Dual ICON Consoles used for Grammy’s Broadcast

This is interesting…

At this year’s 49th annual Grammy Awards telecast, sound engineers utilized a groundbreaking workflow, incorporating dual Digidesign® ICON systems to produce live mixes for all performing artists. From the XM/Effanel L7 mobile production trailer, XM/Effanel’s team of engineers delivered simultaneous real-time 5.1 surround and 2-channel audio mixes for every artist who performed on stage.

In addition to the XM/Effanel system, the Grammys employed a second mobile ICON system which was configured to mirror the ICON system in the L7 trailer. Both mobile production trailers housed a 32-fader ICON D-Control™ worksurface along with a powerful Pro Tools|HD® 7 Accel system for recording and mixing. By recording the rehearsals on one system, and then moving the session to the secondary system for further refinement while the next artist was rehearsing, engineers John Harris and Eric Shilling were able to achieve better mixes than ever before.

“Every year the Grammy broadcast becomes more complex,” says Hank Neuberger, co-broadcast audio supervisor. “By relying on the power and flexibility of dual ICON systems, we were able to develop a unique workflow. We captured more pre-mix time for our music mixers to create the very best balances. The performing artists and their producers had more opportunities to collaborate with our music mixers, and that resulted in a better sounding show.”

Neuberger concluded, “What we were doing was stretching the space-time continuum and creating rehearsal hours that we never had before. The result is the most polished mixes ever!”

XM/Effanel has a successful track record for mixing with ICON systems, including projects for Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Video Music Awards. For more information about XM/Effanel Music, visit http://www.effanel.com.