News

Merging adds tactile remote control and jog-wheel editing to Pyramix (16/6/2005)

The rapid expansion of Merging Technologies' product range has been further enhanced by the addition of a new tactile remote control system for the Pyramix DAW.

The 'Isis Remote Controller and 'Isis Fader Expansion' units consist of a comprehensive edit controller and a fader expansion. The main controller has large dedicated machine control keys, high-resolution jog/shuttle/scrub functionality and advanced jog-wheel editing capabilities. A range of user-assignable keys positioned around a large LCD screen enables multi-functional key operation, also allowing the user to custom define the key labelling.

The main unit has a master fader section and twenty-four additional user-definable keys across two layers that can be used as 48 direct access solo/mute/track arming keys, locators, cue triggers or any other chosen function. There is a separate and optional eight fader expansion unit with eight rotary encoders and both units use 100mm touch sensitive moving faders with dedicated Solo, Mute, Read, Write automation keys.

Merging is very clear as to what triggered this development. Ken Barnsley, Merging's S&M Manager, explains, "There are still many DAW systems in the field that historically use a tactile remote for the main operation of the system. Systems like the DAR, Soundstation, Storm and Sabres, or the Audiofile and Augan DAWs. While these systems are old and some are no longer supported by the manufacturer, users with these kinds of systems are reluctant to change to a mouse only operated DAW, especially one that is not real-time, as all the systems in question have fully real-time editing capabilities.

"Pyramix already has all the real-time editing, processing and mixing this market is looking for, but it was not just a case of developing any remote control, we had some specific requirements. The system had to be capable of being fully user-definable to allow the operator to set the system up with the same kind of functionality as they were used to from their existing systems, even including the same system specific key labels. We also had to offer even more capabilities on the remote to take advantage of Pyramix's advanced editing facilities as many of our existing mastering and post-production users have also been asking for a tactile controller.

"The result is 'ISIS', fully configurable by the user and able to access any function in Pyramix. It's also very easy to install and set-up and simply connects to Pyramix's Ethernet port or any Ethernet switch in a networked environment. Isis may be purchased as just the main edit controller unit, or optionally together with the fader expansion. The system comes with a set of pre-defined, but user-changeable, templates configured for Mastering and Post-production specific applications."

In addition to Pyramix, Isis can be used with Merging's VCube and VCube HD-2K video player/recorders and can be configured to operate the specific functionality of VCube. One could even connect Isis to a multi-system network port and simply take control of any Pyramix or VCube on the network.

www.merging.com