- Newloc and RegieTek channel their combined live production expertise into livestreaming.
- They choose to use the VR-50HD MK II for larger showcases.
- For smaller live showcases, they use the Roland V-1HD⁺ HD Video Switcher with the Roland UVC-01 plug in Video Capture Device.
When live music production and working with artists are the lifeblood of a business, you need to find a way to keep that passion alive. Even during a pandemic. Backline rental company Newloc and partner company RegieTek specialize in technical services for live events. For both, the past few years haven’t been so much about adapting to change, but about focusing on how they can continue to do what they do well. The answer has been to channel their combined live production expertise into livestreaming, hosting a series of Friday night showcases featuring artists and musicians performing live to an unlimited audience on YouTube.
Flexibility in Production
They chose the Roland VR-50HD MK II Multi-Format AV Mixer with USB3.0 Streaming and the Roland V-1HD⁺ HD Video Switcher/UVC-01 Video Capture Device to play an integral part in the livestreaming setup. This provides the flexibility needed for the varying technical requirements of each showcase. Most often, the VR-50HD MK II is used for more complex setups with up to 4 live SDI cameras. The V-1HD⁺/UVC-01 is for smaller, single artist showcases.
Broadcast Quality is Key
The showcases have now been running every Friday night for the past three months, streaming live from the RegieTek premises in Paris. As one might expect, livestream production quality is of paramount importance to the team. Roland products need to deliver both integrated creative options and broadcast quality.
As an all-in-one mixer, the VR-50HD MK II consolidates video switching, digital audio mixing, multi-viewer touchscreen control and USB 3.0 AV streaming output into a single unit. In this case, the VR-50HD MK II is used for both streaming and recording simultaneously. Working as the hub for the setup, the sound engineer can send a mix in stereo to the VR-50HD MK II. There, the video mix from up to four cameras connects into the SDI inputs to be added before broadcasting using OBS to YouTube.
The VR-50HD MK II has everything we need from a technical point of view, but it also very easy to use. It’s plug and play.
Composition Process
Most of the time, the VR-50HD MK II is the last mixer before streaming. Additional content such as a video premix using five or six cameras, logos, or still images can be added into the VR-50HDMK II before the showcase, then combined and streamed with the live content. The four-layer composition and still store of the VR-50HD MK II allows the user to place keyed video on PinP or superimpose a still image on top of all layers and switch these effects on or off at any time.
Large Showcases
Commenting on why they choose to use the VR-50HD MK II for the larger showcases, Project Manager Thibault Morin explains, “The VR-50HD MK II has everything we need from a technical point of view, but it also very easy to use. It’s plug and play. That’s why we propose the VR-50HD MK II to all of our customers for integration.”
The VR-50HD MK II is also ideal for single-operator use, with a number of automation features such as Automixing to balance audio levels and Video Follows Audio to switch cameras based on sound input, that enable one person to switch video and mix pro-level audio at the same time.
Small Showcases
For smaller live showcases where only 1 or 2 cameras are needed, they are using the Roland V-1HD⁺ HD Video Switcher in combination with the Roland UVC-01 plug in Video Capture Device. The UVC-01 adds high-quality livestreaming capability to the Roland V Series switchers. By simply connecting the UVC-01 via HDMI to the V-1HD⁺ and then into the USB3 port of a computer, the user can start streaming to Facebook Live, YouTube, and other popular platforms.
The four HDMI inputs on the V-1HD⁺ with frame rate conversion enable a single operator to mix a variety of sources including cameras, computers, or consoles, with the added benefit of a built-in video scaler on Input 4 for any troublesome sources. Newloc has been using the V-1HD⁺ for setups such as interviews where one or two cameras are needed, as well as for pre-records that then can be added to larger productions.
Most of the time the V-1HD⁺ is used for computers because of the HDMI input. It makes it so simple.
The HDMI inputs of the V-1HD⁺ have also been a great solution for corporate events, sometimes alongside the VR-50HD MK II. As Morin explains, “The HDMI inputs on the V-1HD⁺ mean it is a simple solution for us to use in a corporate environment where we might need to premix the presentation slides from many computers before outputting or displaying through the VR-50HD MK II.” He details the process. “We can use the inputs (on the V-1HD⁺) for viewing the slides and use just one of the inputs for the VR-50HD MK II. In fact, most of the time the V-1HD⁺ is used for computers because of the HDMI input. It makes it so simple.”
The V-1HD⁺ is really a compact powerhouse of features, such as 14 channel audio mixing, multi-viewer display, audio monitoring, and a 4-layer effects engine. Recently added, the V-1HD⁺ now comes with the option of a dedicated remote control app to turn an iPad into a touchscreen interface for essential switching functions, mixing audio with virtual faders. Users can create up to 8 custom scenes.
Change in Plans
Although Newloc had bigger plans for their Roland products earlier this year, the continued COVID restrictions in France have meant they have only been able to use them for streaming and recording showcases. Along with the VR-50HD MK II and the V-1HD⁺/UVC-01, Newloc also got the Roland VC-100UHD 4K Video scaler.
“We haven’t been able to use the VC-100UHD yet,” Morin reveals. “But as the jobs are now starting to come in we are looking forward to putting it through its paces very soon.” Thibault chose the VC-100UHD because of its 4K capability. “With the VC-100UHD we can switch between an LED screen and streaming, so doing this in 4K is perfect for me.”
In more normal times, live music would take up 95% of the business for both Newloc and RegieTek. With a network of five branches throughout France, Newloc supplies the backline (plus other audio and visual products) for 250 festivals a year. In addition to the festivals, Newloc manages many showcases of national and international artists on behalf of Sony, Universal, and Warner, supplying backline sound and sometimes video equipment for tours of radio and TV shows. RegieTek also looks after artists on tour, meeting their requirements for audio, lighting, and video broadcasting, partnering with Newloc where backline rental is needed. The company also deals with the supply and rental of equipment for live shows at big entertainment venues in Paris.
The development of the livestreaming of events is going to happen quickly. The VR-50HD MK II will play a big part in this.
What the Future Holds
Will the future look different for Newloc and RegieTek? As live events now start to open up again in France, but still with limited audiences, will they be looking to use their livestreaming showcase setup on a larger scale as hybrid events start to happen?
Cedric Duminy, Director at Newloc explains, “Producers will think differently than they did before the COVID crisis because they saw that you can touch so many people with streaming.” He elaborates on the future. “The development of the livestreaming of events is going to happen quickly. The VR-50HD MK II will play a big part in this. For large, smaller, or medium events, it will work. It has the flexibility to do so.”
