Libra Live Series II Dig Digital Broadcast Production Console
Libra Live Series II
Libra Live Series II: On Air Digital Solution Since its launch in 1997, AMS Neve's Libra Live digital broadcast console has been continuously developed to meet new customer needs and changing broadcast practice. In an ever advancing technological environment the Libra Live has evolved to keep pace with new signal processing, new operational facilities, a new I/O system and new resiliency features. More than ever, planners need to be certain that equipment investment will meet not only present but future technical and operational needs. Libra Live has been designed with this longevity in mind. Libra Live's highly modular hardware and software structure is both configurable and expandable, matching the requirements of diverse and changing studio roles. Designed for broadcast, Libra Live Series II is an all-digital console, with comprehensive facilities for live television, radio and similar critical audio production roles. Both studio and truck-based remote versions of Series II are available, each in a range of sizes and application specific options.
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World Broadcasters using AMS Neve digital technology: w Inner Mongolia TV, China w RTL, Belgium w ABC TV, Australia w ABC Network, USA w ITN, UK w RTL TV, Germany w All Mobile Video, USA w Kazakhstan Broadcast w Saarlandischer Rundfunk, Germany w Anglia TV, UK w KBS, Seoul Sendai TV, Japan w Astro, Malaysia w w KFMB-TV, USA w Bayerischer Rundfunk, Germany w SIC TV, Portugal w King TV, USA w BBC, UK w Korea International Broadcasting w STW9, Australia w Beijing TV w Sudwestfunk, w The London Studios, UK Germany w Canadian Broadcasting w MBC, Seoul Corporation w Swedish TV w Mersey TV, UK w Capital TV, Australia w TBL, Hong Kong w MSNBC, USA w Carlton, UK w TBS, Japan w MTV, USA w CBS Network, USA w Telecinco, Spain w National Geographic Channel, w Central TV, UK w Tienjin TV & Radio, USA China w Channel 9, Australia w Network 10 TV, Australia w TV3, Spain w China Central TV w NHK, Japan w TV4, Sweden w China National and International w Nihon TV, Japan w Tyne Tees TV, UK Radio w Nickelodeon, USA w Cinetel, USA w University of Art and w NRK, Norway Design, Finland w Cinevideogroep, Holland w NTV, Malaysia w Warner Brothers TV, w Com Radio, Spain w ORF, Austria USA w Danish Radio w Outside Broadcast, Belgium w Westdeutscher w France 2 Rundfunk, Germany w PTV, Taiwan w France 3 w Wharf Cable, Hong w Radio Bremen, Germany w Fuji TV Kong w RAI, Italy w Granada TV, UK w WNET, USA w RTBF, Belgium w Guangdong Radio, China w YTV, Canada w RTE, Ireland w HBO, USA w ZDF, Germany w RTHK, Hong Kong w Hessischer Rundfunk,Germany 1
Libra Live Series II
Libra Live Console Surface Central Assignable Channel
Mix Minus Outputs Routing Screen
Output Faders
Configuration, Automation & EQ-Dynamics Display
2 User Assignable Logicators
User Definable Channel Strip Controls
Automated Moving Faders with Overpress
Fader Area Input Meter & Status Indicators
6-Transport Machine Control
Shortcut keys for Snapshot & Dynamic Automation
Monitoring & Global Controls Illustrated: A typical 30 fader Libra Live console
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Libra Live Series II
Libra Live Features Easy Emulation Of Familiar Consoles
Configuration Library
Libra Live uses a traditional broadcast signal flow with input channels, groups, main outputs, PFL, AFL and the digital equivalent of console wide mix busses. The Libra Live is purposely designed to work in a similar way to analogue consoles. However, where in the past large numbers of faders and inputs were required, this is no-longer necessary with the Libra Live.
Libra Live offers a user-definable library of configurations for those rare occasions when a user chooses to change the configuration of the console. The configurations, which may be modified, allow stereo channels where you need them; any mix of mono and stereo auxiliaries; and processing in the order and type that works best for your audio.
First time users can disregard advanced digital features and operate the console in a style of working that they are already accustomed to. New features and alternative working methods may be introduced, as needs change. The operator is always in control.
Dedicated Controls With the growing demand for higher quality processing and the permanent need for more outputs etc, the traditional analogue module does not have enough space for all the necessary controls. There are two main ways to solve this problem and AMS Neve offers both solutions.
Design Specification The design objectives of Libra Live Series II are:
w To provide a signal flow and an
operational working method which closely resemble those of a conventional analogue console.
w To be intuitive and consistent in
operation, with no hidden traps for operators.
