64 inputs/outputs of analog, digital, or microphone, plus an additional 64 input / output signals via a MADI multi-channel link.
Simplicity and control are combined in FORUM to satisfy ease
of operation - from the most basic to the most advanced requirements. The control surface can be configured with a minimum of 4
faders, and easily expanded to 8 or even 12 channels. (up to 16 and
20 channels with the FRGRAND chassis).
Each of FORUM’s basic functions such as setup, level adjustment,
and signal routing have their own specific control for each channel,
while lesser used settings are grouped into contextual controls common to all channels and are accessible by just one or two button
pushes: simplicity and ease of use makes for very dynamic system
control with little chance of operator error.
2
FORUM’s configuration allows any signal present within the system
to be freely assigned to any control channel, and signal distribution
configuration is done on the control surface itself.
FORUM has built-in memory where each signal’s settings are stored:
signal distribution via the control surface, output bus routing, setup
parameters, effects, etc. This allows the console to easily be adapted to different programming needs and unique technical requirements.
Two Ethernet connectors enables external connectivity for the "AEQ
FORUM Configuration" software application. Further, these ports can
also be used for the optional software application "VIRTUAL
FORUM", that provides the AEQ FORUM with a powerful remote
control.
INTRODUCCIÓN
Connectivity & Flexibility
GPIOs
Power Supply
AC Power
Input
AC ON/OFF
Studio Monitoring
Control Room
Monitoring
Time Sync Port
Dual Ethernet Ports
Digital Input/Output Modules
Studio Headphones
Analog Output Modules
MIC/LINE Input Modules
Talk-Back Microphone
Control Room Headphones MADI Multi-Channel Fiber-Optic Comms Port
A major consideration in the design of the FORUM was its ease of
installation and configuration. Hence it is self-contained and has a
low profile format – it can be countersunk flush into a work surface,
or simply placed on top of it.
FORUM’s flexible I/O capabilities allows for the interfacing with
external devices for cough muting, device remote control, ON-AIR
lights, etc. by using its 8 monitor inputs (GPI), 8 control outputs
(GPO), and 4 output control relays.
For monitoring and control, FORUM’s mainframe has built-in outputs
for both studio and control room headphones and speakers, and a
microphone input for auto-control or coordination.
Analog Input Modules
Digital TELCO Hybrid Module
FORUM’s mainframe also has two built-in Ethernet ports for configuration and control.
For general purpose audio inputs and outputs, FORUM can be fitted
with a bi-directional MADI fiber-optic interface capable of handling
up to 64 digital inputs and outputs. FORUM also has 14 slots to
accommodate input / output modules including: digital, analog,
microphone/line, and TELCO hybrids.
To facilitate cabling, optional audio and data cables with mating DB
connectors are available.
Low profile self-contained format – can be used on top of or embedded into the work surface.
3
Control Surface (Channels)
FORUM’s control surface is modular. Each fader module contains 4
independent faders. The control surface can accommodate a basic
4 fader, an intermediate 8 fader, or a fully populated 12 fader
channel configuration. (up to 16 and 20 channels with the
FRGRAND chassis).
FORUM packs a tremendous amount of power and flexibility into its
small footprint. In addition to signals present on the control surface
which can be mixed, processed, and sent to any output channel,
FORUM can adjust the level and routing of up to 128 x 128 embedded audio signals.
All of FORUM’s signal channels are completely user-definable.
System signals can be assigned to channels so a particular channel
can control one signal now, and a different signal later on. This facilitates unique signal to channel distribution, and allows FORUM to
easily be adapted to distinct programming requirements and to suit
different operator´s needs.
At the top of each channel section are 4 routing buttons and 1
channel selection button which are used to assign common advanced configuration parameters: (gain, dynamics, equalization and
balance).
In addition, signal/channel configurations can be stored in memory
allowing any configuration to easily be recalled for use in a particular scenario or by a particular operator.
4 Routing Buttons
OLED Display: shows
channel name, status, and
balance/panorama level
Next is an OLED display screen which shows the channel’s name
and status as well as the balance level. Beneath it is a CUE button,
along with 4 LEDs which indicate activity or instability on equalization, balance, dynamics, gain, and finally an illuminated ON-AIR status indicator. The channel section ends with the fader itself and the
channel’s on/off buttons.
Advanced channel
configuration button
CUE button
Activated processes indicators
Illuminated channel
ON-AIR indicator
100 mm Faders
Channel activation
buttons
4
INTRODUCCIÓN
Control Surface (Settings, Programming,
Monitoring and Talk-Back)
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONALITY
FORUM allows the user to program pre-defined special functions such as: defining GPIs
and GPOs, controlling hybrids and codecs, sending signals to the VU meters, or setting up
additional intercom routing. 15 programmable keys are provided to enable/disable the
programmed function assigned to that key.
ADVANCED CONFIGURATION DISPLAY AND CONTROLS
Each of FORUM’s fader channels has an advanced settings button. Configuration is carried
out by using the multi-function integrated OLED display in the monitor and control section
on the right side of the console. The rotary encoder associated with the display is used to
scroll through the contextual graphics menus.
