Constellation
The Constellation delivers up to 230
channels into a maximum 72 mix bus elements. This pool of 72 bus
elements is divided up as required between a main buss, up to 8 sub
busses plus 16 mono multi-track busses and 12 auxiliary sends, all
of which can be up to 7.1 in format. Eight-band EQ with filtering
and three-stage dynamics processing is also available on all 230
channels simultaneously. Constellation's powerful bussing system
allows simultaneous generation of multiple surround formats plus
bus-to-bus mixing for multi-stem work. A unique grouping and panning
system allows smooth and simple manipulation of the mix matrix to
stunning effect, ensuring that the most complex surround sound mixes
can be accomplished with ease.
As part of the Fairlight suite of complementary digital
audio systems, the Constellation functions as the
routing and processing hub for complex post-production projects,
reducing time and cost, increasing creativity and boosting
profitability. Physical I/Os are available in Analogue, AES and MADI
formats and a sophisticated internal patching system allows totally
free routing of Inputs, Outputs, and Busses to external or internal
destinations.
The Constellation is surround-ready for any cinema
playback format currently in widespread use, up to 7.1 channels. The
monitoring bus system is completely configurable with programmable
fold-down and fold-up modes allowing instantaneous switching between
multiple alternative speaker sets, audio sources (both internal and
external) and formats.
The Constellation comprises a suite of control surface elements, which drive the
CC-1 engine fitted with a variable complement of channel cards. The
Constellation is available in various chassis sizes, each of which may be
configured with a choice of Faders, Channel Panels and Meter Bridges. The
architecture of the system allows configuration options for most functions,
including fader assignment, panel orientation, bus configurations, dynamics
operation, panning, auxiliaries and most other major features. Central to the
unique design of the Constellation is the
ability to access channel control and configuration facilities
either locally, from a channel perspective, or globally from the
central controller. Constellation’s extended control
surface features motorized touch sensitive rotary controls and
faders throughout, allowing maximum accessibility and visibility of
all facilities including the sophisticated automation system.
Multi-trim mode provides intuitive control of multiple channels from
a single control, substantially speeding up most setup and mix
processes.
A new In Line Panel (ILP) provides both dedicated and assignable
controls of the channel’s input settings, EQ and dynamics filters,
auxiliary sends, surround panner and all of the currently inserted
Plug-Ins. The new ILP is also fitted with 72 Organic Light Emitting
Diode displays (OLEDs) allowing Fairlight to display at super
high-resolution, detailed information on any selected parameter
value. Unlike traditional LCDs, OLED displays are crystal clear in
all light environments and from practically any viewing angle.
The use of OLED technology is an industry first for Fairlight. It enables
Fairlight to make more efficient use of the available surface space on the
Constellation providing operators with
immediate access to detailed parameter information, control status
and functionality.
The Constellation's comprehensive automation system
provides complete control over every parameter of every on-board
function, including processing, routing and third-party Plug-Ins. Constellation powerful integrated audio editing
tools can be applied to editing automation data as well.
A fully featured macro programming system with GPIO capability
allows extensive customization of key facilities, ensuring that the
Constellation can be swiftly and easily configured to
meet any special workflow requirements. This capability is
particularly powerful when you consider that the Constellation is not only a state-of-the-art mixing system but
also a complete recording and editing environment.
In addition to powerful core features, Constellation can be
extended with several exciting software options, including
MediaLink, MediaLinkAV, Virtual Studio Runner and AudioBase3.
Physical Input/Output
A balanced analogue or AES/EBU/MADI digital audio input or output.
Channels
Up to 230 channels may be brought into a mix. These are signal paths
which may include a disk recorder track that has been recorded and
edited or a signal path fed from a real-time signal attached to a
physical input routed to mix busses. Each channel includes input
gain, phase, and delay, an 8-band EQ, compressor,
limiter/expander/gate, aux sends, direct out, insert, fader, and a
multi-format surround panner.
External Channel
An external channel represents a control channel for an external workstation
such as a Pro-Tools or a Steinberg DAW. Using an external feed allows the
operator to control and automate Levels using a fader as well as to automate
Mutes and Pans. Up to 64 External feeds can be set up and used on the system.
All settings and automation is stored within the project file. This feature is
available on Constellation and StationPlus
systems.