The Assignable Channel Strip approach: uses a centrally located panel with all the channel controls on dedicated knobs and switches called to any fader with a single button press. The benefit of dedicated controls is that there is no need to check the function of a control before using it; a great speed advantage when the pressure is on.
w To integrate the full power and
The Channel Strip approach: keeps all the controls associated with the channel in line with the fader. A single button press brings the EQ to the surface, or the auxiliary sends. Many operators find this approach intuitive as it more closely resembles an analogue console and allows easy simultaneous adjustment on multiple channels.
w To offer an open system that is
flexibility of digital control and digital audio processing within a purpose-designed broadcast production console. expandable, using industry standard interfaces and protocols.
w To be forward thinking, keeping options
open for the future through open architecture.
It is also possible to fit a Libra Live Series II with a combination of strips and an assignable centre section.
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Libra Live Series II
Features continued Visual Displays and Hard Controls When mixing audio for TV there are enough monitors to keep an eye on without having a console cluttered with additional screens. On the Libra Live, the user has full control of the audio without needing to use screens. Once the show has been loaded, neither of the two screens in the Libra Live are essential for operation. The screens are there simply to offer a visual display of the EQ and an overview of the console's routing.
Total Visibility Routing on Libra Live Series II couldn't be easier: Forward Interrogation (Routing)
The EQ and Dynamics curves can be displayed graphically, and the display follows path selection on the console surface.
Hold down a source button and all the destinations on the routing panel to which it is routed will illuminate, with no paging required. Reverse Interrogation (Routing) Hold down a destination button and all the sources that are routed to that destination will illuminate. No paging is required if there are less than 96 input channels. (Libra Live is capable of handling up to 192 input channels). To change the routing, hold down a source button and touch the required output buttons. Alternatively (and more conveniently when setting up a group or an auxiliary output), hold down the output button and select the required inputs.
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Libra Live Series II
Features continued Mono Or Stereo Inputs In Any Order
Flexible Mix Minus
Any fader may be made mono or stereo without restriction on quantity or position. Inputs may also be re-arranged on the surface to suit momentary needs without interrupting the audio. All the channel settings, including the scribble name, are instantaneously and noiselessly transferred from one channel strip to another. Groups and outputs can be mono, stereo, analogue or digital and as far or near to hand as the style of operation requires.
In addition to regular aux sends, Libra Live Series II includes a dedicated mix-minus matrix for IFBs. This most flexible of systems combines simple, clear operation with full metering, monitoring, talkback and level control.
All, bar Pierre’s mic
Paris
All, bar guest & VT
Interviewee
All, bar anchor & with Lou pre-fade
Earpiece
Clearly Visible Control Settings AMS Neve's patented Logicator controls have unique illuminated position indicators in the top of the knob. This feature makes it easy to see the position of the control from any angle, regardless of whether movements are made manually, or by one of the console's automation systems. Whenever a control is touched a precise digital value is displayed in a nearby window. Functions with interactive controls, such as EQ and dynamics, also have screen based, high resolution graphics to help visualise the overall effect of the whole group of controls. Other indicators only become visible when relevant, making it easy to read the console status.
Unlike conventional channel based n-1 systems, outputs are not tied to specific inputs, so there is no need to re-patch every time a different clean feed is needed. 'On the fly' changes may be made at will, with sources added to or removed from an output at the touch of a button. For off-air conferencing, sources can also be switched pre-fader. Up to 96 independent mix-minus feed outputs may be created. Tone and talkback may be switched into the mix-minus outputs individually or globally.
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Libra Live Series II
Features continued Built-in I/O Router
Flash RAM
Up to 672 analogue or digital inputs can be connected to Libra Live Series II, from which over 200 can be used simultaneously. Selection is via an integral router screen, or simply by selecting the input on the required channel. All analogue and digital input and output interface racks connect to the console via MADI, allowing easy interfacing to additional external routers, or direct 3-cable connections to digital multitrack recorders.
The software which operates the console is stored in Flash RAM - a non-volatile memory which retains its contents when power is removed. This makes the system faster to start, with no dependency on the mechanical stability of a hard disk. Flash RAM increases reliability particularly in mobile applications, while retaining the ability to upgrade software as new features become available.
Modular I/O System (MIOS96)
SRAM Tracking
Libra Live uses a compact high resolution I/O system that is ideal for remote mounting.
The console configuration is written into battery-backed Static RAM (SRAM). This further improves the start speed, removes reliance on the hard disk and allows the console to track every control change made, so that it will restart in exactly the same state as it was when the power was removed.
For more information on MIOS96 visit www.ams-neve.com or contact your local office.
Comprehensive GPI In addition to the usual fader start, mic-live and on-air logic and signalling, Series II comes with a user configurable General Purpose Interface (GPI) that supports functions such as snapshot recall, remote monitor selection, lazy talkback, third party talkback/intercom support, etc.
