The Benefits of Using Prodigy Multitrack for Live Sound, Broadcast and Recording
Prodigy Multitrack: A Modular Audio Converter for Live Sound, Broadcast and Recording
If you are looking for a modular audio converter that can address numerous applications in live sound, broadcast, installation and recording, using a single hardware frame, you might want to check out Prodigy Multitrack. Prodigy Multitrack is a product of DirectOut, a German company that specializes in high-quality audio converters and network solutions. In this article, we will explore what Prodigy Multitrack is, what are its main features, and how to use it in different scenarios.
prodigy multitrack
What is Prodigy Multitrack?
Prodigy Multitrack is a modular audio converter that can be configured to specific requirements. It has a granular license model that grants a customizable feature set, giving budget savings as well as the flexibility to address changes in the global media environment through future upgrades.
A modular audio converter with customizable features
Prodigy Multitrack has eight local slots for analog line-level/mic input and AES3 modules. With eight channels per module, it provides up to 64 local inputs and outputs. The hardware additionally supports two MADI and one network audio option. MADI slots can be equipped with BNC, SC optical and SFP modules, while the network audio board adds Dante, RAVENNA/AES67 or SoundGrid. The channel capacity sums up to 320 inputs and 324 outputs which are managed with a channel-based routing matrix.
A flexible solution for various applications and formats
Prodigy Multitrack is designed to address numerous applications in live sound, broadcast, installation and recording. It can handle different formats and standards in order to meet present and future requirements in various domains. The network audio module can accommodate Dante, RAVENNA/AES67 or SoundGrid protocols. The RAVENNA module complies with AES67, ST 2110-30 / -31, and supports all ST 2022-7 classes. It is also listed in the JT-NM Tested Catalog as a module aligning with the SMPTE 2110 standards. The Dante module supports Dante redundancy, while the SoundGrid module offers extremely low latency audio transport and allows Waves servers to be connected for plug-in inserts.
What are the main features of Prodigy Multitrack?
Prodigy Multitrack has many features that make it a powerful and versatile device for audio conversion and routing. Here are some of the main features:
Modular I/O with analog, AES3, MADI and network audio options
As mentioned before, Prodigy Multitrack has eight local slots for analog line-level/mic input and AES3 modules. Each module has eight channels of input or output. The analog modules have high-quality preamps with phantom power, pad switch and gain control. The AES3 modules have sample rate converters on each channel pair. The hardware also supports two MADI slots that can be equipped with BNC, SC optical or SFP modules. Each MADI slot can handle up to 64 channels of input or output at 48 kHz or up to 32 channels at 96 kHz. The network audio option adds one more slot that can be equipped with Dante, RAVENNA/AES67 or SoundGrid modules. Each network audio module can handle up to 128 channels of input or output at 48 kHz or up to 64 channels at 96 kHz.
Channel-based routing matrix with up to 320 inputs and 324 outputs
Prodigy Multitrack has a channel-based routing matrix that allows any input channel to be routed to any output channel. The routing matrix can handle up to 320 inputs and 324 outputs at once. The routing matrix can be controlled via globcon remote control software, browser-based GUI or front panel touch display.
Networked audio and seamless interoperability with Dante, RAVENNA/AES67 or SoundGrid
Prodigy Multitrack can interface with different network audio protocols such as Dante, RAVENNA/AES67 or SoundGrid. The network audio module can be configured to accommodate different formats in order to meet present and future requirements in various applications. The Dante module supports Dante redundancy mode for increased reliability. The RAVENNA module complies with AES67, ST 2110-30 / -31 standards for broadcast applications. It also supports stream redundancy in accordance with ST 2022-7 standard for seamless switching between redundant streams. The SoundGrid module offers extremely low latency audio transport (
FastSRC sample rate converter for unsynchronized digital sources
Prodigy Multitrack has a FastSRC sample rate converter that can be switched on for the MADI I/Os and the network audio I/Os. The FastSRC ensures seamless exchange when digital sources are not synchronized. It has a very low latency (
Multiple control options with globcon remote control software, browser-based GUI and front panel touch display
Prodigy Multitrack can be controlled via different options such as globcon remote control software, browser-based GUI or front panel touch display. globcon software offers full control of multiple pieces of equipment in Mac/PC/Linux-based systems and features a comprehensive snapshot management with selective recall scope-sets. It also supports trigger management which includes OSC and MIDI for control e.g. from a tablet device. Automated surveillance and red-light control are possible through GPIOs. A USB port on the rear panel offers connection and control of legacy devices via globcon bridge. The browser-based GUI allows access to all parameters via any web browser without installing any software. The front panel touch display provides an intuitive interface for local operation.
