Broadcast control systems have become a necessity to provide a unified and efficient user experience in a notoriously fast-paced environment involving IP edge devices and network infrastructures; baseband video routers and switchers; audio routers and mixing consoles; multiviewers; intercom systems, etc. Which system qualifies as the definitive “broadcast whisperer”?
Our auditory system is incredibly sensitive to the smallest sound distortion or discontinuity. Even the slightest audio pop, stutter, or level clip grabs our attention and distracts us from the television or radio program. Consequently, vendors working in the audio space, especially in IP, have spent years refining their Audio over IP solutions to make the sound clear and distortion free, as well as easy to use.
Latency is the millisecond delay between the time an audio signal enters an electronic system and when it emerges. Though a simple concept to understand, latency can play havoc in a range of audio applications, including well-known issues in live broadcasting.
One of the key issues is making sure you are ready for the job. The old Boy Scout motto — Be Prepared — is essential. This means learn in advance where the recording will occur and determine if there are any unique issues at the venue. Then take the right equipment to the location site. It might sound elementary, but many a recording has been tripped up due to not bringing all the necessary gear.
Professional audio production has turned into an endlessly complex place where what was valid in the past is no longer true today. Powerful tools abound to fix anything in audio, but having a light touch is essential to truly good sound.
Hackers are always improving the level of sophistication and constantly finding new surface areas to attack – resulting in the surging volume and frequency of cyberattacks.
Microphone preamps are very simple. The basic function is to boost the low level signal from a microphone to a more robust line level. The signal can then be used for broadcasting, editing, recording or sound reinforcement.
Bob Dylan was riding a crest of social change when he wrote those lyrics in 1963. But the words popped back into my mind as I thought about several recent conversations with friends who complain of their struggle to stay afloat in today’s video production business.