Images courtesy of Digico.
With the introduction of 4REA4, the digital wizards at Digico have made a bold move outside of their traditional comfort zone. In the process, they might be pioneering a new category of production audio technology.
Digico has focused exclusively on high-end digital audio production consoles since the company launched in 2002, and today this enterprising British outfit is securely entrenched as a dominant force in the market. However, with the debut of 4REA4, Digico is reaching beyond the familiar confines of FOH (and monitor world) in a daring move to take over the entire church campus.
What we really have here is a decentralized, networkable, component- and software-based audio mixing, processing and routing system designed to accommodate I/O and control at multiple locations – either in your worship auditorium or in various subsidiary venues around your campus.
So, if it’s not a traditional mixing console, then what is it? Digico calls it an “Installed Audio Solution.” That’s quick and tidy, though perhaps too generic. What we really have here is a decentralized, networkable, component- and software-based audio mixing, processing and routing system designed to accommodate I/O and control at multiple locations – either in your worship auditorium or in various subsidiary venues around your campus.
A closer look
To understand how all of this works, let’s look closely at the heart of the 4REA4 concept: the core processing engine. Enclosed in a hefty rack-mount unit, it provides four separate, dedicated mix areas – and thus the name. (It is pronounced “area four”; the product logo has the first “4” stylized to resemble an “A.”) Each zone comes complete with its own stereo master output and CGs (Control or “VCA” Groups). A total of 128 input channels and 48 bus output processing channel strips are available, with processing independently allocated to each as required.
System programming and global control is accommodated via an external computer (Mac or PC) running 4REA4 software. The only controls on the front panel are four TFT-labeled macro keys for implementing presets or specific pre-programmed functions.
The extraordinary flexibility of the 4REA4 concept is revealed on the rear panel. The version shown here is but one among scores of possible I/O permutations. Four slots are available for Digico’s extensive range of DMI cards for networks (Dante, Aviom, Soundgrid, Optocore), AES and MADI digital audio, and line or mic level analog. Three slots are available for insertion of SD Series modules, including premium mic preamps. The Ethernet ports labeled A3232 are for 4REA4’s own series of remote I/O modules while the AStar ports link to the remote control panels (see following), and GPIO control connections are available on Phoenix connectors. Mix and match as needed to suit your requirements.
For seamlessly integrated remote I/O and control, the 4REA4 “solution” provides a dedicated range of installation modules. The A16 I/O module provides 16-in/4-out capability and comes in floor pocket and wall mount versions, each with available intelligent labeling S-LCDs. A stage box version offers the same I/O without the S-LCD option. Connection to the mixer core is via Digico’s proprietary A3232 Ethernet-based network. Three control modules are offered: the simple AControl1, with a dual-function rotary encoder for source selection and level control or snapshot recall. The AControl6 and AControl 8 are multi-layer programmable remotes for mixing shared and local audio feeds or for personal monitor mixing. The AControl6 has six rotary knobs; the AControl8 has eight motorized faders. Connection is via Ethernet and powering is PoE or external 12V supply.
... the entire 4REA4 solution can be integrated into the main performance audio system.
Of course the entire 4REA4 solution can be integrated into the main performance audio system. With the multiplicity of I/O options, the main console would not necessarily have to be a Digico, but one suspects that keeping it all in the family would help smooth the process.
The takeaway
To be fair to some other companies, 4REA4 is not a radically new concept. Various modular, networked audio systems have been around for quite some time, with companies like Symetrix and Biamp Systems (among others) offering very complex and sophisticated solutions. However, these were targeted primarily at corporate campus applications, or as the core of large distributed audio systems in theme parks, convention centers or mega-casinos. True, Yamaha’s DME systems moved partway in the direction of 4REA4, while Allen & Heath’s relatively new Mixrack DM0 seems to target some similar applications, though at a less ambitious level.
The systems in the youth room, the café, the overflow hall, children’s area and outdoor venue … all now can be integrated into a single comprehensive, interactive and remotely controllable audio production solution.
Nevertheless, as far as I can tell, with 4REA4, Digico is the first to go all-out with an unabashed, high-end, performance-oriented solution for campus-wide audio production. The systems in the youth room, the café, the overflow hall, children’s area and outdoor venue … all now can be integrated into a single comprehensive, interactive and remotely controllable audio production solution.
For once, this is not a Digico that you might consider as a replacement for your current FOH console. Rather, it is an innovative, no-holds-barred audio concept that many larger and growing churches should keep in mind for the next complete AV overhaul, or for any future campus construction project.
