Calrec Type RT consoles and Apex M6 expand IP audio ecosystem

The introduction of Calrec Type RT consoles signals a shift toward high-density, decentralized audio infrastructure for live streaming and broadcast. By integrating DSP and control processing into a compact, fanless unit, Calrec is addressing the technical requirements of Tier 2 and Tier 3 productions that demand ST 2110 compliance without the footprint of traditional flagship desks. This move strengthens the IP ecosystem by lowering the barrier to entry for professional AoIP networking in local TV and corporate environments. As the industry moves toward hybrid workflows, watch for how the Apex M6 modular I/O facilitates interoperability between legacy MADI systems and modern multi-vendor ST 2110 environments.

Calrec operates within a rapidly consolidating broadcast audio market where IP-native console manufacturers are competing for share in ST 2110 and Dante-based workflows. At IBC 2026, the company positioned the Type RT and Apex M6 as complements to its existing Argo and ImPulseV platforms, extending its reach into compact, self-contained deployments for stadiums and remote production trucks. The broader IP audio console market has seen increased activity from rivals: Lawo introduced its mc²36 MKIII console with native ST 2110-30 support and Dante integration at IBC 2025, targeting mid-scale broadcast facilities that need multi-format audio networking without external DSP hardware. Meanwhile, SSL launched its System T platform update adding native Dante and ST 2110 interoperability for live production environments in early 2026, directly competing with Calrec's positioning in the compact console segment.

The business case for IP audio consoles is being driven by the same remote and distributed production economics that are reshaping video infrastructure. A 2026 report from the Sports Video Group found that 62% of live sports productions in Europe now use at least partial IP-based audio transport, up from 41% in 2024, with ST 2110-30 cited as the primary protocol for greenfield deployments. This shift creates demand for consoles that can operate natively in IP environments without legacy MADI bridges. Calrec's Apex M6 modular I/O addresses this directly by offering hot-swappable interface cards supporting MADI, AES67, Dante, and ST 2110-30 in a single 1U chassis, reducing rack space and simplifying signal routing for facilities transitioning from baseband to IP. The modular approach also aligns with procurement strategies at broadcasters seeking to future-proof investments against evolving standards.

Technical differentiation in the compact IP console category increasingly centers on latency, channel density, and software-defined control. Calrec's True Control 2.0 architecture, which underpins the Type RT range, delivers sub-millisecond control response across up to 128 processing paths, according to specifications published ahead of IBC 2026. The company's Calrec Assist and Calrec Connect software tools provide remote monitoring and configuration capabilities that reduce the need for on-site engineering, a critical feature for unmanned or minimally staffed remote production sites. Riedel's Artist-1024 intercom system demonstrated similar remote-management capabilities at NAB Show 2026, suggesting that remote operability is becoming a baseline expectation across the professional audio hardware category rather than a differentiator.