FORUM IP SPLIT and LITE

Digital Audio Mixers for Radio and TV

FORUM is a family of digital audio mixing consoles for Radio and Television, specially designed for ON-AIR broadcast control and adaptable to different work flows. Simplicity and control power are combined in FORUM IP to cover both basic and advanced operation needs. Two versions: SPLIT and LITE. Available in two formats: recessed and desktop.

Incorporate all the necessary features for ON AIR use

Scalable up to 24 faders as required

Simplicity and power of control

Optional remote control software

FORUM includes memories that store the settings of each signal

Easy installation and configuration

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Functional
description

Channel module

The AEQ FORUM control surface is built on independent channel modules with 4 faders. The resulting configurations range from a basic configuration of 4 channels, then growing to 8, 12 and so on, for a maximum of 24 channels with the FORUM IP SPLIT. The FORUM LITE can be configured for a maximum of 12 Fader.

The signal assignment to fader channels is completely user-definable on the AEQ FORUM IP: it is possible to dynamically assign available system signals to fader channels during operation. This makes the system very flexible and allows to reorganise the channel distribution on the control surface to suit different programmes or operators. It is also possible to group several signals to a fader channel.

Control and Monitoring Module

The module provides two precision VU meters and 20 programmable keys. These high-precision stereo digital VU-meters can be assigned to the master outputs or, via the CUE keys, to any selected signal. The programmable Keys are available for a myriad of functions and controls, including audio engine cross-points, equipment control, talk-back and advanced signalling.

In the central part of the control module is located a multi-function display with associate keys and rotary encoders and are used for advanced configuration and functions. Each fader channel has a “Select” button that is linked to this area and allows for the adjustment of complex signal parameters and processing, internal routing, etc.

FORUM IP provide for independent monitoring in the technical area and studio. The lower part of this module contains the monitoring controls for the Control Room and Studio as well as the basic talk-back keys.

The most extensive set of functions for your ON AIR Broadcast Control

Audio Engine and Connectivity

The FORUM IP SPLIT version comes with a 3RU Audio Engine – FR CORE. The rear of this unit has 14 slots for I/O modules to be allocated as required. The FORUM IP LITE version comes with the compact 2RU M_CORE engine and with fixed set of I/O’s. In either of these versions, all necessary monitoring and Headphone outputs including GPIO’s and Relays, are readily available so does not have to be accounted for when making an assessment in regards to I/O count.

Both can be fitted with redundant power supply and licenses for operation support and remote control applications.

Basic features (Forum IP SPLIT)

Supports a maximum of 14 multiple input/output modules, out of which four can be dual mic. with 48V Phantom (switchable mono line), two digital hybrid and two AoIP.
Additional integrated mic. with 48V Phantom (switchable mono line) input for talk-back and auto-control. Multi-channel: IP via 1 or 2 optional 32-channel audio over IP modules with DANTE/AES67 protocol. Alternatively, MADI via optional internal 64 I/O module.

Inputs and outputs

Supports a maximum of 14 multiple input/output modules, 4 of which can be dual micro-line, two digital hybrid and two AoIP.

Additional integrated micro-line input for talkback and self-monitoring.

Multi-channel: IP via 1 or 2 optional 32-channel audio over IP modules AES 67 format AES 67 technology.
DANTE FORMAT. Alternatively, MADI via optional internal 64 I/O module.

Optional input and output modules for FR CORE engine

FR02: DIGITAL INPUTS / OUTPUTS MODULE:
– 4 AES/EBU digital stereo inputs.
– 4 AES/EBU digital stereo outputs.
– SRC on all inputs.
– Supports AES/EBU or SPDIF formats.

FR03: MIC/LINE INPUT MODULE:
– 2 switchable MIC/LINE inputs.
– PHANTOM 48V ON/OFF switch for each input.
– Maximum 4 per console.

FR04: ANALOGUE LINE INPUT MODULE:
– 8 electronically balanced, line level mono inputs.
– Configurable as 4 stereo inputs.

FR05: ANALOGUE LINE OUTPUTS MODULE:
– 8 electronically balanced, line level mono outputs.
– Configurable as 4 stereo outputs.

FR11: AES10 MADI MULTICHANNEL MODULE:
Up to 64 bi-directional audio channels interconnecting the console with a router or another console located hundreds of metres apart and through a single pair of optical fibres .
– Two fibre optic connectors (input and output).
– SFP cage: does not occupy input and output slots,
– Cannot be used in combination with FR 14.

FR14: AES67 / DANTE ™ AoIP MULTICHANNEL MODULE:
Incorporates 32 channels of AoIP from the network into the console and makes 32 channels of audio from the console available to any equipment on the network.
– Two RJ45 connectors (redundant operation or Daisy Chain).
– Up to 2 can be installed on one console.
Cannot be used in combination with FR11.

FR21: BLANK MODULE:
Used to close empty slots for input/output modules.

FR22: USB INPUTS / OUTPUTS MODULE:
– 4 USB digital stereo inputs / outputs.
– SRC on all inputs.
– Any PC operating system will recognize the USB ports as “External Sound Card or USB audio Device”.

FR33: DIGITAL TELEPHONE HYBRID MODULE:
– Connector for telephone line.
– Connector for telephone set.
– Maximum 2 per console.

Basic features (Forum LITE)

2-unit chassis with a closed configuration to which some optional cards can be added. It incorporates general purpose inputs and outputs: control and studio monitor outputs, CUE speaker output, control and studio headphones.

