I've been called out of retirement from the analog console world to do an install of a very large Axia system and I have to say I'm very impressed with the product. Simple, clean, easy to operate and very easy to install. The configuration of the system is where the work is done, but once you've got it it's very easy. For example, we have two rooms without mic nodes. No problem. You run a "mic snake" from the no node room to the room next door and plug into the extra nodes not in use. When you configure the system you tell it those node inputs belong to the no node room and they just show up there. The physical noise level from the units fans isn't bad, and it wouldn't be that much of an undertaking to have all of that equipment centralized in another room away from any live mics. Any source in any room can be brought up on any console in any other room. There is one two pair connection between the console and the outside world. Brilliant. Console configuration presets can be done for individual air talent so if the morning show wants four mics left to right but the midday person wants the mic 3 & 4 faders to be traffic and remote feed for news it's a simple push of a button and things are rerouted where they need to go. No punch blocks (except for satellite closures), no patch bays and no mess. I'm loving this gig.
