Ross Production Services modernizes its facilities over IP with Calrec

The subsidiary of Ross Video, Ross Production Services (RPS), has modernized its Connecticut facility by integrating three new 60-fader Argo S consoles from Calrec.

The Argo are found in tthree REMI control rooms of facilities that produce events for clients such as CBS, ESPN, Athlete’s Unlimited and EA Sports. Working with the company's existing Calrec technology, the Argos are part of RPS's first foray into IP at the Connecticut location, marking a milestone for the company.

Nick Minore, Commercial Director at RPS, comments: "Our studios were built out of necessity during the COVID pandemic, and with the number of events increasing each year and looking to the future, it was a natural step to introduce IP technologies as we expand our capabilities. By combining the Argo and the ImPulse core, we are increasing our focus on REMI productions and will also pair the Argo with Calrec's RP1 remote production units for future events."

Since the acquisition of Argos, RPS has moved its Apollo console existing to a mobile unit on a 12 meter truck, which maintains a Hydra2 network in the field.

Los Brios de Calrec have now been integrated into all RPS Sprinter mobile units and with these changes, RPS has moved to a fully equipped Calrec audio fleet, coinciding with the launch this year of its new Sprinter FIN1, FIN3 and FIN4 vans. Calrec's RPS roster now includes eight Brios with MADI, Dante and Hydra2 hubs, one Apollo, five RP1 systems and three Argo consoles.

Minore explains that "one of the biggest challenges of REMI production is audio management. Using RP1 allows our A1 in Connecticut to customize the audio that is transported to our facility in Connecticut. They don't need to go back and forth to another on-site audio person to route or mix locally. We can remotely pair the RP1 console faders with our Argo surfaces in Connecticut, making it easy to provide a real-time IFB mix on-site."

Recent Argo projects include Athlete’s Unlimited Softball, Athlete’s Unlimited Volleyball and Premier Lacrosse Juniors on ESPN Networks. Minore is very impressed with the Argo performance. In his opinion, "its touchscreen interfaces and modern user interface are Brio-like and quick to learn. The flexible fader layouts and the ability to rearrange the panels are also big pluses, along with the modular I/O ports on the back of the surface and the ability to pair the faders with our existing RP1 system."

Rob Lewis, National Technical Sales de Calrec, se muestra “muy satisfecho de ver cómo se amplía nuestra relación con Ross Production Services y de que las consolas Argo, junto con nuestra consolidada tecnología RP1, ocupen un lugar central. La potencia y flexibilidad de que dispone ahora RPS a través de los flujos de trabajo IP les proporciona una plataforma que puede gestionar tanto los requisitos actuales como los futuros a medida que su negocio sigue creciendo”.