Axia iQ Broadcast Console

iQ AoIP Mixing Console Overview

The Axia® iQ radio console system can be used to build custom consoles of sizes from 8 to 24 faders. A basic system consists of one iQ 8-fader main frame and one Axia® StudioCore integrated console engine, which combines audio I/O, a console power supply, a mixing engine, and a dedicated five-port AoIP Ethernet switch with PoE. Faders and control capabilities can be expanded by adding one or more iQ Expansion Frames (up to a maximum of 3 frames per console installation). iQ console frames may be placed on top of desk surface, or mounted drop-in style. Multiple frames may be physically joined if desired.

iQ operates as a standalone console, but can also connect to Axia networks. The iQ mixing engine plugs into the StudioCore engine using a single cable. Setup couldn’t be simpler; connect the iQ control surface to the StudioCore, add audio inputs, perform some fast Web-based configuration, and your iQ system is ready to broadcast. It really is that simple!

iQ features 3 dedicated stereo Program buses, plus a stereo Utility bus that can be used for phone calls, off-air recording, or as a fourth Program bus. Automatic mix-minus is provided on each fader, plus talkback functions, one-button off-air Record Mode, Show Profile functions for instant recall of up to 4 pre-defined console “snapshots”, high-resolution OLED program meters switchable between VU and PPM metering styles, OLED option and source name displays on each fader strip, Studio and Control Room monitor controls. 

iQ AoIP Mixing Console Features

• Configurable from 8 to 24 faders, each with instant access to any source.

• Proven surface-and-core architecture separates control from mixing processes. No audio passes directly through iQ; all mixing and processing is performed in the StudioCore integrated console engine – so studio “accidents” don’t turn into off-air events.

• Fully Livewire+ AES67 compliant.

• Assign any type of source to any channel with a twist of the Options knob.

• Four main stereo outputs (Program-1 through Program-4).

• Built-in three-band per-source EQ.

• Alpha-numeric OLED displays below each fader always show the current audio source, and, when the Options knob is pressed, offer fast adjustment of fader gain trim, voice EQ, pan and balance, phase correction and other features without panel clutter or intimidating controls.

• Channel-input confidence meters assure talent of audio presence before taking sources to air.

• Each fader’s context-sensitive Soft key can be used to activate talkback, start delivery system events, or perform other special functions.

• Every fader has a stereo Preview (“cue”) function, with a unique interlock system for fast cuing of multiple sources.

• Smooth, long-life 100mm. conductive-plastic faders resist dirt and contamination.

• Reconfigurable CR monitor section with direct-selection of Program buses and reassignable buttons that allow instant monitoring of external sources.

• An additional monitor section provides monitor volume, source selection and talkback controls for an associated air studio.

• Flexible talkback system lets board op talk to studio guests or any Phone or Codec source with an associated backfeed.

• Up to 8 automatic mix-minuses may be used simultaneously for phones, remote talent, etc.

• Unique Record Mode enables one-button setup of record mixes for phone bits or off-air interviews.

• High-resolution OLED displays provide responsive, readable VU or PPM metering styles. Displays can be switched to display 2, 3 or 4 meters at once.

• Precision event timer that can be operated manually or triggered by starting pre-selected sources.

• Time-of-day clock can be synchronized to network time using NTP.

• Four custom Show Profile “snapshots” can be saved to instantly recall frequently-used console setups – useful to quickly prepare for interview segments, music-intensive programming, call-in talk shows, etc.

• All functions can be accessed remotely for configuration, management and diagnostic purposes using any standard Web browser.

• Multiple iQ frames can be joined to produce a single, large control surface, or operated separately if desired to suit studio design.

• Integrated zero-configuration network switch is custom-designed for broadcasting — no switch setup required.

• Fan-free, convection-cooled power supply for noiseless in-studio operation.

• Configurable network gateway allows loading of networked as well as local audio sources while simultaneously exporting audio streams for network use elsewhere. Gateway can be configured for 12-in, 4-out or 8-in, 8-out modes.

• Automixer available on all channels.

iQ AoIP Mixing Console In Depth

Control at the Click of a Mouse. Easy Installation. Fast Configuration. Intuitive Operation.

For today’s broadcast engineer, there aren’t enough hours in the day. You’re looking for a console that makes the most of your resources. One that installs quickly, with a minimum of fuss. One that works smart, with features that help talent to do smoother, more error-free shows. One that’s perfectly happy in a standalone studio — but that also connects quickly and easily to a larger studio network.

iQ is the console you’re looking for. More than just a pretty face, iQ is a broadcast console with mixing engine, analog and AES audio I/O, Livewire audio connections, machine-control logic and a zero-configuration built-for-broadcast Ethernet switch, all rolled into one easy-to-deploy package. Connect the iQ control surface to the StudioCore integrated console engine with just one cable. Then add audio inputs using CAT-5, perform some fast Web-based configuration and, presto! your new iQ console is ready to broadcast. Optional Axia Console Backup Power Supply adds redundant power to your iQ system for complete peace of mind.

