Kodiak Mobile Relies on Calrec Omega in Smaller OB Truck

Kodiak Mobile Television is installing a Calrec Omega console in the first of its outdoor broadcast (OB) trucks, a mid-sized unit serving clients that do not require full-size OB trucks. Kodiak chose Calrec based on high demand from prospective customers.

“Before we started construction, we talked to existing and potential customers about what they’d like to see in an OB truck,” said David Kearnes, co-owner of Kodiak Mobile Television. “The single most requested piece of equipment was a Calrec console, so when it came to audio, the choice was clear.”

Kodiak’s 160-channel console has 40 dual-layer faders and a 5.1 spill fader panel. The configuration includes 64 AES inputs and outputs, 64 analog inputs, 32 analog outputs, and 256 channels of MADI in and out. In Kodiak’s workflow, 128 channels flow via MADI between the Omega console and the routing switcher. The router embeds audio feeds into the video signals, which are sent to ISO recorders. Kodiak reserves 64 MADI input and output channels on the Omega to interface via connections in its I/O panel with other mobile units or facilities that might be on site.

“The Omega’s multichannel I/O capability means we can send dozens of different mixes that can be isolated for separate live feeds, or recorded and sent to postproduction,” Kearnes said. “The ability to create so many mixes from a single console makes the Omega a really powerful system.”

Kearnes said that the ability to expand the console to use Calrec’s powerful Hydra networking technology is a critical feature because it allows Kodiak to interface with other Hydra networks on location — a benefit that opens up opportunities to serve as a second or third truck in side-by-side scenarios for large productions.

Kearnes also cited the integration of RTW’s TM7 TouchMonitor surround sound analyzer and loudness monitor as one of the Omega’s most valuable features. Having this capability right at the console allows Kodiak to monitor and make adjustments at the truck, rather than further down the transmission path or in postproduction.

Kodiak Mobile Television’s mid-sized OB truck is under construction and will roll out in December with coverage of college and NBA basketball, gymnastics, and Grand Prix swimming events.

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