Videotime, the production arm of Italy’s Mediaset Group, has recently upgraded its Studio 11 with Solid State Logic C100 and C10 Digital Broadcast Consoles as part of a move towards HD.
“We needed to replace our ageing analogue console and, at the same time, accommodate our move into HD production flow with 5.1 surround audio,” said Mauro Leoni, manager, Studio 11 for Videotime (pictured, rear, with Sound Engineer Massimo Coldani). “After looking at the consoles available on the market, we decided on the SSL C100 and C10 for our studio upgrade. SSL has earned a great reputation over the years for building reliable consoles for broadcast applications. We produce many live-to-air programmes and the consoles must work 24/7. We feel most confident moving into our HD future with the C100 and C10.”
Videotime Studio 11 is the production space for the hit Italian talk show Chiambretti Night-Only Number One. This Late Show with David Letterman-style programme features host Piero Chiambretti interviewing international VIPs ranging from rap stars to political leaders. As this programme is produced live-to-air, the C100 and C10 consoles features help to streamline the production process.
“We needed to bring in a console that was straightforward and easy to use, while offering a wide range of powerful features,” said Leoni. “Our engineering staff was already familiar with the console topology of the C100 and C10, so everyone was immediately comfortable operating the desks. Ease of use is very important because of our around the clock programming needs and reliance on many different audio engineers. The sound of the consoles is of the highest quality and the engineers, directors and talent are very happy with the results.
“We installed the C100 as our main operating console, with the C10 fully integrated to act as a backup,” he continued. “As the SSL consoles are fully surround sound capable, we now have the capacity to produce all our programming in 5.1, maintaining consistency with other Mediaset programming. We can now develop a library of preset configurations for our different productions, making the transition time between shows quick and clear-cut. We are also making full use of SSL’s Alpha-Link MADI integration, allowing us to easily deal with high channel count internal distribution. We are very happy with our choice of the C100 and C10 consoles.”
