Live Media Group (LMG) is enhancing its production capabilities with the installation of a state-of-the-art audio system for All Elite Wrestling (AEW). This new system features a dual 72-fader Calrec Argo Q console and a 48-fader Argo S console, housed within LMG’s newly designed MU-16 mobile unit. The truck made its on-screen debut during the live broadcast of AEW COLLISION on July 6, airing on TNT from the Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi.

The MU-16 mobile unit not only showcases dual Argo control surfaces but is also equipped with Calrec’s robust IP ImPulse cores, ensuring full redundancy. This installation signifies a significant advancement for Live Media Group as it transitions into a fully-native IP environment for the first time.

“The decision to utilize the Argo and ImPulse cores, both of which are ST2110 IP-native, was crucial for us,” explains Kevin Norris, Sound Engineer at Live Media Group. “This approach eliminates the need for audio conversion or bridging that we previously required, resulting in a more streamlined setup that saves space and simplifies interconnections.”

Norris elaborates on the benefits of a native ST2110 infrastructure, stating, “It allows us to route streams directly to end devices without a traditional audio router in the middle, giving us access to the full 4096 x 4096 routing capabilities of the ImPulse cores and all available I/O. While this is our first full ST2110 installation, we plan to follow the same design in all future projects.”

Based in Columbus, Ohio, Live Media Group operates a fleet of 38 HD/UHD mobile production trucks that service the broadcast sports and entertainment markets, including multiple units dedicated to ESPN. With a strong partnership history with Calrec, over 20 of LMG’s trucks utilize Calrec technology, reflecting a collaboration that began with the analogue Q2 console. This longstanding relationship simplifies operations for audio mixers and streamlines the installation process.

“Our extensive experience with Calrec means our operators are well-versed in their console workflows,” says Norris. “Not only are these consoles easy to operate, but our ongoing collaboration with Calrec enables us to plan hardware adjustments in advance.”

In this mobile unit, the Argo Q serves as the primary mixing console, while the compact Argo S acts as a sub-mixer. LMG operates two complete IP networks: one for the Calrec AoIP I/O boxes connected to the truck, and a separate 2110 network utilizing EVS Cerebrum control along with Arista MCS for Software Defined Networking (SDN).

Calrec’s Regional Sales Manager, Dave Lewty, emphasizes the importance of strong customer relationships to the company’s success. “Calrec has maintained a long-standing partnership with Live Media Group through various generations of console technology,” he notes. “They were among the first remote companies in the U.S. to install the Alpha and Apollo consoles in a mobile unit, and they continue this legacy with the Argo series. Their trust in us to support their transition to a fully IP-native environment is a testament to our relationship and illustrates Calrec’s commitment to supporting its customers at every stage of their IP journey.”