A range of Roland AV mixers that have been designed as complete and portable audio and visual input mixers with the capability of single-person operation. With a variety of video input types including HDMI, RGB component, composite, and SDI; and a similar variety of output types, these consoles can be used in a range of venues that may require different compatibility such as schools, churches, broadcast, corporate events, or sporting events.
VR-4HD
Integrating an 18-channel digital audio mixer, 4-channel video switcher, and audio/video USB streaming, VR-4HD has been designed as a ‘stand-alone’ device for 720p/1080i/1080p high-definition video and audio. Input 4 has a scaler that enables support for both video and computer resolutions, along with analogue RGB and component inputs to enable compatibility with older external equipment.
With the exception of the four XLR/jack combo mic/line inputs and 3.5mm headphone output located on the left facing panel, the rear facing panel houses all connections. These include balanced 3-pin XLR outputs, dual unbalanced RCA (phono) outputs, 4x HDMI inputs, RBG/component inputs, dual RCA (phono) auxiliary outputs, channel 5/6 inputs on RCA (phono), channel 7/8 input on stereo 3.5mm jack, and PVW output. Other connections on the rear panel include HDMI output, RGB/component output, USB 3.0 video stream output, tally/GPIO on 15-pin serial port, RS-232 on 9-pin D-sub connection, and power input.
The 320 x 240 dots graphic colour touch panel allows the user to more easily adjust video and audio parameters, along with adjusting PinP (picture-in-picture) settings and compositing effects. An SDK (Downstream Keying) feature allows the user to overlay graphics and text such as titles, song lyrics, or logos, whilst supporting black/white Luminance Keying and blue/green Chroma Keying. LED lit buttons on the main control surface allow quick switching between PinP, split, and quad composition, and cut, mix, or wipe transition effects. A dedicated rotary controller allows the adjustment of the transition time from 0.0 to 4.0 seconds. Four large ‘broadcast-style’ backlit buttons allow for video input selection, with a fifth button to ‘output fade’.
Audio processing including auto-mixing, echo cancel, compression, EQ, gate, reverb, and delay can be applied to the four balanced 3-pin XLR inputs as well as the digital audio channels. Mono audio channels 1-4 have dedicated faders, whilst stereo channels 5/6 and 7/8 also have corresponding faders.
Processing: 4:2:2 (Y/Pb/Pr), 8-bit. Sampling rate: 24bits/48kHz. Audio formats: Linear PCM, 24bits/48kHz, 2ch, HDMI; Linear PCM, 16bits/48kHz, 2ch, USB. Audio input level: -60 to +4dBu, max +22dBu, XLR/TRS combo; 10k ohms, gain 0 to -23db, 5k ohms, gain 24 to -64dB, RCA; -15dBu, max +3dBu, 3.5mm jack. Current draw: 3A. Power consumption: 36W. Dimensions (WxDxH): 339 x 217 x 87mm. Weight: 2.4kg.
Like the VR-4HD, the VR-50HD MKII has been designed for single person operation, and features functionality and connectivity that allows use at a wide range of events using differing input and output configurations.
Along with the addition of SD-SDI input and output connectivity, VR-50HD mkII has a LAN connection that allows the connection of up to six compatible JVC and Panasonic PTZ LAN cameras, with remote control over pan, tilt, and zoom function. Attached cameras can also be linked to incoming audio so that a camera is automatically selected when the associated audio is sensed – a great tool for multi-person interviews. Any of the input signals can be routed to auxiliary outputs to allow live streams, HD recording, and confidence monitoring to be accessed without the need to affect the main PGM outputs. Auxiliary outputs can also be routed to synchronise with the PGM output to send the main mix to a separate feed, as would be accessible with a distribution amplifier.
The upwards facing panel is the main operating platform of the console, and it features controls including eight channel faders plus main mix fader, channel mute/solo/select buttons, separate rotary gain controllers, and 3-stage (-48/-18/OVER) LED indicators for the input level. The large, 7-inch LCD touch screen display allows navigation of the menus, along with live feeds of video inputs. LED backlit buttons on the main control surface allow quick switching between multi-view, input, split, and PGM monitoring; with additional buttons for cut, mix, or wipe transition effects. A dedicated rotary controller allows the adjustment of the transition time from 0.0 to 4.0 seconds. Four large ‘broadcast-style’ backlit buttons allow for video input selection, with a fifth button for ‘Still’ capture. Other controls allow easy access to PinP, PinP/Key, and still Key compositions, with source buttons allowing the setup of each source.
With the exception of the 6.35mm and 3.5mm headphone outputs on the front facing edge of the console, the rear facing panel houses all connections. These include four balanced 3-pin XLR/jack combo inputs, four 6.35mm jack inputs, and two pairs of RCA (phono) inputs for channels 9/10 and 11/12. Two balanced 3-pin XLR connectors, two 6.35mm jack outputs, and two RCA (phono) outputs complete the audio output section. Options for video input include four HDMI connectors, four SDI inputs on BNC connection, two composite inputs on BNC connectors, and two RGB/component inputs on 15-pin D-sub connectors. Outputs include auxiliary, PGM, and multi-view HDMI outputs, auxiliary and PGM SDI outputs on BNC connectors, and auxiliary and PGM outputs on 15-pin D-sub connectors. Other connections on the rear USB 3.0/2.0 stream output, LAN connector on RJ45 socket, USB remote connector, and RS-232 on 9-pin D-sub connection. Power input is by way of XLR-4-32 type connector.
Processing: 4:4:4 (RGB), 10-bit; 4:4:4 (Y/Pb/Pr), 10-bit. Sampling rate: 24bits/48kHz. Audio formats: Linear PCM, 24bits/48kHz, 2ch, SDI SMPTE 299M, SMPTE 272M-C; Linear PCM, 24bits/48kHz, 2ch, HDMI; Linear PCM, 16bits/48kHz, 2ch, USB. Audio input level: -64 to +4 dBu (Maximum input level: +24 dBu), AUDIO IN 1--4 jacks; -64 to +4 dBu (Maximum input level: +24 dBu), AUDIO IN 5, 7 jacks; +4 dBu (Maximum input level: +24 dBu), AUDIO IN 6, 8 jacks; -10 dBu (Maximum input level: +9 dBu), AUDIO IN 9--12 jacks. Output impedance: 600ohms, main L+R; 1kohm, aux 1; 600ohms, aux 2/monitor. Headphone output impedance: 30ohms. Current draw: 2.8A. Power consumption: 67W. Dimensions (WxDxH): 437 x 325 x 125mm. Weight: 5.9kg.