Local monitoring, phase-redundant power supplies and network redundancy for safe operation
Prodigy Multitrack has two headphone outputs that provide local monitoring of any input or output channel. It also has two phase-redundant power supplies that grant seamless operation of the device even if one power supply fails. An internal switch on the network module ensures redundancy for the network domain. While the Dante module supports Dante redundancy mode, the RAVENNA module offers stream redundancy in accordance with ST 2022-7 standard.
How to use Prodigy Multitrack in different scenarios?
Prodigy Multitrack can be used in different scenarios such as live sound, broadcast, installation and recording. Here are some examples of how to use it in these domains:
Live sound: a front-end for audio consoles or a standalone converter and routing system
In live sound applications, Prodigy Multitrack can be used as a front-end for audio consoles or a standalone converter and routing system. It can interface with analog, AES3, MADI and network audio sources and destinations. It can also provide local monitoring, plug-in inserts, virtual soundcards and low latency audio transport. For example, it can be used to connect multiple stage boxes via MADI or network audio, to distribute audio signals to multiple PA systems via analog or AES3 outputs, to insert plug-ins on individual channels or groups via network audio outputs, or to record multitrack audio via virtual soundcards.
Broadcast: a compliant device with AES67, ST 2110-30 / -31 and ST 2022-7 standards
In broadcast applications, Prodigy Multitrack can be used as a compliant device with AES67, ST 2110-30 / -31 and ST 2022-7 standards. It can interface with different network audio protocols such as RAVENNA/AES67 or Dante. The RAVENNA module supports all ST 2022-7 classes and stream redundancy for seamless switching between redundant streams. It is also listed in the JT-NM Tested Catalog as a module aligning with the SMPTE 2110 standards. Prodigy Multitrack can also provide sample rate conversion for unsynchronized digital sources, local monitoring, plug-in inserts and virtual soundcards.
Installation: a versatile device for audio distribution and conversion in complex environments
In installation applications, Prodigy Multitrack can be used as a versatile device for audio distribution and conversion in complex environments. It can handle analog, AES3, MADI and network audio sources and destinations. It can also provide flexible routing, local monitoring, plug-in inserts and virtual soundcards. For example, it can be used to distribute audio signals to multiple zones via network audio outputs, to convert audio formats between different devices via MADI or AES3 inputs and outputs, or to insert plug-ins on specific channels or groups via network audio outputs.
Recording: a low latency audio transport and plug-in insert system with virtual soundcards
In recording applications, Prodigy Multitrack can be used as a low latency audio transport and plug-in insert system with virtual soundcards. It can interface with analog, AES3, MADI and network audio sources and destinations. It can also provide local monitoring, sample rate conversion and flexible routing. For example, it can be used to connect multiple microphones or instruments via analog or AES3 inputs, to transport audio signals to a DAW via network audio outputs and virtual soundcards, to insert plug-ins on individual channels or groups via network audio outputs and Waves servers, or to record multitrack audio via network audio outputs and virtual soundcards.
Conclusion
Prodigy Multitrack is a modular audio converter that can address numerous applications in live sound, broadcast, installation and recording. It has a modular I/O with analog, AES3, MADI and network audio options. It has a channel-based routing matrix with up to 320 inputs and 324 outputs. It supports networked audio and seamless interoperability with Dante, RAVENNA/AES67 or SoundGrid protocols. It has a FastSRC sample rate converter for unsynchronized digital sources. It has multiple control options with globcon remote control software, browser-based GUI and front panel touch display. It has local monitoring, phase-redundant power supplies and network redundancy for safe operation. Prodigy Multitrack is a powerful and versatile device for audio conversion and routing that can meet present and future requirements in various domains.
FAQs
What are the dimensions and weight of Prodigy Multitrack?
Prodigy Multitrack has a 19-inch rack-mountable chassis with a height of 2U (88 mm) and a depth of 350 mm. It weighs approximately 8 kg without modules.
What are the power requirements of Prodigy Multitrack?
Prodigy Multitrack has two phase-redundant power supplies that accept AC input voltage from 100 V to 240 V at 50 Hz or 60 Hz. The maximum power consumption is 150 W.
What are the system requirements for globcon remote control software?
globcon remote control software is compatible with Mac OS X 10.9 or higher, Windows 7 or higher, and Linux Ubuntu 14.04 LTS or higher. It requires an Ethernet connection to the Prodigy Multitrack device.
What are the system requirements for virtual soundcards?
Virtual soundcards are available for Mac OS X 10.9 or higher and Windows 7 or higher. They require an Ethernet connection to the Prodigy Multitrack device and a DAW that supports ASIO (Windows) or Core Audio (Mac OS X) drivers.
Where can I find more information about Prodigy Multitrack?
You can find more information about Prodigy Multitrack on the DirectOut website: https://www.directout.eu/product/prodigy-mc/