Need to record and stream lots of channels

Brian Adams

Freshman
Aug 19, 2011
48
0
6
Vermillion, SD
I have a project where I need to live stream a lot of audio channels (at least 10, up to maybe 64), while simultaneously recording them on a varying schedule for each track. The content is public meetings, which need to be streamed live to listeners, as well as recording a copy to put on each groups website.

Currently they're running 10 Barix streaming boxes, with a split going to 2 PC's (1 redundant). The Barix boxes take care of the streaming, the PC's, running NCH VRS software, take care of the archiving. One PC records only the times that the groups meet, plus an hour or two buffer, and the second machine records the majority of each day as a backup, in case something gets missed on the first machine. The current system has been working well for the last few years, but needs to be updated and expanded.

The issue is that the PC's are getting old, and the M-Audio audio cards in them are standard PCI, which isn't supplied on newer systems. I need to find a solution that will replace the current systems with more up-to-date hardware. Additionally, they're looking at adding several more channels. I don't know how many channels they'll want to add, but the rumor is that the current number will quadruple.

The VRS software works very well for the current application. It will record up to 64 tracks, with an independent schedule for each track. The scheduling is a key feature that needs to be retained in the new system.

Is there anything out there that's made for this? Maybe a box that I put 32 (or however many) line level sources into, and it will constantly stream and simultaneously can be scheduled to make archival copies of each track? Whatever it is needs to be accessible over network, so the recorded files can be pulled off the local machines easily. An all-in-one box might be nice, but having the streaming and recording duties handled by separate machines is probably preferable. I think one box to handle all the streaming and one to handle all the archiving would be the way to go, with a backup for each system of course.

Is there anything out there that will meet these requirements? Thanks in advance for any insight you can offer into this.
 
Re: Need to record and stream lots of channels

I have a project where I need to live stream a lot of audio channels (at least 10, up to maybe 64), while simultaneously recording them on a varying schedule for each track. The content is public meetings, which need to be streamed live to listeners, as well as recording a copy to put on each groups website.

Currently they're running 10 Barix streaming boxes, with a split going to 2 PC's (1 redundant). The Barix boxes take care of the streaming, the PC's, running NCH VRS software, take care of the archiving. One PC records only the times that the groups meet, plus an hour or two buffer, and the second machine records the majority of each day as a backup, in case something gets missed on the first machine. The current system has been working well for the last few years, but needs to be updated and expanded.

The issue is that the PC's are getting old, and the M-Audio audio cards in them are standard PCI, which isn't supplied on newer systems. I need to find a solution that will replace the current systems with more up-to-date hardware. Additionally, they're looking at adding several more channels. I don't know how many channels they'll want to add, but the rumor is that the current number will quadruple.

The VRS software works very well for the current application. It will record up to 64 tracks, with an independent schedule for each track. The scheduling is a key feature that needs to be retained in the new system.

Is there anything out there that's made for this? Maybe a box that I put 32 (or however many) line level sources into, and it will constantly stream and simultaneously can be scheduled to make archival copies of each track? Whatever it is needs to be accessible over network, so the recorded files can be pulled off the local machines easily. An all-in-one box might be nice, but having the streaming and recording duties handled by separate machines is probably preferable. I think one box to handle all the streaming and one to handle all the archiving would be the way to go, with a backup for each system of course.

Is there anything out there that will meet these requirements? Thanks in advance for any insight you can offer into this.
The first thing that comes to mind is a mixer with a dante card. The behringer x32 has this available today and presonus has announced coming support for dante. The trusty ls-9 also have this but you need to buy two cards sinc one card only supports 16 channels.

On your pc(s) you install the virtual dante soundcard (DVS). This can handle up to 64 channels on your normal ethernet interface. You get redundancy by adding one or more pc's.

The DVS is asio/coreaudio compliant so any application that uses this standard (i.e. almost anyone really) can record your audio. On the pc you also have access to windows native audio (WDM) but keep in mind that this is limited to eight channels only.
 
Re: Need to record and stream lots of channels

The first thing that comes to mind is a mixer with a dante card. The behringer x32 has this available today and presonus has announced coming support for dante. The trusty ls-9 also have this but you need to buy two cards sinc one card only supports 16 channels.

On your pc(s) you install the virtual dante soundcard (DVS). This can handle up to 64 channels on your normal ethernet interface. You get redundancy by adding one or more pc's.

The DVS is asio/coreaudio compliant so any application that uses this standard (i.e. almost anyone really) can record your audio. On the pc you also have access to windows native audio (WDM) but keep in mind that this is limited to eight channels only.

This is an excellent idea, BTW. Also, you can 'load balance' and/or have redundant backups because each machine on the network can easily be set to listen to different channels (or sets of channels) on the Dante network.
 
Re: Need to record and stream lots of channels

Assuming you can't find an 'all-in-wonder' box, Dante (or AVB) certainly would make a great way to get all the audio channels you need into your existing solution without the need for line-level inputs on the computers. However, I'd lean towards one of the products meant for long-term install use rather than rely on a console. Symetrix Symnet, Biamp Audia/Tesira, BSS Soundweb, etc. Note that if you do go this route, you'll likely need to involve the IT guys, as you won't want your audio network on the same infrastructure as the general network.
 
Re: Need to record and stream lots of channels

Dante doesn't rely on a console, nor does it ever need one online to do basic routing of audio.
I'm not entirely sure what you mean...I was referring to the suggestion that the OP use an X32, LS9, or other audio console to do the A/D conversion. As this is an install (I assume, being in the 'install' forum), I would think something intended for that purpose would be more appropriate, no?
But you're absolutely right about Dante not relying on a console--if the OP has no need (or, limited need) of processing, then he could, in theory, locate Dante input plates where he needs them, and do the A/D right at the source. I've used the Attero Tech plates before; I know they've got built-in per-channel EQs and compressors. I think BSS makes some too?
 
Re: Need to record and stream lots of channels

There are wireless mics with dante enabled recievers and there are amps that do dante as well.

But realisticly you'd need a mixer of some sort. Perhaps a computer with some daw if a console isn't an option?
 
Re: Need to record and stream lots of channels

I'm not entirely sure what you mean...I was referring to the suggestion that the OP use an X32, LS9, or other audio console to do the A/D conversion. As this is an install (I assume, being in the 'install' forum), I would think something intended for that purpose would be more appropriate, no?

Oh, I see what you are saying. However, you can just use Yamaha RIO boxes to do the A/D. They even have an A/D-only box. Still gives you some level control and a high-pass, but that's all.
 
Re: Need to record and stream lots of channels

Take a look at QSC Q-SYS. It has a built in multi-channel audio player and recorder (up to 128 channels), scheduler, and has core to core streaming capabilities as well (not sure if this is the kind of streaming you're looking for), and offers redundant core capabilities as well. Very customizable. Add a Dante card for even more flexibility. Not to mention that you'd probably have plenty of DSP horsepower left over to do audio processing.
 
Re: Need to record and stream lots of channels

Take a look at QSC Q-SYS. It has a built in multi-channel audio player and recorder (up to 128 channels), scheduler, and has core to core streaming capabilities as well (not sure if this is the kind of streaming you're looking for), and offers redundant core capabilities as well. Very customizable. Add a Dante card for even more flexibility. Not to mention that you'd probably have plenty of DSP horsepower left over to do audio processing.
This, I was not aware of...guess it's time to re-certify!