CBC/Radio-Canada Upgrades Montreal Studio With C200 HD Digital Console

When planning the upgrade from analogue to digital for its Studio 12 in Montreal, CBC/Radio-Canada, Canada's national public broadcasters, found that a 48-channel Solid State Logic C200 HD digital console with two SSL MORSE Stage Boxes was just what they needed for the new all-digital mission of the network.
The C200 HD will be used for live to Pro Tools production and post production for radio and television presentations of music performances.
Michel Leduc, Manager of Broadcast Engineering for CBC/Radio-Canada French Radio and TV Projects, said: "We needed to replace our old analogue console, so we put out an industry tender for a digital console that would meet our production mission.
"While we looked at the offerings from several companies, in the final analysis, the functionality, sound quality and price led us to choose the SSL C200 HD as the best console for this job."
Jean-Marc Gellatly, Director of French Radio Operations, added: "Choosing the right console for our 'flagship' studio was mission critical insofar as this is the studio where our 'high-profile' productions take place. We also considered the fact that our most experienced personnel will be operating the console and this is why it was important to find the right balance between state of the art digital technology and the familiarity of a more traditional control surface."
CBC/Radio-Canada's Studio 12 was originally conceived as a large studio room with variable acoustics where everything from a small orchestra or big jazz band to a rock group could comfortably perform for either radio or television prouduction. Audio capture is to a Pro Tools HD system. The two MORSE Stage Boxes yield a total of 64 mic pres and provide consolidated direct access to the C200 to service the larger, microphone intense sessions. As this is the facility's largest recording studio for radio, the choice of console was an imperative.
Leduc explained: "In terms of operation, we will use the C200 HD on a daily basis to record bands and interviews. When we are not recording, we will use the C200 in post production for the radio programmes and, when we move all the camera gear and lights into the space for occasional television production, we will capture and post with the C200 as well. We really like the console ergonomics as many engineers are familiar with an analogue control surface and find that the paging functions on many digital consoles is cumbersome.
"The C200 HD gives us the best of both worlds with an analogue-type control surface, while providing digital accuracy and repeatability. Additionally, the console also allows us to seamlessly patch in our collection of analogue outboard fear. This mix of qualities led us to choose the C200 HD."
Other SSL installations with CBC/Radio-Canada include two C148/64 consoles for Mobile (Premier) and Mobile (Encore) in Toronto; two C264 consoles in Studio 40 and Studio 42 in Toronto; two C140 consoles in Studio 51 and Studio 52 in Toronto; and a C232 for the HD Mobile truck in Halifax.
The C200 HD provides the latest adaptation of SSL's popular in-line console heritage with a dedicated 'knob per function' control surface. The C200 HD is suitable for creative mixing applications, such as music or entertainment, where 'hands on' access to a large numbers of control is essential. In-line versatility and the provision of both Snapshot and Dynamic automation make the console ideal for both live-to-air and post production mixing applications.
Further information is available at: www.solid-state-logic.com.
(KMcA/BMcC)