Calrec will unveil a brand-new console at NAB2007 with the launch of Omega. Omega uses award-winning Bluefin High-Density Signal Processing technology, features 160 channel-processing paths packaged as 48 stereo plus 64 mono channels, and allows up to 24 full 5.1 surround channels.

Omega is positioned between the company’s Zeta and Sigma consoles and provides considerable power in a very small frame. Conditions in key markets encouraged the design of Omega as a smaller console than Sigma but with the same buss structure and delay facilities that Bluefin provides. Omega with Bluefin is equipped with 160 mono DSP paths and, in keeping with previous Bluefin implementations, is managed on just one DSP card.

Available in three frame sizes — 24, 32, and 48 faders — Omega with Bluefin has eight 5.1 surround, stereo, or mono audio groups, 20 auxiliary outputs (20 mono or 10 stereo), and 48 outputs for multitrack or
general-purpose feeds. The console also has two main stereo or 5.1 surround program outputs with full equalization and compressor/limiter facilities, with full control of the stereo downmix of the surround main outputs, often necessary when doing simultaneous HD and SD transmissions.

The Omega provides greatly expanded monitoring options with full user configurability and features Calrec’s unique TFT metering capabilities right across the upstand. The company’s hardware team placed as much control on the surface as possible and maintained the immediacy of its assignable system without compromising access.