Calrec Audio Console Technology Showcase: Argo Series M, S, Q e Impulse Core, at NAB 2025
ARGO M 36 – COMPACT IP CONSOLE SOLUTION
The Argo M36 represents the newest addition to the IP line of consoles, showcasing the future direction of audio console technology with full AES-67 and 210 Rea Dante compatibility. The M series comes in two surface formats: a 36 fader option and a 24 fader alternative.
At the demonstration, the 24 fader version was connected to the impulse B, a cloud-based DSP solution, while the M36 operated with the impulse 1, an on-premises DSP system providing true redundant DSP capabilities. The Argo M surfaces come with built-in DSP for standalone operation, featuring 24 mic/line inputs, 16 line outputs, 8×8 AES, GPIO, and three Mod IO slots that can accommodate various cards including Maddie, Dante, Waves, AES, and even 3G SDI embed/disembed options.
Introduced at IBC last year, the M series offers a condensed version of the Argo Q and Argo S models while maintaining identical DSP functionality. The user interface on the physical surface is replicated in a virtual surface environment hosted by the DSP, accessible as a web-hosted application that enables remote operation from anywhere with VPN access to the management network.
ARGO S – MID-RANGE CONSOLE WITH EXPANDED FUNCTIONALITY
The Argo S represents the next tier in the lineup, offering the same fader format as the M series but with an additional midsection that can accommodate either a wild panel for customized controls, a monitoring panel, or a short fader panel. Though operationally similar, the S model provides the advantages of a meter bridge and individual section processors for enhanced redundancy—if one section experiences issues, the rest of the console remains operational.
ARGO Q – FLAGSHIP CONSOLE WITH MAXIMUM EXPANDABILITY
The Argo Q, the largest model in the Argo line, extends functionality further with a second mid row for expanding faders and controls. Like the S model, it features individual section processors with two video inputs per section. The demonstration showcased footage from the US Open 2023 on a multi-view display, highlighting the capability to input video for program monitoring or lip-sync purposes.
Additional features available across higher-end models include RTW ballistics built into the desk, with mounting options directly on the surface. Two flavors are offered: AoIP and a combination of analog and AES.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONNECTIVITY
The rear panel of each console reveals comprehensive connectivity options including section processors with dual video inputs and touch export outputs, USB for control, and redundant connections. IO options include a combo IO with AES over BNC and a D-sub option for mic/line inputs and line outputs.
Surface connectivity can be simplified through optional integrated switches, reducing multiple connections to a single pair for primary and redundant networks. All IO components feature AIP redundant connections, and every surface includes redundant power supplies as standard.
IMPULSE CORE – CENTRAL PROCESSING SYSTEM
The demonstration featured equipment powered by the impulse core, capable of driving up to four services simultaneously, unlike the impulse 1 which supports a single service. The impulse core can host up to four individual router cards routing 16,000+ channels, with DSP capabilities supporting 2,000+ input channels depending on licensing options.
Completing the setup was a modular IO box equipped with various mic/line, line, and Dante interfaces, with additional options for AES, MADI, GPIO, embed/disembed functions, and Waves card integration.