At the NAB Show, 2022 in Las Vegas RTW is announcing their new Dante-based AoIP monitoring controller with integrated metering functions. It offers up to 32 channels over Dane, a 5” intuitive touchscreen and a small footprint and includes an integrated Microphone for SPL Measurement and Talkback together with True Peak, British PPM and VU RTW Metering.

Plugged In

TouchControl 5 has been designed as a network device, which means it does not need many connections to the outside world, which has helped RTW to produce a unit with a very small footprint. The network port not only provides the audio channels, 32 in and 32 out, but also includes power. In addition there is also a 24 bit/96 kHz IO section.

Up Front

On the front of the TouchControl 5, the integrated microphone can be used for SPL measurement, or for talkback. The 5” touchscreen is user configurable, as is the pushable rotary knob.

The TouchControl 5 uses the same monitor control engine as previous RTW surround monitor controllers which enables you to do the following: Downmix, Source A/B Compare, SPK Select, Calibrated Monitoring (using the internal microphone OR manual set), SPL Readout, Solo, Cut, Swap, Phase, Mono, Dim, Mute and Test Tone Generator.

All of this means you can have a monitor controller that goes from stereo all the way up to 22.2 and supports sample rates up to 96KHz and is AES67 compliant.

RTW Metering

RTW know a thing or two about audio metering and so they have wisely used their PPM metering engine from their TouchMonitor meters in the new TouchControl 5 monitor controller.

Web-based Interface for Set Up

The configuration and setup of the TouchControl 5 is done through the network, using a standard web browser. Its from here that you make the overall settings, manage presets, handle licenses and more.

You can also control the access to the device, including limiting operation to only certain features, avoiding unintentional use during showtime.

RTW TouchControl 5 Key Features

• Level Control of up to 24 (32) Audio Channels.

• User Configurable 5” Touch Display.

• Integrated Microphone for Talkback and SPL Measurement.

• Studio Grade Microphone Input: 48 V Phantom Powered High-quality Microphone Input (XLR)

• Level Control with User Definable Key Functions: The level control encoder is used to control the level of selected audio channels. It can be pressed for mute or dim.

• Powerful Headphone Output: 1/4 inch Headphone output with the option of monitoring a user-defined downmix.

• Analog Speaker Output: 3.5mm speaker output with the option of monitoring a user defined downmix.

• 24 (32) Channels Level Metering: Up to 32 in various configurations channels can be metered.

• Easy Setup with Web-based Interface

• Dante® Audio over IP Networks.

• AES67 Compliant

• Calibrated Monitoring using internal microphone or manual set.

• Power over Ethernet: One cable for both audio and power (IEEE 802.3af compliant)

• Supports up to 24 bit, 96 kHz sample rate

• License structure that allows for attractive pricing

• Lockable Operation Mode: Fool-proof setup with access only to relevant controls. Prevents unintentional operation during showtime.

• Different versions: Table-top unit with basic equipment (order no. 32500) or preconfigured model with Multichannel and Monitoring licenses (order no. TC5-MON)

Licensing Options

Some Features are optional extras. As standard the TouchControl 5 comes with the following basic features…

• 4-channel Level Control (4 x In, 4 x Out)

• Simple Fader

• 2 x 2 Channels (Stereo) or 4 x 1 Channel (Mono) Control

• Basic PPM with TP and Phase

There are then 3 additional options which require additional licenses, Monitor Control, Multichannel and Premium Metering.

Monitor Control

• Downmix

• Source Select with A/B Compare

• Speaker Select

• Calibrated Monitoring using internal microphone or manual set

• SPL Readout

• Solo, Cut, Swap, Phase

• Mono, Dim, Mute

• Test Tone Generator

• Enables Line Out

• Enables Phones Out

Multichannel

• Enables the simultaneous use of up to 32 audio channels

Premium Metering

• PPM and TruePeak Metering

• PPM Scales, TouchMonitor Style

• VU

• British PPM

Accessories

There are also a couple of accessories that may help you…

Ethernet Power Injector

Many Ethernet switches provide Power over Ethernet (PoE), so in many cases, an additional power supply (ethernet power injector) is not needed for TouchControl 5. In cases where you do need it, RTW offers the Power Injector with a mains cable for different regions including Europe, US, UK and Australia.

Metal Mounting Plate

Using the mounting plate, TouchControl 5 can be mounted on a mic stand or similar (3/8").

RTW TouchControl 5 Price And Availability

RTW is saying that the TouchControl 5 will be available in the 3rd quarter of 2022, but are yet to announce the pricing.