Thanks to all those built-in goodies, iQ is the perfect self-contained, standalone console for an individual studio. But should you wish to expand and network with other studios, iQ can grow with you. Simple Networking lets you daisy-chain up to four StudioCore engines without the need for an external Ethernet switch. You can add iQ expansion frames to create consoles as large as 24 faders. Other optional frames add control for Telos telephone systems and GPIO routing functions to the console.

More smart stuff: iQ remembers. Four Show Profile memory positions let you set, save and recall snapshots of console settings for later use. High-resolution Organic LED meters (bright, high-resolution displays that are bright and legible, even under direct lighting) offer switchable VU or PPM metering styles, and the ability to meter two, three, or all four buses at once.

There are also OLED displays on every fader that provide source assignments, pan & balance settings, fader options and more — which means no additional computer monitors or mice to clutter up your studio. The display can also work with the Soft Keys just below to trigger GPIO events, step automation events, and adjust source input options.

iQ saves your studio furniture, too. Its desktop design lets you place it atop any solid surface — no templates to decipher or countertops to cut (unless you really want to). Since iQ only requires a single cable to connect control surface to mixing engine, even cable access holes can be small and unobtrusive. And iQ lets you choose between freestanding or contiguous console designs: you can easily join iQ expansion frames into one unit, or leave them separate to deploy a split-console design.

Like all Axia consoles, iQ is over-engineered for long life. It’s built with sturdy, premium materials, to withstand even the beatings a weekend overnight jock can give. It’s got sturdy, machined aluminum frame construction, LED button lighting, long-life conductive-plastic faders, and anodized – not painted! – surfaces with laser-etched markings that can’t ever rub off. But the most clever thing about iQ might just be its price. A 16-fader iQ costs about half what you’d expect to pay for a console with all these features. Now that’s pretty smart, don’t you think? 

iQ System Components

Like all Axia systems, iQ is customizable and scalable. The StudioCore integrated console engine contains the console’s mix engine, CPU, power supply and 32 audio I/O connections, and supports console sizes from 8 to 24 faders. Start with an eight-fader iQ Main Frame, then add expansion frames with more faders and capabilities to tailor iQ to your studio’s needs. Gigabit Ethernet lets you connect to a larger Axia network; Simple Networking lets you daisy-chain up to four StudioCore without the need for an external Ethernet switch.

iQ Main Frame

The heart of your iQ console; can be installed as a standalone console or connected to an Axia studio network. Has three dedicated stereo Program buses, plus a stereo utility bus that can be used for phone calls, off-air recording, or as a fourth Program bus, eight faders, automatic per-fader mix-minus, high- rez OLED program meters and channel displays, Studio and Control Room monitor controls and an integrated Talkback system. For bigger consoles, add one or two iQ expansion frames to build boards of up to 24 faders. Flexible mounting system allows desktop, drop-in and even rack-mounted operation.

8-Fader Expansion Frame

The iQ 8-Fader frame doubles the size of your iQ instantly. It’s simple to expand the capacity of iQ consoles, even after they’ve been in service, so you can easily grow your iQ system; expansion frames plug right into the StudioCore integrated console engine. Like all iQ frames, the 8-Fader expansion comes equipped with Axia’s rugged, anodized machined-aluminum surface, conductive-plastic faders, aircraft- quality switches and LED button lighting. Can be physically joined to Main Frame or left separate.

6-Fader Expansion Frame with User Keys

Put machine control and GPIO-triggered routing commands at your operators’ fingertips with this iQ expansion frame. In addition to the six additional faders, 10 User Keys can be software-mapped to control audio delivery systems, send contact closures or route GPIO commands to studio devices.

6-Fader Telco Expansion Frame

Puts integrated phone system control right where it belongs: on the console, to help eliminate distractions and errors. Along with six silky-smooth conductive-plastic faders, this frame also includes on-board hybrid controls for Telos VX phone systems. The learning curve is low: exclusive Telos Status Symbols readouts on sharp-as-a-tack OLED displays, along with familiar twin hybrid controls, make easy work of busy call-in segments.

StudioCore Integrated Console Engine

StudioCore is an integrated console engine for Axia iQ, Radius, RAQ, and DESQ mixing consoles that combines audio I/O, a console power supply, a mixing engine, and a dedicated five-port AoIP network switch with PoE into a single fanless 2RU rack-mounted package. 

