On NAB 2004 booth number C5236 in Central Hall C2, Sonifex are showing a new small format radio broadcast mixer, which was released early in 2004. The S2 is a modular digital I/O analogue radio broadcast mixer. Using the latest technology components, S2 offers digital audio quality with analogue reliability in a modular format. S2 has both digital and analogue input channels, together with simultaneous analogue and digital outputs. The first mixers were shipped in April to Radio Europe Mediterraneo in Spain and Point Blank Ltd in the UK.
Following on from the Sonifex Sovereign range of audio mixers, S2 combines all the features needed of a radio broadcast mixer in a stylish, flush-mounting chassis : a wide range of input and output channels, PFL/cue, fader-start operation of equipment, automatic monitor muting on mic-live, light switching remote outputs, optional EQ on input modules, gram amp input options and 2 main audio buses, allowing you to broadcast on the PRG bus while recording on the AUD bus, with bus output selection on each module.
Sonifex MD Marcus Brooke commented :”We’ve been selling the Sovereign range of radio mixers since 1996 and S2 is the successor to that range. We’ve taken all the feedback that we’ve received from existing customers over the years and designed what we hope will be the mixer that they’ve always wanted. It’s targeted at small scale local, regional and community radio stations and we’ve focussed on features, good looks and reliability.”
There are a number of innovative design features in the S2 : The modular design of the desk gives you the flexibility to expand it at a later date and both analogue and digital input channels can be added. Its modular “pop-up” input and output channels means that the mixer can be maintained simply and quickly and any module can be in any position so that customizing the mixer for your own purposes is easy. You can even add another S2 mixer and link them together with a bus connector cable to allow for split desk configurations. The S2 chassis is available in 5 module width sections, allowing 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 module width mixers. This means S2 can be used for small newsrooms or large on-air situations. The angle of the meterbridge can be varied and set for best viewing position and large back-lit buttons allow you to see the status of the mixer at all times.
The fitted rear panel hides all cable connections but can be simply unclipped and reclipped for maintenance.
S2 has been designed to give superb audio quality and reliability. It uses the latest Crystal semiconductor technology to allow input and output of AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital audio signals up to 24 bit, 96kHz sample rate. The analogue signal paths use low noise circuitry to provide superb audio performance well capable of satisfying radio listeners worldwide. The high reliability and build quality of S2 minimises the chance of failure, avoiding lost air-time. Each module is individually checked twice before being assembled into the finished chassis and the whole unit is tested before shipping. Should a problem occur with one of the channels, it can be individually removed and repaired whilst still on-air. ALPS long-throw 100mm faders give a smooth, repeatable response and the XLR Neutrik connectors used are an industry standard. The use of VCA's controlled by the faders ensures tight stereo tracking and eliminates mechanical and electronic noise. S2 has a separate 2U power supply providing regulated, ripple-free power to the mixer.
Available input channels include mic/line, mic/mic, dual stereo line (+ EQ), stereo line and gram (+EQ), digital dual stereo line (+EQ), 6 way stereo line source select, telco with EQ and a stereo mix-minus channel. Meterbridge panels include a loudspeaker monitor panel, VU or PPM meter panels and a sophisticated timer module that can show time and date linked to MSF, DCF or SMPTE timecode. Output channels have both analogue and digital audio outputs for both PRG and AUD groups and there are studio and control room monitor select channels.
