AEQ Opera: robustness and design in an analog radio console

It has been more than two decades since the Spanish AEQ, an international leader in the design and manufacture of solutions for radio and television audio, presented its first mixer. Now it is launching a new analog console designed for intensive use and for years in all types of radio stations.

En 1987 AEQ lanzó su primer mezclador de audio para broadcast. En poco más de dos décadas, la empresa española ha vendido miles de equipos de un total de nueve modelos que se siempre se han caracterizado por su robustez, su funcionalidad y un sonido limpio de alta calidad. Resulta curioso comprobar cómo, pese al paso de los años, actualmente son muchas las consolas de AEQ vendidas en los 80 que continúan en activo en emisoras de todo el mundo.

Based on the high quality standards of the popular and reliable BC500 audio console, AEQ has included Opera in its catalog. Although this console has the same basic functions as the BC-500, the new console now has the latest technologies available with new added functions, being capable of producing impeccable quality sound 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Opera console is the perfect tool for radio stations, where many years of trouble-free use are required. Thanks to its modular concept, it is fully configurable according to the needs of each client, being able to configure equalized micro-line modules, double stereo line modules, and Master and Auxiliary output modules. Starting from a standard configuration, it can be easily expanded with new modules, among which the possibility of incorporating one or two digital telephone hybrids with frequency extension and multiplex stands out. Furthermore, its modular design allows any part to be removed for repair or replacement in a few minutes without affecting the normal continuity of the program that is currently on the air.

A feature that is highly valued by all technicians who at one point or another in the life of a console are forced to make adjustments or repairs and, of course, do not want to stop the broadcast at any time.
It is noteworthy that Opera is configurable according to needs with equalized micro-line modules, double stereo line modules, input-output modules and output modules. Starting from a standard configuration, it can be easily expanded with new modules. The option of incorporating one or two digital telephone hybrids with frequency extension and multiplex gives additional value.

As corresponds to a professional audio console, in the Opera all inputs and outputs are balanced: transformer balancing on the microphone/line inputs and all outputs, and on the stereo line inputs, external inputs as well as on the internal buses by electronic balancing. It should be noted that it is possible to adjust the gain of each channel with a potentiometer or mark an insertion point per channel so that external processors come into action. The console also has a two-band equalizer, saturation indicator, PFL button (for pre-listening), a potentiometer dedicated exclusively for sending to the phone and another for the stereo auxiliary bus.

Opera also allows you to switch the send to the master bus, as well as the mute of each channel with 'On air' signaling and monitor cut-off. The connections are XLR 3 female for microphone and line. As for the double stereo line, it is electronically balanced with a switch to select Line A or B or stereo/mono. It also has a pre-listening button, a potentiometer for sending to the telephone and an auxiliary bus and master bus.

Self-control or control-locutory

One of the differentiating characteristics of this console is the possibility of working in self-control or control-locution operating mode, by pressing only one button. The table also has an integrated four-wire intercom for orders; Monitoring bridge with two VU meters for Program and PFL-Select with adjustable viewing angle and two-way stereo CUE speakers. The Opera console is specifically designed for semi-recessed installation, integrating perfectly into the studio furniture.

As for the outputs, each console can equip two output channels, each channel incorporating a transformer-balanced stereo and mono output. It also has a 100 mm general fader potentiometer, with VCA control. The auxiliary output functions include monitor bridge speakers for pre-listening PFL and T'back with level potentiometer, a cumulative PFL with reset button (addressing vu meters and monitor bridge speakers), a balanced stereo output with control monitor with level potentiometer and the possibility of selecting between master, aux, PFL Exterior 1 and Exterior 2. In addition, it is possible to automatically cut the monitors if in self-control. The output for studio monitors is balanced stereo and you can choose between master, aux, PFL Outdoor 1 or Outdoor 2. The headphone output has independent volume regulation.

The Opera console supports 17 input/output channels, weighs about 30 kg. And it has dimensions of 83.5 x 58.5 cm.

Download here all the ctechnical characteristics

AEQ Opera, main features

• Up to 17 audio input and output channels.
• Micro-line inputs and transformer balanced outputs.
• Electronically balanced stereo and external line inputs.
• Radio frequency filters in input modules.
• Clipping indicators on input modules.
• Input-output module, with controls and independent input and output listening.
• Digital telephone hybrid module with frequency extension and multiplex.
• VCA control on faders.
• Indirect control of main shipments.
• Electronically balanced buses.
• Programmable pre- or post-fader sends.
• Stereo output modules plus simultaneous monophonic output.
• Metal XLR connectors with latch.
• Independent control of control and booth headphones.
• Operation mode selectable as self-control or booth-control via push button.
• Remote mute from the booth.
• Activation of automatic “On Air” signaling in input modules, programmable by the user.
• Intercom (four wires) for external orders, coordination of mobile units, microphones, etc.
• Monitoring bridge with 2 VU meters for Program and PFL-Select with adjustable viewing angle.
• Two-way stereo CUE speakers.
• Special design for semi-embedded installation in the studio furniture.
• Switch for ON AIR signaling and cut-off of monitors in self-control and booth-control modes
• T'back microphone with sending to Master, Aux, Studio, Telephone and Intercom.
• Two stereo VU meters for Program and Select / PFL
• Cough cut.