Sigma Testimonials

We have had a Sigma in our Parliamentary studio for a couple of years and it has proved to be utterly reliable and flexible, and the operators have found it very easy to use.
Vaughan Rogers, Head of Sound Operations, BSkyB, UK

"The Sigma is capable of storing the entire desk set up into a number of memories, which will enable Suite 8 to be switched quickly to control other studio floors.
"Complex programme set ups can be recalled, which saves on manual rigging time and ensures consistency of sound quality. The desk can also mix into Surround Sound formats compatible with developing TV standards.
"The Sigma has a history of reliability, fast restart, intuitive operation, and an easy to follow signal path. Redundancy is also vitally important, and was a major factor in the decision to purchase the console."
Don Paulin, Sound Team Leader, Avalon Studios, TVNZ, New Zealand

"We chose Calrec for reliability, build quality and sound quality reasons.
"Our operators love using the Calrec consoles, and the support is outstanding across the range.
"As an engineer I appreciate the simple layout and construction. Fault finding and repairs are logical and excellent documentation is supplied with the consoles. The operators feel comfortable with the logical layout and the comprehensive monitoring section is second to none."
Chris Beech, Audio Maintenance/Installation Technician, Global Television, Australia

"Calrec understand broadcaster's needs in a way no other manufacturer does…it was natural that when Calrec produced a mid priced console it would be a serious contender for us.
"We particularly like the speed of the boot up time, Flash ROM, and the fact that the console is completely independent of the PC. We also liked the ability to see where each channel fader is routed, whether it is mic/line or digi, and whether it is routed to the Mix minus bus.
"All the terms on the Sigma are very familiar and we can sit in and drive it immediately. Reaction to the desk has all been positive from all the supervisors - they have felt immediately at home in front of it.
"The boot up time and stability has drawn the most comment, and the speed of getting a source on air. The speed of recalling memories and storing changes has been another favourite."
Ian Pike, Senior Sound Supervisor, RTE, Ireland

"The success of the Sigma did effect our decision to purchase the Zeta. I have to say that we have been very pleased with the Sigma, and the Zeta is based on the same operating platform."
John Knopp, Managing Director, Bow Tie Television, UK

"We had some initial concerns about Sigma, as with any new product, but we were well aware of the Sigma and its genesis as an offshoot of Calrec Alpha technology. The introduction of the Sigma Class console enabled us to acquire the robust architecture of the Alpha at a reduced cost.
"Calrec's development of the Sigma was timely. We had a mandate for robust, failure-free performance. Sigma fulfilled our requirements. The Calrec product met our technical needs and Calrec management worked to understand and fulfil our business requirements. We were able to get the technology we demanded at a cost within our budget."
Jim Starzynski, Principal Engineer, NBC, USA

"Sigma's mix minus capabilities make it a desk particularly suited to broadcast. Each direct output can be a mix-minus feed along with a bank of multitrack sends - plenty of outputs that are easy to access. Secondly, the desk's DSP redundancy and card/module hot plugging was of major importance to us because we broadcast live sixteen hours a day and need 100% reliability."
John Kerswell, Senior Audio Mixing Engineer, CNBC , USA

"We were aware that TVB in Hong Kong purchased nine digital consoles from Calrec, and TVB had gone through a long process before they made that decision, so we also studied and compared the Calrec console with other digital consoles.
"We had the console at CCTV and we tested the console for a long period.
"We were looking for a reliable and easy to operate digital console. The console is very reliable and has a lot of redundancies. It is very suitable for live broadcast.
"Also Calrec have very good representatives here in China. Jolly Pro Audio Broadcast Engineering Ltd have a lot of experience with digital consoles and in the broadcast industry and they always serve us well. We have trust with Jolly."
Ka Dayuan, Deputy Director of Audio Department, CCTV, China

"We are very excited about this installation and NBC's first all digital audio network that will be housed in CNBC's new global headquarters. Any of our three Sigma consoles will operate with any of our three different studios. We'll have resource and file sharing and digitally remote controlled microphones installed as well.
"The desks will be used for CNBC's 16 hours of daily live programming. CNBC's shows like Squawkbox, Power Lunch, Business Center (live from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange), and The News with Brian Williams will all be mixed on the new Sigmas that are part of the new audio network. This is a tremendous tool for allocating resources as we roll with the punches of everyday business news broadcasts."
Lenny Stote, Manager, CNBC Technical Operations, USA

"We looked at several digital desks on the market, but in the end the decision to choose Calrec was down to two things: confidence in the product, and trust.
"The Sigma was also the only console we looked at with a small enough footprint for HD1, a vital factor for OB units.
"Another benefit is that it allows us to cut spending on external gear – the Sigma has compressors on every channel, gating on every channel. We have only bought one outboard compressor. This saves money.
"With the introduction of HD1 we will have to change our way of working. We have already had a lot of interest in the truck from freelance operators and from production companies."
Paul Fournier, Visions, UK