Dual asignable
precision VU meters
General functionality includes adjustment
and instantaneous activation of audio effects:
equalization, filters, limiters, etc., memory
management and configuration, general
effects disconnect, timer, stopwatch, phase
change, test signal insertion, etc.
MONITORING
The control surface also has two integrated
high precision digital stereo VU meters, each
of which can be assigned to display either
Master 1 or Master2/CUE outputs.
FORUM has two sections for the independent monitoring of the control room and the
studio. There are separate level controls for
control room speakers, studio speakers, and
headphones, as well as FORUM’s built-in
CUE speaker. FORUM´s studio and control
room monitor sections each have an OLED
display where selections can be seen.
FORUM includes independent and centralized control of ON-AIR signaling, signals assigned to speakers and headphones and their
levels, cough muting, PFL cuts, etc.
Programmable function
keys
Multi-function display
Multi-function display
selection buttons and
rotary encoders
TALK-BACK
FORUM has independent pre-set intercom
paths between the console and the studio
for speakers and headphones.
Additional intercom lines can be established
to facilitate management of communication
within the system. For example, you can
send the talk-back microphone signal to individual hybrid and audio codec returns.
The talk-back microphone can be also used as
the auto-control microphone if so designated.
Control room, studio, and
talk-back monitoring
PTT buttons for direct
intercom
5
System Components
AEQ’s FORUM Digital Console was designed to be completely modular to simplify system expansion and allow modifications to accommodate your changing work environment and system demands.
FR01/FRGRAND: BUILT-IN
COMPONENT FEATURES
MAINFRAME
The standard frame FR1 will accommodate up to 12 faders.
Channels are grouped into 4 faders per module, and up to
3 fader modules per control surface, along with the monitoring and control module.
The frame FRGRAND can
accommodate up to 20
faders. Channels are
grouped into 4 faders per
module, and up to 5
fader modules per control
surface, along with the
monitoring and control module.
Both frames, and in addition to the built-in inputs and
outputs, have slots for 14 audio input and output modules, each of which can be configured according to the
user’s specific requirements and working situation. An
integrated CUE speaker is also included.
INTERNAL DC POWER MODULE AND STANDARD
EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY
Internal DC
power module and standard external
Power Supply,
auto-ranging 100-240 V. 50/60 Hz. Noiseless ventilation through natural convection.
BUILT-IN INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
Features found on the rear of FORUM’s chassis include:
- MIC/LINE input for talk-back and
auto-control
- Studio and control room speaker
and headphone outputs
- 8 GPI (inputs) and 8 GPO
(outputs) (both opto-isolated) and 4 GPO relay outputs.
- 2 Ethernet 10/100 T ports.
- 1 external time sync port.
CONTROL SURFACE MONITOR AND CONTROL
SECTION
- Two stereo VU meters.
- 15 programmable “soft keys”.
- OLED multi-function display and
associated rotary encoder selectors.
- Independent studio and control room
speaker sections.
- Intercom to studio and external lines.
6
ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS
FRCH: FADERS MODULES
(1, 2 or 3 are required per console with FR1 Chassis up to 5 with the FRGRAND)
4 channels per module - includes:
-100 mm faders with CHANNEL ON/OFF and CUE buttons.
- built-in multi-function OLED display on each channel
displays type of input, channel name, and
balance/panorama.
- 4 hotkeys for routing to prevalent outputs.
- Advanced configuration access button.
FR20: BLANK FADER MODULE COVER
Covers unused fader module areas on the control surface.
FR11: MADI MODULE
Handles up to 64 audio channels in each direction allowing FORUM to communicate with another console or a router hundreds of meters away using a simple pair of fiber-optic lines. Two bi-directional fiber-optic ports (input and output).
The SFP chassis with ports are built into the console and does not occupy an
I/O slot.
FR90: OPTIONAL REDUNDANT POWER SUPPLY
2 RU chassis containing dual hot-swappable power
supply modules.
ANALOG AND DIGITAL INPUT AND OUTPUT MODULES
(14 maximum per console)
FR03: MICRO/LINE INPUT MODULE
- 2 MICRO or LINE inputs - switch selectable.
- 48 volt Phantom Power ON/OFF - switch selectable on each input.
FR04: ANALOG INPUT MODULE
- 8 line level mono inputs, electronically balanced.
- Configurable as 4 stereo inputs.
FR05: ANALOG OUTPUT MODULE
- 8 line level mono outputs, electronically balanced.
- configurable as 4 stereo outputs.
FR02: DIGITAL INPUT/OUTPUT MODULE
- 4 AES/EBU Digital stereo inputs.
- 4 AES/EBU Digital stereo outputs.
- SRC on all inputs.
- Digital Áudio formats supported AES-EBU or SPDIF.
FR22: USB DIGITAL INPUT/OUTPUT MODULE
- 4 USB Digital stereo Inputs/Outputs
- SRC on all inputs.
