AMS Neve Libra Live

DigDig

Libra Live Series II

Digital Broadcast Production Console

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.

ISSUE 6 1


World Broadcasters using AMS Neve digital technology:

� ABC TV, Australia

� ABC Network, USA

� All Mobile Video, USA� Anglia TV, UK

� Astro, Malaysia

� Bayerischer Rundfunk, Germany

� BBC, UK

� Beijing TV

� Canadian BroadcastingCorporation

� Capital TV, Australia

� Carlton, UK

� CBS Network, USA

� Central TV, UK

� Channel 9, Australia

� China Central TV

� China National and InternationalRadio

� Cinetel, USA

� Cinevideogroep, Holland

� Com Radio, Spain

� Danish Radio

� France 2

� France 3

� Fuji TV

� Granada TV, UK

� Guangdong Radio, China

� HBO, USA

� Hessischer Rundfunk,Germany

� Inner Mongolia TV, China

� ITN, UK

� Kazakhstan Broadcast

� KBS, Seoul

� KFMB-TV, USA

� King TV, USA

� Korea International Broadcasting

� The London Studios, UK

� MBC, Seoul

� Mersey TV, UK

� MSNBC, USA

� MTV, USA

� National Geographic Channel,USA

� Network 10 TV, Australia

� NHK, Japan

� Nihon TV, Japan

� Nickelodeon, USA

� NRK, Norway

� NTV, Malaysia

� ORF, Austria

� Outside Broadcast, Belgium

� PTV, Taiwan

� Radio Bremen, Germany

� RAI, Italy

� RTBF, Belgium

� RTE, Ireland

� RTHK, Hong Kong

� RTL, Belgium

� RTL TV, Germany

� SaarlandischerRundfunk, Germany

� Sendai TV, Japan

� SIC TV, Portugal

� STW9, Australia

� Sudwestfunk,Germany

� Swedish TV

� TBL, Hong Kong

� TBS, Japan

� Telecinco, Spain

� Tienjin TV & Radio,China

� TV3, Spain

� TV4, Sweden

� Tyne Tees TV, UK

� University of Art andDesign, Finland

� Warner Brothers TV,USA

� WestdeutscherRundfunk, Germany

� Wharf Cable, HongKong

� WNET, USA

� YTV, Canada

� ZDF, Germany

Libra Live Console Surface


2 ISSUE 6

CentralAssignable Channel

Mix MinusOutputs

RoutingScreen

OutputFaders

2 UserAssignableLogicators

AutomatedMoving Faderswith Overpress

Shortcut keys forSnapshot & Dynamic Automation

6-TransportMachine Control

Monitoring & Global Controls

Fader AreaInput Meter & Status Indicators

User DefinableChannel Strip

Controls

Configuration,Automation &EQ-Dynamics

Display

Illustrated: A typical 30 fader Libra Live console

Libra Live Features

Easy Emulation Of Familiar Consoles

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.

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.

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.

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.

It is also possible to fit a Libra Live Series II with a combination of strips

and an assignable centre section.

Configuration Library

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.


ISSUE 6 3

Design Specification

The design objectives of Libra Live Series II are:

� To provide a signal flow and anoperational working method whichclosely resemble those of aconventional analogue console.

� To be intuitive and consistent inoperation, with no hidden traps foroperators.

� To integrate the full power andflexibility of digital control and digitalaudio processing within apurpose-designed broadcastproduction console.

� To offer an open system that isexpandable, using industry standard interfaces and protocols.

� To be forward thinking, keeping optionsopen for the future through open architecture.

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)

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.


4 ISSUE 6

The EQ and Dynamics curves can be displayedgraphically, and the display follows path selection

on the console surface.

Features continued

Mono Or Stereo Inputs In Any Order

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.

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.

Flexible Mix Minus

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.

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.


ISSUE 6 5

Paris

Interviewee

Earpiece

All, bar Pierre’s mic

All, bar guest & VT

All, bar anchor &with Lou pre-fade

Features continued

Built-in I/O Router

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.

Modular I/O System (MIOS96)

Libra Live uses a compact high resolution I/O system that is ideal for

remote mounting.

For more information on MIOS96 visit www.ams-neve.com or contact

your local office.

Flash RAM

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.

SRAM Tracking

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.

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.