Inputs and outputs

Inputs

– 4 mono, switchable mic/line inputs.
– Phantom power configurable from the surface.
– 2 USB stereo digital I/O`s with SRC on the Inputs.
– 4 stereo AES/EBU digital inputs configurable as SPDIF.
– 12 analogue inputs (individually configurable in stereo pairs, 6 pairs).

Outputs

– 2 digital stereo USB digital outputs (these are I/O).
– 4 AES/EBU stereo digital outputs configurable as SPDIF.
– 8 analogue mono outputs (can be configured in stereo pairs and can also be assigned as secondary headphones).

Optional Inputs and Outputs for MCORE engine

MCORE MADI: AES10 / MADI MODULE:
Up to 64 bi-directional audio channels interconnecting the console with a router or another console located hundreds of metres apart and through a single pair of optical fibres .

MCORE DANTE 32: AES67 / DANTE ™ AoIP MULTICHANNEL MODULE:
Incorporates 32 channels of AoIP from the network into the console and makes 32 channels of audio from the console available to any equipment on the network. Two RJ45 connectors (redundant operation or Daisy Chain).

MCORE DANTE 16: AES67 / DANTE ™ AoIP MULTICHANNEL MODULE:
Incorporates 16 channels of AoIP from the network into the console and makes 16 channels of audio from the console available to any equipment on the network. Two RJ45 connectors (redundant operation or Daisy Chain).

MCORE HYB: DUAL DIGITAL TELEPHONE HYBRID MODULE:
With connectors for telephone lines and for ancillary telephone sets.

Visualization and Control Software

Forum Screen

This application works as a complement to the FORUM IP digital console. It shows an exact representation of the console control surface on a Windows or iOS device, either PC or tablet, allowing Mixer control to be simultaneous in parallel, as a remote control or as an alternative to the Mixer control surface.

It also enables source selection, quick and precise control of gain, balance/pan and process for each channel on the external display.

Mixing on your PC or Tablet

Forum Virtual

This application works as a complement to the FORUM IP digital console showing an exact representation of the console control surface on a Windows or iOS device, either PC or tablet, allowing its control in parallel or alternative to the surface, therefore, its dual or remote management.

Technical

Features

General

Cough cut, ON-AIR signalling for studio and control.
Fader-start, remote PFL, talkback, automatic monitor mute.
Flexible and dynamic N-1 output configuration.
Remote control for auxiliar and external equipment (E.g. hybrids and AEQ audiocodecs) through programmable Keys.
Independent Pre- / Post- Fader option for all routing.
Auto-start (selectable) with the latest settings (or with the default configuration).
Signals dynamically assignable to any fader channel.
Memory banks – storage of all signal settings: one “default” and up to 9 user-defined configurations.
Configurable control monitoring, paging, CUE, headphones and vu-meters for all signals in the system.
4 direct output routing buttons for each channel.
Monitor output for Pre- Fader listening.
Ventilation through silent natural convection – no fans – suitable for auto-control operations.
2 integrated headphone outputs. In addition, a stereo line output can be assigned as secondary headphones.
2 precision stereo vu-meters.
Test tone generator.
Clock, timer and stopwatch – NTP synch available for System Time.
Optional redundant power supply.
Memory storage of all signal settings: one basic and 6 user-defined.
Optional display and control software for Forum IP SPLIT and LITE consoles. Screen – 7″ touchscreen. IdeaCentre AIO 3i/ HP ALL IN ONE 24-cr0070 or similar. configurations.

Connectivity

Standard and Common I/O for FORUM IP Split FR CORE and FORUM LITE M CORE engines

Integrated, control room and studio monitor and headphone outputs.
CUE Speaker output.
Phantom power and electronic balancing for microphone inputs.
Electronically balanced analogue line inputs and outputs.
Transformer balanced digital inputs and outputs.
Sample Rate Converters (SRC) for all digital inputs.
Supports AES/EBU, S-PDIF and USB digital signal formats.
Supports 64-channel AES 10 MADI digital audio connection over optical fibre.
IP connection over multi-channel AoIP links using DANTE™/AES67 protocols.
8 GPI and 8 GPO opto-coupled and 4 GPO through relay contact.

FR_CORE engine, specific features

Hot-swappable modules for easy maintenance.
Supports a maximum of 14 multiple input and output modules, 4 of which can be dual micro-line, two digital hybrid and two AoIP.
Additional integrated switchable mic./line input for talk-back and Auto-control operations.
Optional Multi-channel connectivity: AoIP through one or two 32-channel modules DANTE/AES67 protocol. Alternatively, MADI through a 64 Channel I/O, internal SFP transceiver fiber module.

Measures (Forum IP SPLIT)

Width: 482.6 mm (19″).
Height: max. 3 rack units, 135 mm (5 3/8″).
Depth: 310 mm (12 ¼”).

M_CORE engine, specific features

Optional Internal dual digital telephone hybrid with two connectors for line and two for SET.
Optional Multi-channel connectivity: AoIP through an internal 16 or 32 channels module with DANTE/AES67 protocol. Alternatively, MADI through a 64 Channel I/O, internal SFP transceiver fiber module.
Optional Multi-channel connectivity: AoIP through one or two 32-channel modules DANTE/AES67 protocol. Alternatively, MADI through a 64 Channel I/O, internal SFP transceiver fiber module.

Measures (Forum IP LITE)