Glensound have supplied around 10,000 ISDN units to broadcasters around the world. Although ISDN is still the most reliable and trusted option for audio links, it is in decline, as broadcasters look towards IP and HD Voice mobile options. We are in a transitional period however, as the post ISDN options do not offer the ease of use and huge compatibility that the long established ISDN connections do.
As Glensound have been the established favourite in remote broadcast units, or COOBEs (commentator operated outside broadcasting equipment), it has been expected for many years that they would produce an IP COOBE. Glensound have resisted, citing lack of reliable compatibility between manufacturers and no means of simple set up in the IP world, as the key reasons. However, Glensound have now introduced a range of products that are simple to use, and are flexible, for broadcasters to use with whatever IP solution they prefer.
It is clear that the future of IP codecs is software. There are many soft codecs available, all at low prices, making stand alone hardware IP codecs look very expensive. IP software codecs also work across multi platforms, not just PC and Mac but on smart devices too. Updates, bug fixes and new features are now simple with software, as apps update regularly. It is clear to see the broadcasters attraction to the software and app options.
The one problem with software though is interfacing. Low cost, simple to update software is great, but where do I plug my XLR? Interfaces do exist, but at best these are semi-pro, studio based devices and certainly do not contain the facilities required by broadcasters, that they have come to expect in the use of Glensound ISDN COOBEs. So this is where the new Glensound USB interface range fits in.
The Glensound USB interface units bridge the gap between the appealing IP software applications and the broadcast engineers hardware expectations. They are familiar units, with XLR inputs, compressor/limiters, jack sockets for headphones and a digital USB interface to the PC, notepad or phone. They have real on air buttons, normal pots for adjusting volume levels, and are in sturdy cases designed for the rigors of outside broadcast use. Whatsmore, it is accepted that a Glensound unit will have a 15 year plus life span. Apps update every few months, software and favourite codecs will come and go, but your familiar Glensound front end unit can remain unchanged.
There are three models in the Glensound USB range:
- The Cub iPhone/Smart Phone Interface
- The GS-GC5/USB Commentary Mixer with USB Interface For PCs
- The GS-GC5T/USB Commentary Mixer with USB Interface For Tablets
Configurable Routing
All units provide 2 local XLR outputs. As they are digital mixers, you can connect a PC via USB and change the routing/mixing of these outputs. They could be straight loops of the inputs, you could have a mix of local input 1 and 2 on XLR output 1, and a mix of the iPhone USB audio inputs 1 and 2 on XLR output 2. This is a very powerful feature that is normally only present on much larger digital mixers.
Glensound GS-GC5/USB
This unit has 4 inputs (mic/line/48V) and 4 independent headphone outputs, making it more directly aimed at the sports commentator word. It is low profile with a flat top, making it a convenient base for laptop computer. All controls sit conveniently at the front of the PC, and allowing users to access their mic on/off and gain controls. Each user also has their own 2 input headphone mixer. One input is a mix of the incoming audio, one is the return cue audio. Large lithium-ion batteries keep the GS-GC5/USB running for over 7 hours of operation. Where many laptops now can only connect to a network via wifi, the GS-GC5/USB includes a USB to Ethernet adaptor, so you can connect directly to a wired network for a more reliable link as favoured by a broadcaster.
Example Software & Apps
Luci Live is an IP codec available on PC. MAC, Android & iOS. It offers multiple codec options from G722, up to AAC. Once configured Luci is a great, high quality option, and is included as standard with the GS-GC5/USB.
ipDTL is an IP solution that works within the Chrome browser. It is a very interesting option for voice only applications.
Skype is well known. When you have a high quality interface to your device using a Cub or a GS-GC5/USB, you can actually hear what Skype is doing, and it could well be better than you think. A great free option that is available on all devices and systems.
Facetime audio is also a good option if you are connecting between two Apple devices. Its free and well worth trying for voice applications.
There are also many applications for recording, such as Stenberg Cubasis, as the Glensound USB devices are perfect as a high quality recording interfaces.
Pricing
GS-GC5T/USB & GS-GC5/USB Four Commentators Mixer With USB Audio Interface £1795.00
Pricing excludes carriage and VAT/taxes.
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Glensound have supplied around 10,000 ISDN units to broadcasters around the world. Although ISDN is still the most reliable and trusted option for audio links, it is in decline, as broadcasters look towards IP and HD Voice mobile options. We are in a transitional period however, as the post ISDN options do not offer the ease of use and huge compatibility that the long established ISDN connections do.
