Japan’s MBS Hits the Road with Calrec Apollo Console

Japan’s radio and television group Mainichi Broadcasting System Inc. (MBS) has installed a Calrec Audio Apollo console in an audio OB vehicle for surround sound broadcast. The 56-fader Apollo replaced a console from another vendor during a refit.

MBS purchased the Apollo in February, becoming the first in the world to deploy a Calrec Apollo desk in an outside broadcast vehicle. It has been on the air since March, providing coverage of sports and musical events.

MBS has relied on Calrec Alpha consoles previously, chose the Apollo for its new touch screen interface, surround features and down-mix functions, and expandable I/O capabilities.

“Apollo offers the same high degree of reliability as the Alpha,” said Makoto Sugimoto, MBS audio engineer. “In addition, it offers new features, including dedicated spill faders, that we find particularly desirable for surround broadcast. Operators appreciate the Alpha’s touch screen user interface, which makes system operation so easy to understand at a glance that using it is a stress-free experience.”

MBS anticipates using the Apollo console as many as 100 days each year, with 80 percent of that time devoted to live broadcast of concerts and sports, including baseball, golf, tennis, and soccer.