In "I Thought I Saw a Mixer In My Laptop," (FOH, "On the Digital Edge," Feb. 2010), we looked at Software Audio Console (SAC), a virtual mixer that works with any PC running Windows. (We take another look at a SAC system being used for a Michel Legrand tribute show in this issue's Production Profile, page 30. – ed.). An engineer using SAC does not need a traditional mixing console, so there's a lot of flexibility in the user interface: SAC can run on a laptop or a desktop, as long as you can provide a multichannel audio I/O that accommodates the number of inputs and outputs you require for your show.
This is indicative of the manner in which digital audio technology continues to separate the mix engine from the control surface. In ye olden days, the mix engine was the control surface (i.e. the traditional analog mixing desk), but the rules of the game have changed.
Though SAC is a perfect example of audio processing and routing separated from the user interface, it is only the tip of the iceberg. Now the packaging of the controller is becoming less important – the only real requirement is that it is network-capable.
Networking Possibilities
Take, for example, the Allen & Heath iDR-32 and iDR-64 MixRacks, part of the iLive-T Series. These I/O boxes house mic preamplifiers, sends and a snake interface in a rack mount package along with the requisite DSP to run a show. Since MixRacks contain all the audio I/O routing and processing needed to execute the functions of an audio mixer, they do not necessarily need to be connected to a "mixing console" (though they are most effectively used with an A&H control surface such as the iLive-T80 or iLive-T112). The mixing surface is actually just a network controller that communicates with the MixRack through Cat5 cable.
A&H calls the connection between the MixRack and the controller ACE (Audio Control over Ethernet), which carries audio as well as control data. The MixRack is capable of being used as a stand-alone system, so you are not locked into the requirement of a control surface. Network ports on the MixRack allow it to be connected via Cat5 to a laptop (or other computer) or a WiFi router. Once the network has been established, you can do silly things like walk the stage or house with your laptop and make adjustments to the monitor or house systems.
In fact, a recent press release from Allen & Heath described how James Duvall (engineer for Memphis Train Revue) is using a Mix Rack and a laptop to facilitate mixing in situations where a traditional front of house mix position is not desired for space or aesthetic reasons. Duvall uses an iDR-32 and a MacBook to run the system sans control surface. A Linksys wireless router is connected to the iDR-32 using Cat5, and then the MacBook communicates with the iDR-32 over WiFi. The MacBook is running iLive Editor, providing access to all system parameters.
Freedom to Roam
While one could stroll around the stage and venue while carrying a laptop, this is clumsy and probably asking for an accident. Wouldn't it be nice if you could control the mix using something smaller, like an iPhone or iPad? Well, once you have a network capable computer connected to an audio system, the horse is out of the gate. There are all sorts of things that can be done, including the use of something called VNC, or Virtual Network Computing.
VNC allows you to remotely view and control one computer from another. The computer that you wish to view and control is referred to as the "server." The "client" is the remote computer that is used to connect to and take control of the server. Once the client has connected with the server, you can access files and programs from the client (remote computer) as if you were sitting in front of the server.
There are some obvious uses for VNC, one of which is the ability for an IT person at a large company to ‘take over' an employee's desktop machine and troubleshoot any problems that they might be having. Another great use would be for you to connect to Auntie Em's machine in Kansas while you are in New York or Los Angeles, and be able to fix any issues that might be presenting problems for her.
VNC + iPad = Very Cool
In the audio world, there might be some limited use for long-distance VNC, but the real muscle flexes when we add an iPhone or iPad into the equation. VNC apps have been available for the iPhone for a while.
For example, Mocha VNC provides access to a VNC server via iPhone, providing the ability to connect to a PC or Mac and see the files, programs, and resources as if you were sitting at the machine. iTeleport (formerly known as Jaadu) is available as an iPad application that allows remote access to a Mac or Windows computer using VNC and an iPad (it costs about 25 bucks). Using an iPhone as an interface would be kinda' tight (to say the least) but the iPad is big enough to provide a useful and comfortable interface, while being small enough that you could easily and safely carry it around a stage or venue while making adjustments to your mix.
Indeed, that is what Duvall is doing with Memphis Train Review. According to the A&H press release, "When he (Duvall) ventures out into the house, he leaves his laptop behind, controlling it from his iPhone. ‘I run something called iTeleport Jaadu VNC, which is a virtual network control app. It's basically a remote desktop client that lets me access my computer directly,' he relates. ‘It's basically a viewer, but it also lets me ride faders and spin knobs. So when it comes to fine-tuning the room, I just carry my iPhone.'"
One of the best features of VNC is that you do not have to sit around waiting for a manufacturer to write a specific application for your iPhone or iPad or other "remote controller" just to use it in a VNC situation. It is the VNC server that requires the requisite application, and since the server will be either a standard Mac or Windows PC, whatever software you want to remotely access – whether it be MS Word or iLive Editor – should be easy to find and install. Once the VNC client/server relationship has been set up, you can stroll the venue while mixing from an iPad. I can't wait for that!