Bus
Destination of a mixing operation. Busses may be configured with
multiple signals (bus elements) such as stereo, LCRS, 5.1 or 7.1.
Bus types are the Main bus, Sub-Busses, Multi-track Busses and
Auxiliary Busses. Sub-Busses may be mixed into the Main Bus, for
example, as separate dialogue, music and effects stems, or for music
sub mixing. Multi-track Busses provide bus paths for summing feeds
to be recorded to disk or other I/O.
Bus Element
One component signal of a bus. Each bus element includes a
compressor, a limiter/expander/gate, an insert, and a fader. The
pool of bus elements is allocated to Busses as the Busses are
created by the user. This is achieved in real time, without
pre-configuration, and the user can define and destroy Busses at
will, allowing maximum flexibility in resource allocation at all
times.
Fader Group
Any number of channels may be grouped under a single master control
which allows signal processing parameters such as fader level, EQ,
compression and send levels to be controlled simultaneously across
all group members. Master control movements are applied as an offset
to each member’s own settings.
Constellation Channel
Constellation operation is inherently
multi-format. Feeds may be linked to form an audio Constellation for control as
a single surround format stem. When a Constellation Channel is formed its elements are automatically
panned to assume the role of each bus element. A Constellation Channel is similar to a conventional stereo channel, except it may
be up to 8 elements wide (7.1), and each individual element may be
temporarily unfolded to access its controls independently.
Constellation Automation
The Constellation provides total dynamic automation of
all mix parameters. Constellation automation is as simple to operate as
it is comprehensive. Motorized touch sensitive faders and knobs
clearly show the current values of all parameters and allow instant
direct access to control and modify on the fly.
Parameter Enable Matrix
Selecting which parameters to automate is made easy through a simple
interactive selection process. A single parameter on a single feed
may be selected to write or update by pressing the dedicated
automation enable buttons on the Constellation surface.
Similarly, a selection of feeds or busses may be made with the
selection keys and particular parameters enabled for that set. This
approach makes complex control selections simple, guarding your
valuable mix data and making automated mix modifications a breeze.
Robust, Repeatable, Integrated
Automation data is written into the disk recorder project file
simplifying project management tasks and ensuring the robustness,
repeatability and perfect synchronization of all mix automation.
Easily Edited with Trim and Touch Enable Modes
Constellation automation includes several methods of writing or updating
automation data. The operator can punch in and out of automation
record manually using the IN and OUT keys, which can also be used to
set IN and OUT points for automated drop-ins. Touch mode allows
automation to be enabled on faders, knobs and buttons only as they
are touched. All modes support adjustable Glide In and Glide Out to
smooth transitions between old and new automation data.
New automation data may be written in absolute values or trimmed
from the current levels by applying a relative trim offset.
Automation follows Audio Editing
Constellation’s sophisticated audio editing tools can be
applied to editing automation data as well. Data can be cut, copied
and pasted between tracks and clips either with the audio or
independently of the audio.
Channel Assign Panel
The Constellation's Channel Assign Panel (CAP) provides dedicated
knob per function controls for the Constellation’s Dynamics, EQ,
Pan controls and channel path configurations.
Equalizer
Constellation provides a dedicated control for each
function. Each feed is provided with a fully featured six band
equalizer. The classic Fairlight equalization has gained a
reputation for transparent, detailed and accurate frequency response
control. Bands one and six can be switched between shelving and
low/high-pass.
The other four bands are fully parametric including shelving
response. The EQ section has its own level compensation control and
each band can be independently switched in and out and enabled for
automation.
Dynamics
The Constellation provides control of the dynamics parameters on
the flexible Channel Assign Panel (CAPS Panel). Constellation offers dedicated knob-per-function parameter
control. Two independent dynamics sections are provided. The first
is a fully featured compressor, with control over threshold level,
gain reduction ratio, attack time, release time, hold time and gain
make-up.
The second dynamics section can be configured as either a limiter,
an expander, or a gate. The limiter offers control over the
threshold level, attack time, release time, hold time, and gain
make-up. The expander and gate have controls for threshold level,
gain reduction ratio, reduction depth (range), attack time, release
time, and hold time.
The two dynamics sections may be independently switched in and out
and enabled for automation.
