Cloud Audio Processing - Solid State Logic Japan

Virtualised audio processing and control for large-scale broadcast

Cloud-based, or ‘virtualised’ audio processing presents the next significant step forward in production technology, offering increased scalability and agility, as well as substantial operational benefits to broadcasters. It is also a key component in the development of remote and distributed production models.

Solid State Logic has been working closely with key broadcasters to develop a greater understanding of production workflows which leverage cloud-based processing and virtualised control. Several Proof-of-Concept (PoC) events involving shadow and live-to-air productions have been successfully completed, highlighting the robustness of System T’s virtualised DSP and ability to deliver the workflows which broadcasters need.

System T offers truly scalable processing and control. Any combination of control interfaces can be used across a distributed production model, with a unified operator experience across all interfaces.

Virtualised audio processing

Leveraging patented x86 CPU optimal core processing (OCP) technology, SSL has virtualised the System T Tempest DSP Engine. The Virtual Tempest Engine (VTE) operates within a virtualised Linux environment optimised for low latency throughput, providing real-time and deterministic audio processing and mixing. The solution uses cloud-compatible software-defined real-time transport protocols within the DSP I/O to provide flexible connectivity. Contribution, distribution, and monitoring feeds can be served by different interfaces, facilitating the specific requirements of each task.

Find out more about the Virtual Tempest Engine:

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AWS Cloud running instances of the Virtual Tempest DSP Engine.
AWS Cloud running instances of the Tempest Control App.
256 processing paths.
Full immersive formats up to 7.1.4 with 9.1.6 monitoring.
Dante Connect cloud audio transport and routing.
256×256 Dante Connect connectivity on Virtual Tempest Engine.
NDI conversion options.
Hardware and/or software control positions located anywhere.
Control positions in multiple locations simultaneously.

Distributed and decentralised production

The infographic below shows an example of a distributed production model leveraging virtualised processing controlled via System T’s S500 large-format console and virtualised Tempest Control App. Uniquely to System T, any combination of hardware and virtual control interfaces can be used across the system.

Sources are captured at the Main Venue using SSL Network I/O and a small interface at Venue B. Both feeds are sent to the virtualised Tempest DSP Engine running in the AWS Cloud. Control is facilitated with an instance of the Tempest Control App running in the AWS Cloud. Cloud audio transport and audio routing are handled via Dante Connect. System T’s unrivalled Dante control integration handles Dante routing and control within the console showfiles. Low-latency cloud processing is controlled using any System T control surface or TCA instance at the main mix position, with further independent control positions available, as shown with a Tempest Control App with Fader Tile at a second mix position.