The changing ways of broadcast production also demand changes to the technology employed. With DJ self operated studios becoming increasingly the norm, functionality and usability take on greater importance. The zirkon excels by its completely flexible control surface which is so intuitive that technical training becomes minimal. A minimum of operational controls reduce the surface to a purpose-designed tool; its flexibility and ability to perform complex control tasks is moved from the operator to easily understood software. The modular design of the system permits scalability of size as well as the creation of split consoles and multi-level control panels. Functionality is independent of the size of the control panel and can be equally implemented in even the smallest console configuration. Control Surface The zirkon control surface has a modular design based on a central control section and up to nine four-fader modules. Thus, control surfaces from 4 to 36 faders can be created, offering unlimited compatibility. The individual modules are connected to each other via CAN-BUS (CAT5/RJ45) which allows them to be placed in any order according to user requirements.

Central Module: zirkon
The central module allows you to perform global as well as channel-related settings. For example: Gain Panorama/balance EQ, DYN, Limiter, DEL (if assigned) 24 function buttons can be assigned freely for functions such as control room monitoring (CRM), studio monitoring, program switch, talkback as well as red light switching. In addition, there are two monitoring rotary encoders. Customized settings of the console can be stored on a PCMCIA card. The snapshots stored include all parameters that can be set from the control surface, and this makes the console instantly reconfigurable for different shows, announcer preferences or different applications. Central Module: zirkonXL The central module of the zirkonXL allows the setting of many parameters directly and includes more freely programmable buttons for monitor selection, monitoring and special functions as well as a volume knob for monitoring. This greatly improves the efficiency of the sound engineer. Channel Module For unambiguous operation, the control elements of each fader strip are reduced to the bare essentials. Level is set by motorized faders guaranteeing intuitive operation especially in combination with a radio automation system. When the console is remotely controlled, the real fader level is always displayed correctly, facilitating user intervention and giving confidence when under pressure.

An activated LCD button displays the source name and parameters. The respective settings are directly adjusted by the rotary encoder immediately above. Four freely programmable buttons can be configured for a wide range of functions. Internal level conditions are monitored by three status displays (LEDs) for signal presence, overload and limiter active. I/O and DSP Frame The 19’’ remote frame includes all signal processing and interfaces for audio signals and communication. As well as interfaces for synchronization and control, the central module (optionally also with MADI interface) offers extensive DSP resources that are available regardless of surface size and I/O capacity. Further interfaces are mounted as plug-in modules which can be upgraded very flexibly. The frame can have redundant power supplies. Configuration Software With graphic-guided configuration software (WIN 2K/XP) you can configure the mixing console according to your requirements. The configuration is then loaded via the integrated Ethernet interface (TCP/IP). The status can be retrieved via the same interface by using the integrated web server. The mixing console workes independently from the configuration software.

PROFILE
The zirkon is a compact mixing console for small to mid-sized on-air studios. It offers easy and intuitive handling, adaptable surface and functionality and is flexible by consequential modular concept. With these features in combination with its wide choice of interfaces, interfaces for radio automation and the remote servicing and control via Ethernet, the zirkon offers an optimized cost-performance ratio.

ANNOUNCER CONTROL PANELS
For the realization of announcer control panels we offer optional push button panels which are connected via CAN or Ethernet. For already existing installations it is possible to connect these panels via relays and opto-couplers with the system. For both options, configuration is performed by using the configuration software.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

• 48 summing buses (mono, stereo-link possible)
• 30 mini-mixer
• 48 equalizers (mono, stereo-link possible)
• 14 dynamics: gate, expander, compressor (mono or stereo)
• 14 limiters (mono or stereo)
• Analog line/mic (transformer balanced or electricallybalanced)
• AES/EBU (AES3), Sampling rate converter
• SDI (embedded audio)
• GPI (opto, relays, VCA)
• Headphones (incl. VCA-inputs)