“As the Libra Live can be set-up as being any desk you want it to be, any external operator can work with it almost instantly. Since we had almost exclusively stereo sources in this particular event it was very useful that we could set-up the desk surface to our exact needs with both operators having their channels right in front of them. On a regular console you’d have to route your sources according to the desk layout which could also limit operator convenience.” Frank Mosch, Outside Broadcast
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Libra Live Series II
Features continued Surround Sound Multi-format surround sound is built into Libra Live as standard, providing basic facilities for occasional surround sound projects. There is also a full surround monitoring option available for Libra Live that provides multiple surround sound outputs, more convenient monitoring, Dolby EÒ support and joystick panning. This option can also be retrofitted if the need for surround sound arises in the future.
Dynamic Automation CUT MSTR
CUT
SOLO MSTR
SOLO SOLO SOLO SOLO SOLO SOLO SOLO SOLO
L
CUT
C
CUT
R
CUT
LS
CUT
RS
SW
CUT
RECALL
A
B
SURR
C
D
STEREO
E
F
SOLO CLR
SUM
CUT
EX1 EX2
NAME STORE
ROUTE LATCH
1 5 9 13 17 21
2 6 10 14 18 22
3 7 11 15 19 23
4 8 12 16 20 24
A
1 2 4 5 6 7
STEM SEL
SUBMIXER
Lt-Rt
MONO
POST DECODE
SWP SPKRS
ACAD FILT TRIM
TRIM
FORMAT MON FORMAT SEL
In the event that greater flexibility is required, the Libra Live also has the ability to run dynamic automation. The movement of every control on the console can be recorded and replayed against timecode. Mixes can be edited and updated, stored and transferred to other consoles in the AMS Neve family of post-production consoles. Libra Live Series II has a 6 port synchronising tape transport controller built in. This allows an audio machine to be locked to a video transport for simple post-production or audio recovery work. Encore automation on Libra Live is exactly the same as that used on the world’s definitive mixing console, the DFC, which mixes the world’s biggest blockbuster movies.
Offline Encore
Snapshot Automation
CH71 FXF2 INF
Libra Live Series II provides a simple method of capturing the position of every control on the console and restoring the position at any time with as few as just 3 button presses.
CUT
MODE
DIV
SET
CH72 FXF3 INF
CALL MODE
DIV LCR
REC
LCR
REC
GLIDE
FB
GLIDE
FB
ISOLATE
LR
ISOLATE
LR
PLAY
MODE
PLAY
MODE
SET
CALL
More importantly, the snapshot system also allows full operator control over which parts of the console are to be reset - from protecting the presenter's channel, or recalling just his EQ, to resetting half the console for the second band of the evening.
For those occasions when configuration is required off-line, all the essential information about the console - the number of faders, processing and quantities of I/O can be transferred in one file to a stand-alone PC running Encore automation. This PC can then be used to pre-configure the console off-line, including options to define the numbers of channels and mix-busses; select channel inputs; and setting up routing. Libra Live's unique Desk Editor enables absolute control over the console configuration.
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Libra Live Series II
Features continued PFL on Overpress
Meter Bridge Options
Libra Live uses this standard broadcast feature, omitted on many other digital "broadcast" consoles.
Libra Live has an incredibly large headroom within its DSP, making it impossible to overload the processor. The only places signal level is critical is at the physical I/O ports - and this is where Libra Live has its metering points.
Intelligent Layers Layers allow the Libra Live to handle more inputs than there are faders. For most broadcast applications, one layer at a time is enough. However, up to 4 layers are available, for example:
w Slave inputs, such as audience mics controlled from a master fader on the surface.
w Back-up inputs. w The band's microphones - brought to the surface for their number and then taken off again.
w Multitrack returns. w Spillover on a once-a-year special e.g. election night. Whatever the application for layers, it's important that access is straightforward and that signal paths can be moved between layers easily. Libra Live allows layers to be selected on individual faders or globally across the console. The top row of Logicators can also be used as small faders for a second layer if required and there are fader lock and Logicator lock buttons to prevent individual paths such as presenters' mics from being accidentally removed. Two versions of the in-line bargraph meter are available, one with full height metering and one with metering for both the small and large fader. Both meter types can be switched to display dynamics on the right hand side.
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The fader strips are equipped with large, bright input signal presence and overload indicators as standard and a small bargraph indicator that can be switched between dynamics gain reduction or input level. These alone are often sufficient for input level monitoring. There are also two optional in-line meter packages as illustrated.
2nd Layer Metering
Two pairs of analogue output meters are provided which can be either VU or PPM. Alternatively, the whole meter bridge may be customised with the user’s choice of instruments and fittings.
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Libra Live Series II
Features continued Audio Follow Video (V2.8 software) Libra Live's AFV system offers more than just remote channel on/off switching. Each fader's in and out fade times are programmable, as is the minimum level to which the channel will fade. Operators can choose whether the faders move to reflect the tally control, or stay still to enable trimming.