- “USB audio standard device” implementation for computer operating systems.
FR33: DIGITAL TELEPHONE HYBRID MODULE
- Telephone line connector.
- Telephone set connector.
FR21: BLANK INPUT/OUTPUT MODULE COVER
Covers unused input and output module slots on the rear of the chassis.
INTRODUCCIÓN
OPTIONAL SOFTWARE
VIRTUAL MIXER PC APPLICATION “VIRTUAL FORUM”
Windows PC Software with
the full functionality of the
AEQ FORUM control surface. Allows the operator to
work in parallel or temporarily substitute the hardware
control surface. Can be
operated locally or remotely
over a data network.
STATUS VISUALISATION SOFTWARE “FORUM SCREEN”
Windows PC Software with
the FORUMS’ most important signals through Vu/peak- meters including
signalling routed channels,
Microphone On-Air lights,
Telephone lines (hybrid)
status, System clock and
date.
CABLING ACCESSORIES
To make your installation smooth and easy, the console can be ordered with our pre-made data and audio cables. The standard cables
comes in the length of 4 m with DB type connectors on the console side and open-end on the other. The un-terminated end can be
soldered into your patch panel, have terminals lugs installed, or used
in a punch-down block.
FR CAB GPI
DB9 male connector for GPIs.
FR CAB GPO
DB9 female connector for GPOs or relay contacts.
FR CAB MON
DB9 female connector for 2 monitoring outputs.
FR CAB INP
Male DB15 connector for 4 inputs channels.
FR CAB OUT
Female DB15 connector for 4 output channels.
Cables terminated with connectors on both ends and of other
lengths can be supplied upon request.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Functionality
Cough mute, studio and control room ON-AIR signaling, fader
start, remote PFL, talk-back, automatic speaker cut-off.
N-1 output configuration.
Integrated external equipment control (AEQ hybrids and
codecs) via programmable key section.
Option of pre-fader / post-fader for all routing.
Control communication via 10/100 Ethernet connection using
TCP/IP protocol.
Selectable boot-up – using last used settings or default settings.
System signals can be assigned to any control channel.
System settings are stored in the on-board memory: 1 default
basic factory configuration and 6 user defined configurations.
General Features
Configurable monitoring for all system signals.
4 direct-routing buttons on each channel.
Easily removable control surface modules for easy maintenance.
Built-in pre-fader monitor speaker.
Silent operation by convection cooling. FORUM is ideally suited
for self-operated applications.
Integrated talk-back microphone input.
Built-in headphone outputs.
2 precision stereo VU meters.
Test tone generator.
Clock (allows for external synchronisation), timer and stopwatch.
Redundant power supply (optional).
Inputs And Outputs
Supports a maximum of 14 input/output modules: 4 can be
dual MICRO / LINE modules, and 2 can be digital hybrids.
Integrated MICRO/LINE input for talk-back and self-operation.
Integrated studio and control room speaker and headphone
outputs.
Integrated CUE output with built-in speaker.
Phantom power and electronic balancing on microphone inputs.
Electronically balanced analog line inputs and outputs.
Transformer balanced digital inputs and outputs.
Sample Rate Converters (SRC) on digital inputs.
Supports AES/EBU and S-PDIF digital formats.
MADI bi-directional fiber-optic connection for 64 digital audio
channels (optional).
8 GPI and 8 GPO (opto-isolated) and 4 GPO relay outputs.
System Processing Capabilities
48 kHz, 24 bit internal sampling frequency (96kHz under request).
± 12 DB gain control (analog and digital signals).
Selectable balance/panorama control on all channels.
Selective phase inverter.
Audio processing for 20 stereo signals.
Pre-defined audio processing that allows manual adjustment.
Available audio effects: 3 band equalizer, high pass and low pass
filters, compressor/limiter, and noise gate.
Audio gain adjustment for up to 128 inputs, including those
embedded.
Physical Characteristics
Self-contained chassis FR1 with the following dimensions:
Width: 702 mm (27 5/8”).
Depth: 548 mm (21 1/2”).
Height: 135 mm (5 3/8”).
Weight: ~15 kilos (~33 lbs) (depending upon configuration).
Self-contained chassis FRGRAND with the following dimensions:
Width: 1042 mm (41 1/8”).
Depth: 548 mm (21 1/2”).
Height: 135 mm (5 3/8”).
Weight: ~22 kilos (~48 lbs) (depending upon configuration).
7
INTERNATIONAL SALES
Margarita Salas, 24 · 28919 · Leganés · Madrid · Spain
Phone: +34 91 686 13 00 · Fax: +34 91 686 44 92
e-mail: aeqsales@aeq.es · website: www.aeq.eu
AEQ USA
Phone: +1 954-581-7999 · Toll Free: 1-800-728-0536 (US only)
Fax: +1 954-581-7733
e-mail: sales@aeqbroadcast.com · website: www.aeqbroadcast.com

* Your assessment is very important for improving the work of artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project