RSG adds iPad control to V-Mixer surface with ‘hybrid’ M-200i

Building on the growing popularity of the iPad as a mixing platform, Roland Systems Group (RSG) has created a fully-featured 32-channel V-Mixer that uses an iPad as a removable touchscreen display. Named the M-200i V-Mixer, the console is described by the manufacturer as an ‘all-in-one’ option for medium-sized applications.

Key features of the console include 32 channels with moving faders, 4-band parametric EQ, comp and gate on each channel, eight AUX channels and four matrices with EQ, dynamics and delay, eight DCAs plus four mute groups, four stereo effects, four 31-band GEQs, 24 analogue inputs, 12 analogue outputs and AES/EBU outs. The desk is also REAC expandable and 19-inch rack-mount compatible.

However it is arguably the use of an iPad for touchscreen control that is most notable. The Apple hardware slots into the surface allowing what Roland Systems Group is referring to as ‘touch and turn’ control – the ability to select a parameter on the iPad then manipulate it via a physical knob on the mixer.

Indeed, the manufacturer describes the experience of mixing via the surface and the iPad simultaneously as ‘the comfort of a surface with faders, knobs and buttons so tightly integrated with fully featured iPad screens that go well beyond controlling just a limited set of features’. A dock cable for connecting an iPad is included while a wifi connection between the desk and the Apple hardware can be achieved by attaching the WNA1100-RL Wireless USB Adapter or a wireless LAN access point to the console. Removing the iPad – installed with the dedicated M-200i Remote app – grants the user remote control over the console’s key features.

Meanwhile, further remote control options are presented by the freely downloadable M-200i RCS software for PC and Mac. The combination means that the console can be operated simultaneously from the surface, plus two iPads (one docked and one wireless) and a laptop.

Other features include 16 mic/line inputs with mic preamp circuits, eight line inputs, two main outputs, and 10 assignable outputs (connection to a digital snake expands I/O). Additionally, any two of the main, AUX or Matrix outputs can be recorded as a 16-bit, uncompressed WAV file by inserting a USB memory stick in the back panel. The USB memory can also be used for saving or loading configuration files.

Further recording options are available via the manufacturer’s REAC system, allowing connection to a computer via Cat-5e or Cat-6 for recording up to 40 channels directly to Cakewalk Sonar Producer, or to Roland’s R-1000 48-track recorder/player. Finally, the console is compatible with the V-Link protocol for connecting to video equipment.

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