By Full Compass LivePress conferences are an integral part of the AV world. Journalists tend to bring their smartphones to press conferences instead of cameras. We’ve also seen the rise of hybrid press conferences. AudioPressBox, as the worldwide leader in multDefinition:
(jargon) Short for Multiple Output. A box or a set of jacks on a patchbay, wired in parallel for sharing a common signal. boxes, offers the broadest range of solutions. Their portable solutions include DanteDefinition:
Dante™ (Digital Audio Network Through Ethernet): The audio-over-IP standard created by Audinate (layer 3).™-enabled units and USB-CDefinition:
A non-object-oriented, procedural, higher-level computer programming language than assembly language. in/out connectivity to make it as simple and intuitive as possible for journalists to connect their equipment.
The breakthrough offered by their newest model, the APB-320 C-USBDefinition:
(Universal Serial Bus) A standard, bi-directional serial connection between computers and peripheral devices. enables organizations holding a press conference to distribute their content with a high degree of personalization in real-time. The four USB-C outputs deliver content options to a minimum of four individuals/groups and can target individuals anywhere in the world in real time.
In Use
What is immediately clear is the craftsmanship. When I opened the heavy duty Nanuk case, I noticed that the unit was built into it. My eyes were immediately drawn to the gold-plated Neutrik XLR connectors. The switchable Mic/Line Output level on each output was a cherry on top, as this is not something you usually find on a mult box. The USB-C connector for in/out and the four additional USB-C connectors were also instantly noticable.
I was eager to test the unit and its features, so I prepared my setup, which included:
- CondenserDefinition:
An archaic term for Capacitor. gooseneck microphone - Wireless microphoneDefinition:
A microphone with a transmitter that sends radio-frequency signals to link wireless with a receiver, obviating the need for a cable. - Notebook
- Professional camera
- Voice recorder
- Active speakers
- iPad w/ USB-C
- iPhone w/ Lightning to USB 3 camera adapter
- Samsung Android phone
I plugged the condenser gooseneck microphone into the mic/line input, selected the mic levelDefinition:
Typical output from a microphone, ranging from 0.001 volts to 1 volt, or -60 to 0 dbm., and switched the Phantom powerDefinition:
A source of power for a microphone (usually condenser) that travels to the microphone over the microphone's cable. There are different voltage standards and requirements for different microphones, but the most common standard is 48 Volts. It derives its name because there is no visible power cable. on. I connected the wireless microphone and selected the line levelDefinition:
Audio signals around 0.5 volt, ranging from -10dBm to +4dBm. Originally called Telephone Line Level, then connected the laptop to the USB-C in/out, which was running a ZoomDefinition:
Continuously variable enlargement or reduction of an image. videoconference with a remote participant. In regard to the outputs, I connected the professional camera and selected the line level on the output and on the camera itself. Next, I connected the voice recorder, selected the mic output level, and then connected the speakers to the output and selected line outputDefinition:
In audio, an output with a nominal level of -10 to +4 dBm that can drive loads from 600-20K ohms. level for them. Lastly, I connected the iPad with the USB-C cable, the iPhone with the Lightning to USB 3 camera adapter and a USB-A to USB-C cable, then connected the Samsung android phone with a USB-C cable as well. I started a voice recording on the iPad, video recording on the iPhone, and Facebook livestream through the Samsung phone. It’s important to note that there is a QRDefinition:
1. (Quick Release) A feature that allows detaching a cable, clamp, or other connecting element quickly and easily. 2. (Quick Response code) A type of two-dimensional barcode often containing digital data for a location, identification, or tracking that point to a website or application. QR codes are commonly used to make it easier for mobile device users so that they do not need to type in long string of text or complicated URLs. codeDefinition:
The actual lines of characters, numbers, or both that make up a computer program. on the device, which, when scanned, shows the video guide, step-by-step user guide, and manual for the product.
Testing
I began the test by talking into to the condenser gooseneck microphone and my colleague spoke into the wireless microphone. Everything was heard over the PADefinition:
(Public Address) A sound system intended to provide audio coverage to large groups of people. system, and was also recorded to the connected devices. I asked my colleague to speak again, and he could be heard perfectly, including on the recording and livestream. All of this occurred with the unit running on the built-in rechargeable AccuPack (life expectancy 20 hours).
Conclusion
My full test setup produced exactly what was expected. All of the recordings, as well as the livestream, were crystal clear. To connect everything properly took me less than five minutes. The APB-320 C-USB is a versatile portable mult box that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor press conferences, thanks to the portable case and built-in AccuPack. This is truly a one-of-a-kind press boxDefinition:
A distribution amp for splitting one microphone to many isolated news feeds. that is able to do everything, including hybrid press conferences, in a simple yet professional way.
