Merging Technologies is now part of the Neumann brand, following the acquisition by the Sennheiser group. And although the original Merging Anubis interface has already been relaunched as the new Neumann MT 48 audio interface, Merging continues to operate independently to explore the internal DSP power, internal audio routing capabilities and touchscreen, to expand the applications of the Anubis in more specific, professional markets.
Merging calls its application-oriented software approach for the Anubis, "Missions." Just recently, Merging Technologies introduced the Commentary Unit Mission, for broadcast applications. This very specific application required the use of the Anubis SPS model, with dual RJ-45 connections for ST2022-7 redundancy and specific firmware.
The latest software configuration to be announced for the versatile Anubis hardware is the Venue Mission software, created with live musicians in mind. This software configuration explores the use of multiple Anubis units together in a monitoring mix network. This is a bit overkill when we compare the cost of similar personal monitoring networked solutions that are available in the market and that try to reduce the price of hardware consoles as much as possible. In contrast, a Venue Mission network offers much more, including the infrastructure to distribute and record all the sound sources on stage, which becomes valuable in configurations such as orchestras.
As Merging explains, "by focusing on the needs of both musicians and technicians, the software offers unparalleled control over the entire audio ecosystem, providing a seamless and intuitive user interface for multiple users."
At the heart of Venue Mission is its full 16-channel mixer, delivering comprehensive control across four monitors. The solution supports up to 16 mono or stereo inputs, accommodating any sampling rate and enabling users to work effortlessly with local analog inputs or incoming audio over IP streams. The ability to show or hide mixer inputs on each monitor, delay inputs from 1.4ms to 20ms and ability to customize or color-code input names provides an added layer of control. As with all other Anubis missions, Venue Mission is compatible with AES67.
Venue Mission finds application in a wide array of use cases, including orchestral live performances, complex band monitor setups, smaller bands without monitor engineers, orchestral studio recordings and speaking booths/ADR studios. Performers benefit from access to their own personal mix monitoring and the microphone and instrument inputs can be shared on the network for remote control and monitoring by the PA mixer or recording engineer. Venue mission has already been used during the Louis Vuitton Show at Paris Fashion Week, the recent French tour of the Queen Symphonic and Johnny Symphonique.
"This new mission was created in consultation with industry expert Emmanuelle Husson of Radioactivitees (www.radioactivitees.com). After three years of successive stages and feedback from multiple technicians and renowned musicians, we’re proud to deliver this personal monitor and mixing solution," expresses Florian Baume, Senior Software Engineer at Merging Technologies. "This adventure has shown that Anubis' audio quality is highly appreciated by musicians, both for its microphone and headphone preamps and for its low latency internal mixer and processing. The creation of the Venue Mission goes one step further to serve the needs of these musicians."
Anubis Interpretation Solution
During the recent IBC 2023 show in Amsterdam, Merging Technologies and Sennheiser also unveiled a complete solution for interpretation and simultaneous translation, based on the Merging Anubis and Hapi audio interfaces.
Interpretation at conferences, business meetings and broadcast events is more in demand than ever but often associated with complex set-ups and cost. Merging worked with Sennheiser’s business communication experts to create a very flexible and cost-effective interpretation solution based on the Anubis interface, connected to Sennheiser headsets (mic/headphone combos). A Merging Hapi Mk II audio interface serves as the connection point to the console, PA or conferencing system.
The Anubis audio interface can handle two high-end microphone inputs with EQ, compressor and limiter and two headphone outputs with a touch screen, a rotary dial for the headphone volume and a hard button for direct mute control by the interpreters. The inputs and outputs are totally separate so that each interpreter can choose their volume level etc., completely independently from their colleague.
All Anubis are network-interconnected (AES67/ST2110) so that every audio stream can be made available on any Anubis. A Hapi Mk II (AD/DA, MADI, AES/EBU converter) is used as an in/out point with all standard formats to connect to the existing console, PA or conferencing system. One key benefit of this interpretation solution is that it can be remote-controlled via VPN and the IP address of each Anubis.
"Interpreters will have an intuitive solution for their work, while set-up and control are as easy, flexible and versatile as possible for the event techs," says Maurice Engler, senior product & project manager.
www.merging.com
