Design/Ergonomics

Mixing console ergonomics are becoming ever more important. This is especially true for users working in a visual environment – film, TV, or live mix – these specialists frequently ask for more intuitive operation. In designing AURUS, our objective was to combine the direct access of a conventional analogue desk with the configurability, flexibility and the electro-acoustic parameters of an advanced digital console.

Users concentrating on the events on stage or on a video display rely on direct and spontaneous access to the mixing console. Complex graphical diagrams or multi-assigned controls are not appropriate for situations like these. You must be able to instinctively grab the right control since nothing is predictable in these environments.

All AURUS components – the DSP modules, the console, and the software – have been designed from scratch for just such applications. Unlike other digital console control paradigms, AURUS features a massive number of physical controls to provide direct access to all the relevant audio parameters, making it truly the Direct-Access Console.

11 dual concentric encoders per channel strip, combined with multicoloured, dual fan-shaped LED bargraphs, ensure instant access to the primary console functions. The largely fixed association of encoders to audio parameters considerably simplifies operation for new users; the console literally has an intuitive touch.

A central Channel panel supplements this channel strip oriented architecture. This gives access to all the available settings including those that do not need to be constantly accessible during normal operation. All parameters of the currently selected channel can be accessed from this centrally located panel at the same time.

The console dimensions were designed for optimum accessibility to all controls and perfect visibility of displays and indicators. Furthermore, the flat design of the console offers the optimum view to the studio, to video displays, or to the stage. The TFT colour displays provide an extended lateral viewing angle, giving clear legibility from virtually everywhere in the control room.

The AURUS system is the perfect compromise. On the one hand, all the critical parameters and their indicators are directly accessible; on the other, the user interface is not cluttered with seldom used functions that might distract from the real creative work.