Auxiliary Sends
Constellation's provides twelve auxiliary sends which may
be configured as any format from mono up to 7.1. Auxiliary send
levels are controlled from the CAPS Panel. Each send may be switched
pre-or post fader. If the bus is defined as stereo a pan control is
also available.
The Auxiliary Sends section on the Channel Panel of the Constellation has four discrete sets of controls for the first
four auxiliary busses and two additional sets for the eight
remaining available busses.
Panning
The Constellation panning section includes a joystick
panner for complex two-dimensional surround panning moves, as well
as a track ball panner.
Panning may be applied to individual mono feeds or to multi-format
link groups. A Divergence control affects the amount of energy
shared from a single element to the available outputs. Increasing
the divergence spreads the image across adjacent outputs.
In the case of a Constellation Channel extra controls become
available ¯ “Spread” and “Rotate”. The Spread control determines the
effective width of the signal feeding the Pan control. At maximum
spread individual group elements are fed only to their associated
outputs and the pan control behaves like a balance control,
increasing the amount of energy in the output it favors. When the
Spread control is reduced, the Pan control moves the entire group
around the sound field. The Rotate control literally rotates the
entire sound field as if the listener was turning around on the
spot. This effect mimics the visual effect of a camera pan.
The sub-bass or boom channel is provided with an individual level
control within the panner.
Binnacle Editing
The Fairlight Binnacle is a revolutionary new editing model that is
at the heart of all Fairlights Post Production products.
Binnacle editing delivers a quantum leap forward in editing speed
whilst retaining the simplicity and ease of use that is reassuring
to even first time operators. Fairlight MFX operators will find that
migration to the advanced Binnacle Editing model takes just a few
minutes.
The Binnacle (named after the housing of a ship's compass)
centralizes all editing and transport functions around the jogger
wheel and offers the operator a choice of one-handed or two-handed
editing. One-handed editing is based on the original Fairlight MFX3
model, and presents a simple, structured approach to the editing
process. This approach is extremely easy to master. Two-handed
editing becomes second nature, even after only a short while, and
increases the efficiency of the majority of editing operations by up
to 50% in many instances.
Binnacle has dedicated keys for Transport and Range, Play/Jog, Jump,
From/To, Copy, Cut, Erase, Trim/Slip and Fade. There is also a BLUE
function that offers single key shortcuts to key operations.
With Binnacle, editing functions are always available on dedicated
keys regardless of where the user navigates in the system. The
Binnacle presents a natural evolution of Fairlight's workstation
experience from the MFX Series consoles and includes commands like
Range, Zoom, Jump and Jog. It also defines radically new
fundamentals. Edits are "constructed" on the basis of three
components - the type of edit, the options associated with it, and
the target of the edit. New editing operations include Track to
Track Razor Mode, Multi-layer Cut and Paste with Sync Point. Insert
Space, Split Clip/Layer, Fill and Backward/Forward Fill are all
available at all times.
Using Finger Memory, users can now "play" keystrokes like a musical
instrument, which allows them to employ both hands and enables
editing at phenomenal speeds.
The Binnacle controller features custom manufactured key switches
with tri-color LEDs that clearly indicate the currently selected
operating mode. The custom key switches were designed exclusively
for smooth, precise operation with maximum reliability in the
professional environment.
PlugIns
Open Platform Connectivity: Plug-Ins + ReWire = Unprecedented
Creativity
Constellation delivers the most open plug-in platform available today.
Recognizing the need to integrate third party plug-ins and sound
design tools into the session, CC-1 has a built-in 64 channel
audio bridge to VST compliant plug-ins and ReWire connected sound
design tools.
This means access to 64 simultaneous VST plug-ins all hardware
accelerated by the CC-1 engine. It also means 64 channels of audio
connection to any third party system using the ReWire protocol.
Given that Nearly ALL current hip sequencing and sampling tools offer some
degree of ReWire connectivity, CC-1 opens up post
production to new levels of creative possibility.
ReWire provides access to Propellerhead Reason, Steinberg VST
instruments, Ableton Live, Tascam Gigastudio, Native Instruments
Kontakt, Synchro Arts VocAlign and many more
Plug-Ins can be driven either from their on-screen graphical
interfaces, or from faders, knobs and switches on the console
control surface. In either case, the plug-ins integrate fully with
the project structure and storage.
