At IBC 2018 Calrec unveiled its new Impulse core, the next generation audio processing platform. The Impulse core is a very powerful audio processing and routing engine with AES67 and SMPTE 2110 connectivity. The Impulse core is compatible with existing Apollo and Artemis control surfaces, providing a simple upgrade path for existing Calrec customers.
   

“Impulse is a very robust and scalable DSP platform that illustrates a clear direction for Calrec’s future development, giving our customers a fully defined upgrade path as they transfer to IP infrastructures,” says Dave Letson, Calrec’s VP of Sales. “In addition, future scalable expansion will allow up to three DSP mix engines and control systems to run independently on a single core at the same time, providing the ability to use multiple large-format mixers simultaneously in an extremely cost-effective and compact footprint.

“The signal processing capacity of the Impulse core is unlike anything else available and is the most powerful DSP engine on the planet,” continues Letson. “It utilizes the next generation of Calrec’s award-winning Bluefin DSP technology – Blu3fin – with five different user-upgradable DSP packs, all of which will be available from launch and range from 256 input channels in the XS Pack to 1,122ch in the XL Pack. In fact, Impulse provides more than 400 independent busses; 192 x mains/groups, 48 x auxes, 96 x tracks, with 3 x AFL and 3 x PFL immersive busses.”

He added, “With control connectivity via IP, surfaces can be physically remote and connected over standard networks using COTS hardware. Above all else, it gives our customers a very powerful suite of broadcast features, which will take them into the next era of broadcast workflows.”

Impulse has an integral AoIP router, which fully supports NMOS discovery and connection management, as well as mDNS/Ravenna discovery. Up to four router cards can be fitted, each with a 4096 x 4096 audio routing matrix, and can operate at 1- or 10-Gbps. Two 5U Impulse cores can be combined to provide full redundancy and can be physically remote from each other for disaster recovery.

“This technology enables all Calrec customers to make the transition to NGA and IP infrastructures, and provides the flexibility to do so in a timescale that works for them and without an overhaul of production equipment,” adds Letson. “Impulse gives existing customers the opportunity to upgrade to new network technologies when it is right for them, and provides a clear, simple and cost-effective upgrade path.”