StudioCore provides four selectable mic/line inputs, eight dedicated line inputs and outputs, and three digital inputs and outputs that are user-configurable as AES/EBU, S/PDIF, and USB Audio, which eliminates the need for an IP driver for stereo applications. It also includes two headphone outputs with independent DACs and built-in amplifiers, a built-in audio file player via USB data port, and four GPI/O ports. The Option Board slot provides the option to install a CAN bus board with three CAN ports, providing connectivity for up to three Axia iQ surfaces.

iQ AoIP Mixing Console Specifications

StudioCore Connections

• StudioCore Specifications

Microphone Preamplifiers

• Source Impedance: 150 Ohms

• Input Impedance: 4 k Ohms minimum, balanced

• Nominal Level Range: Adjustable, -75 dBu to -20 dBu

• Input Headroom: >20 dB above nominal input

• Output Level: +4 dBu, nominal

Analog Line Inputs

• Input Impedance: 20 k Ohms

• Nominal Level Range: Selectable, +4 dBu or -10dBv

• Input Headroom: 20 dB above nominal input

Analog Line Outputs

• Output Source Impedance: <50 Ohms balanced

• Output Load Impedance: 600 Ohms, minimum

• Nominal Output Level: +4 dBu

• Maximum Output Level: +24 dBu

Digital Audio Inputs And Outputs

• Reference Level: +4 dBu (-20 dB FSD)

• Impedance: 110 Ohm, balanced (XLR)

• Signal Format: AES-3 (AES/EBU)

• AES-3 Input Compliance: 24-bit with selectable sample rate conversion, 20 kHz to 216kHz input sample rate capable.

• AES-3 Output Compliance: 24-bit

• Digital Reference: Internal (network timebase) or external reference 48 kHz, +/- 2 ppm

• Internal Sampling Rate: 48 kHz

• Output Sample Rate: 48 kHz

• A/D Conversions: 24-bit, Delta-Sigma, 256x oversampling

• D/A Conversions: 24-bit, Delta-Sigma, 256x oversampling

• Latency <3 ms, mic in to monitor out, including network and processor loop

Frequency Response

• Any input to any output: +0.5 / -0.5 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Dynamic Range

• Analog Input to Analog Output: 102 dB referenced to 0 dBFS, 105 dB “A” weighted to 0 dBFS

• Analog Input to Digital Output: 105 dB referenced to 0 dBFS

• Digital Input to Analog Output: 103 dB referenced to 0 dBFS, 106 dB “A” weighted

• Digital Input to Digital Output: 125 dB

Equivalent Input Noise

• Microphone Preamp: -128 dBu, 150 Ohm source, reference -50 dBu input level

Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise

• Mic Pre Input to Analog Line Output: <0.005%, 1 kHz, -38 dBu input, +18 dBu output

• Analog Input to Analog Output: <0.008%, 1 kHz, +18 dBu input, +18 dBu output

• Digital Input to Digital Output: <0.0003%, 1 kHz, -20 dBFS

• Digital Input to Analog Output: <0.005%, 1 kHz, -6 dBFS input, +18 dBu output

   

Crosstalk Isolation, Stereo Separation And CMRR

• Analog Line channel to channel isolation: 90 dB isolation minimum, 20 Hz to 20 kH

• Microphone channel to channel isolation: 80 dB isolation minimum, 20 Hz to 20 kHz

• Analog Line Stereo separation: 85 dB isolation minimum, 20Hz to 20 kHz

• Analog Line Input CMRR: >50 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz

• Microphone Input CMRR: >50 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Audio Processing

• Mic Equalizer (applicable to up to 6 faders)

• Frequency Bands: 20Hz to 320Hz, 125Hz to 2KHz, 1.25KHz to 20KHz.

• Cut/Boost range on each band: -25dB to +15dB.

• Q-factor: Automatic - bandwidth varies based on amount of cut or boost.

Power Supply AC Input, StudioCore with iQ Console

• Auto-sensing supply, 100VAC to 240VAC, 50 Hz to 60 Hz, IEC receptacle, internal fuse

• Power consumption: 100 Watts

Operating Temperatures

• -10 degrees C to +40 degrees C, <90% humidity, no condensation

   

Dimensions

• iQ Main Frame 20.5” x 19” x 4.5” (desktop to meter bridge)

• iQ Expansion Frames 17.5” x 18.25” x 3” (desktop to tallest control)

Regulatory

North America: FCC and CE tested and compliant, power supply is UL approved.

Europe: Complies with the European Union Directive 2002/95/EC on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS), as amended by Commission Decisions 2005/618/EC, 2005/717/ EC, 2005/747/EC (RoHS Directive), and WEEE.