6 ISSUE 6

“As the Libra Live can be set-up as being any desk you want it to be, any external operator can workwith it almost instantly. Since we had almost exclusively stereo sources in this particular event it wasvery useful that we could set-up the desk surface to our exact needs with both operators having theirchannels right in front of them. On a regular console you’d have to route your sources according tothe desk layout which could also limit operator convenience.”

Frank Mosch, Outside Broadcast

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 E� support and joystick panning.

This option can also be retrofitted if the

need for surround sound arises in the

future.

Snapshot Automation

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.

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.

Dynamic Automation

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

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.


ISSUE 6 7

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Features continued

PFL on Overpress

Libra Live uses this standard broadcast feature, omitted on many other

digital "broadcast" consoles.

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:

� Slave inputs, such as audience mics controlled from a master fader onthe surface.

� Back-up inputs.

� The band's microphones - brought to the surface for their number andthen taken off again.

� Multitrack returns.

� 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.

Meter Bridge Options

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.

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.

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.


8 ISSUE 6

2nd Layer Metering

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.

Resiliency

In the rare event of a failure Libra Live exploits a range of techniques to

keep audio on air:

� Redundant PSUs in every rack.

� Bootable from Flash RAM or disk.

� PC and console surface can be switched off without affecting audio.

� The processor will re-allocate around faulty processor boards using auser defined path priority system.

� Ultra stable audio processing software and detailed diagnostics.

� Hot pluggable I/O.

� User warnings of common external failures such as sync loss orremoval of a remote I/O rack.

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.


ISSUE 6 9

MADI - the AES standard forMultichannel Audio Digital Interfacing

Libra Live Series II makes use of MADI, the AES standard for MultichannelAudio 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. AMSNeve's MIOS system uses a MADI connection that also carries sync and micamp control.

Cost Benefits

Use of MADI means that expensive analogue converters are not required foruse with multitracks. AMS Neve's low cost TDIF- MADI interface rack enablessimple MADI interfacing with 48 tracks of low cost Tascam modular digitalmultitracks.

Long cable runs/signal quality

Using MADI, long cable runs are possible without degrading audio quality - upto 2km if using fibre optic cable.

Redundancy

Parallel redundant MADI links may be made between the console and a remoteMIOS I/O rack.

Signal Routing

Use of MADI provides the flexibility of picking off MADI channels for cable freeinternal routing. Wider connectivity is also possible via AMS Neve's DNA(Digital Networked Audio) or third party routers which also make use of MADI.

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.

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.

Unlike conventional analogue consoles, the Libra Live Series II can

accommodate large numbers of inputs while retaining a small footprint.


10 ISSUE 6

48 Track Multitrack

Surround Monitoringoption for

LCRS, 5.1, 7.1and other

common formatsUp to 192analogue and/or

digital inputs

Up to 48independentclean feeds

Integrated SignalProcessing and

Routing

External router forshared resources,

signal distribution, etc.

Control

Up to 8 monoor stereo groups

for secondaryoutputs

Up to 16 monoor stereo auxiliaries

for foldbackand fx

Externalsystems

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.

SystemConsole

Dims(mm)

Max I/Pspossible

Typical I/PChan

Typicalmic I/Ps(mono)

Typicalline I/Ps(mono)

TypicallineO/Ps

(mono)

TypicalAES I/Ps(dual)

TypicalAESO/Ps(dual)

GPITotalRackSize

Total Power(Typical)

24 faders

inc stand &meter-bridge

1464 W

96

16 mono

16 stereo

12 1632

+ 4aux12 12

16 in16 out

27UConsole: 400WRacks: 750W

921 D

1032 H

36 faders


1958 W

144

30 mono

30 stereo

24 4848

+ 8aux28 28

24 in24 out


921 D

1032 H

48 faders


2452 W

192

48 mono

48 stereo

44 6448

+12aux28 28

32 in32 out


921 D

1032 H

Frequency Response: 20Hz-20hHz +/-0.2dB Delay through console: Approx 2mS

ADC and DAC Resolution: 24 Bit Time Alignment:Outputs are time aligned regardless ofsignal route and path processing

Sampling Rates: 44.1, 48 and drop-frame equivalents User Assignable Delay: 5secs standard, 25 secs max

96kHz: Hardware: Yes Software: Future 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


ISSUE 6 11

Documents

AMS Neve Libra Live