Dual Control Option In applications where there is more than one operator it can be useful to have a second assignable central channel section. Libra Live allows the console to be split between two operators at any fader point. Each operator may have their own independent set of channels, or channels may be duplicated in each section allowing parallel access to controls.
Networking & Resource Sharing Broadcasters with two, or more Libra Live equipped studios will benefit from networking and resource sharing advantages. By networking the consoles via Encore automation, desk set-ups may simply be shared between studios. MADI - the AES standard for Multichannel Audio Digital Interfacing Libra Live Series II makes use of MADI, the AES standard for Multichannel Audio Digital Interfacing. Using MADI provides several significant benefits, including:
Ease of Connection Up to 56 channels of digital audio data are transmitted on one cable. AMS Neve's MIOS system uses a MADI connection that also carries sync and mic amp control.
Resiliency
Cost Benefits
In the rare event of a failure Libra Live exploits a range of techniques to keep audio on air:
Use of MADI means that expensive analogue converters are not required for use with multitracks. AMS Neve's low cost TDIF- MADI interface rack enables simple MADI interfacing with 48 tracks of low cost Tascam modular digital multitracks.
w Redundant PSUs in every rack. w Bootable from Flash RAM or disk. w PC and console surface can be switched off without affecting audio. w The processor will re-allocate around faulty processor boards using a user defined path priority system.
w Ultra stable audio processing software and detailed diagnostics. w Hot pluggable I/O. w User warnings of common external failures such as sync loss or removal of a remote I/O rack.
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Long cable runs/signal quality Using MADI, long cable runs are possible without degrading audio quality - up to 2km if using fibre optic cable.
Redundancy Parallel redundant MADI links may be made between the console and a remote MIOS I/O rack.
Signal Routing Use of MADI provides the flexibility of picking off MADI channels for cable free internal routing. Wider connectivity is also possible via AMS Neve's DNA (Digital Networked Audio) or third party routers which also make use of MADI.
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Libra Live Series II
Typical Libra Live Series II System The flexibility of the Libra Live Series II means that the console's scalable architecture is more than capable of meeting the needs of medium to large sized studios as well as outside broadcast vehicles.
Unlike conventional analogue consoles, the Libra Live Series II can accommodate large numbers of inputs while retaining a small footprint.
With the Libra Live you can be assured that you will always benefit from the latest technology as the console is fully equipped to be upgraded at any point with all the latest technological advances. In addition, if your operational requirements change, the console can be upgraded to meet your needs.
Up to 48 independent clean feeds
Up to 192 analogue and/or digital inputs
Control
Surround Monitoring option for LCRS, 5.1, 7.1 and other common formats
Integrated Signal Processing and Routing
External router for shared resources, signal distribution, etc.
Up to 16 mono or stereo auxiliaries for foldback and fx
Up to 8 mono or stereo groups for secondary outputs
External systems 48 Track Multitrack
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Libra Live Series II
Specifications Example systems are outlined below, other configurations are also available. Quantities of I/O, channel processing and GPI can all be varied according to requirements.
System
24 faders inc stand & meter-bridge 36 faders inc stand & meter-bridge 48 faders inc stand & meter-bridge
Console Dims (mm)
Max I/Ps possible
Typical I/P Chan
1464 W 921 D
Typical AES I/Ps (dual)
Typical AES O/Ps (dual)
12
16
32 + 4aux
12
24
48
48 + 8aux
44
64
48 +12aux
16 stereo 30 mono 144
1032 H
30 stereo
2452 W
48 mono 192 48 stereo
1032 H
Frequency Response:
Typical line O/Ps (mono)
96
1958 W
921 D
Typical line I/Ps (mono)
16 mono
1032 H 921 D
Typical mic I/Ps (mono)
GPI
Total Rack Size
Total Power (Typical)
12
16 in 16 out
27U
Console: 400W Racks: 750W
28
28
24 in 24 out
31U
Console: 500W Racks: 1000W
28
28
32 in 32 out
35U
Console: 600W Racks: 1500W
20Hz-20hHz +/-0.2dB
Delay through console:
Approx 2mS
ADC and DAC Resolution:
24 Bit
Time Alignment:
Outputs are time aligned regardless of signal route and path processing
Sampling Rates:
44.1, 48 and drop-frame equivalents
User Assignable Delay:
5secs standard, 25 secs max
96kHz:
Hardware: Yes
Max. MADI Cable Lengths:
Co-ax: 50m Fibre: 2km
SRC on AES inputs:
Yes
Console to Racks Distance:
Multicore: 30m Fibre: 2km
SRC on AES outputs:
Yes
Sync References:
Video, AES, Wordclock, Internal
Max Analogue Level (0dBFS):
Factory set +8dBu to +26dBu
GPI:
Programmable, with up to 128 inputs & outputs
Surround Sound:
Standard, Joysticks optional
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Software: Future
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