Axel Technology - Macrotel X1

In a radio or broadcast control room, handling a telephone call involves more than simply connecting a line to a console. The caller’s volume may vary, the return line may cause an echo, and the call quality may differ from one call to the next. The Macrotel X1 Multimode handles this part of the process so that the conversation can be integrated into the audio system under controlled conditions.

This model manages a telephone connection and can operate with various technologies depending on its configuration: POTS/PSTN line, VoIP, Bluetooth or GSM with an optional interface. Audio processing is based on a real-time DSP. AGC, parametric equalisation, filters, a compressor, an expander, a limiter and digital echo cancellation enable the signal to be adjusted before it is processed by the control room. The separation of the transmit and receive channels also facilitates the management of the feedback to the other party.

The system can be operated directly from the front panel, or remotely. The Macrotel X1 features a built-in web server, accessible via a computer, tablet or smartphone, for configuring settings and monitoring the system’s operation. Oxygen digital consoles can also control the Macrotel over the network, without requiring a dedicated GPIO connection between the two devices.

The telephony functions include features designed to simplify the operator’s work: automatic call pickup, automatic line release, hold mode management, DTMF dialling and call logging. Operational information is displayed via the front-panel indicators, whilst calls can be recorded in PCM format onto a USB stick. The system can also generate an RTP/PCM stream to an external computer.

Finally, the four GPIs and four GPOs allow the Macrotel to be connected to other control room equipment and to retrieve or control various statuses and functions. Housed in a 19-inch 1U chassis, the X1 thus provides a comprehensive interface between telephony and the professional audio environment.