The partnership, HEAR (Harris-Elff Audio Resources), utilizes a combination of Audio over IP technologies and high-resolution digital audio components, including several Solid State Logic Net IO SB i16 SuperAnalogue stageboxes, to remotely mix and record live music performances and other entertainment events for television broadcast and other media platforms.

HEAR’s remote production service was launched as the Covid-19 pandemic sent much of the United States into lockdown, making it impossible for Harris and Elff to mix and record on location. Their Avid Pro Tools based technology solution instead allows them to remotely control a flypack of Dante-networked digital audio equipment positioned at the site of the performance, including up to 128 microphone preamps, and generate a feed for live broadcast in stereo, 5.1 or Dolby Atmos with high resolution 24-bit audio. A second Pro Tools system simultaneously captures a multichannel recording for subsequent remixing or archival purposes.

For events that require only a limited number of audio inputs, HEAR sends an 8RU equipment rack to the production location that incorporates a Dante-enabled SSL SB i16 stagebox, which features 16 channels of SuperAnalogue premium mic preamps. “The SB i16 not only sounds amazing, it’s got two power supplies and two Dante network connections,” says Harris, stressing the importance of redundancy in live broadcast and recording applications. The unit may be remotely controlled through SSL’s Network I/O Controller app, allowing Harris and Elff to adjust and monitor input levels and access features such as mic/line switching, phantom power, pad and, if required, a limiter on every channel.