To keep the two cargo containers Dynaudio Unheard uses as recording studio future-proof, it was decided to go for a networked IP Audio solution. A DAD AX32 unit now acts as the primary centerpiece that connects and redistributes all of the audio channels.
The studio signals go between a Nuendo-based DAW in the mixing room, a live mix to an outside PA system, headphone monitor mixes via a Klang Fabrik system, various talkback setups and a separate mix going to an on-site video team, primarily via Dante, but also across MADI, AES and analog.
Further, it functions a stage box with 24 microphone preamps and AD-conversion. And in the control room the producer had a DAD Monitor Operating Module (MOM) hardware controller to administrate monitor feeds and talkbacks.
“The system we’re using is based around a DAD AX32, and it has been immensely helpful since it converts between all these various signal formats,” Dynaudio Unheard producer Ashley Shepherd explains. “It has proven itself invaluable, just getting this crazy setup to actually work. And it’s like we’re running an OB truck with a recording studio, while it’s being filmed – and a live concert at the same time. Everything has been working great for us. It’s been bulletproof. Oh, and the sound quality of the mic preamps… They sound wonderful. Wire with gain, basically.”
‘Smuk’ means ‘Beautiful’ in Danish and ‘Smukfest’ is the name of music festival that takes place almost in Dynaudio’s backyard in Skanderborg, Denmark. The festival was a perfect fit for the concept as a lot of upcoming Danish artists performed during the first days, and in total over 30 band signed up for a recording session in the Dynaudio Unheard mobile studio.
“The basic idea behind the concept is as bold as it is noble,” says Mikael Vest, sales director at NTP technology, Digital Audio Denmark’s mother company. “So, of course we were game when Dynaudio approached us with this idea. We’re proud that they chose to give AX32 the massive responsibility of handling all of the audio-routing in such a massive and complex setup, and we were pleased to learn that everything worked out smoothly and that so many young and ambitious bands got the chance to record their music in a professional studio.”
