Canada's top arena transformed live production with a ST 2110 infrastructure and Calrec's Argo S audio console, enabling multi-platform audio workflows and deep fan engagement.
Daniel Poisson, Sound Engineer, mixing NHL on a Calrec Argo S IP audio mixing console at Montréal's Bell Centre
Hosting a wide variety of events from intense NHL games to complex live music concerts and celebrity entertainment shows, Montreal's 21,000 capacity Bell Centre is the largest indoor arena in Canada. Home to the NHL's Montréal Canadiens Hockey Club, it is also one of the largest ice hockey arenas in the world. Aiming to develop its broadcast and live production architecture to make the most of its multi-purpose spaces, the venue has upgraded to a new ST 2110 infrastructure that features Calrec's Argo S audio console.
Patrick Cyrenne is Bell Centre's Manager, Broadcasting and Electronics, responsible for maintaining and overseeing the broadcast installations for game presentation. He believes the modular, open nature of Calrec's ecosystem will help the venue to support greater creativity, efficiency and develop more fan experiences no matter where or how the content is consumed.
Quick Turnaround and Fan Engagement
"Argo has completely updated the way we manage quick turnarounds between different types of events," Patrick said. "Its modular, flexible architecture allows us to reconfigure the console for different situations, which is essential to adhere to our tight schedules and varied technical demands. During a hockey game our audio workflow is geared toward broadcast feeds, and Argo makes it possible for us to build show-specific layouts and recall them instantly.”
His team is also using the Argo S to produce and enhance more fan-focused and niche content across multiple platforms, especially for social media and digital engagement. He said, "The ability to manage simultaneous mixes means we can tailor audio for alternate feeds without interrupting the main broadcast workflow. We can use the system to record voice overs and podcasts, as well as for watch parties where we generate audio feeds for in-venue entertainment and custom audio mixes for social streams, interviews and special segments that run alongside the main event."
Maintaining Quality and Reliability
All together, with in-house and remote production, multiple language feeds, digital content and social media deliverables, Patrick considers that Bell Centre's output and quality control per event has increased by a large margin.
"Features like integrated automatic mix-minus – configuring combinations of feeds to avoid echoes and feedback – means we can take on more without sacrificing quality or reliability," he said. "Ultimately, Calrec helps us deliver high-quality content faster and more flexibly, allowing our team to stay agile and meet the growing demands of modern live event production."
The compact, reduced-height build of the Argo S met Bell Centre's ergonomic requirements, while a mixture of Dante and MADI cards ensures it can cater to the visiting OB trucks that need access to its audio network. Meanwhile, it has an IP backbone that makes it interoperable with other key components of the Arena's network.
Interconnected Production Environment
"The Argo functions as a core audio engine within a larger, interconnected production ecosystem, and communicates directly with a range of IP-enabled systems," said Patrick. "This prevents spending time on traditional audio patching and allows us to dynamically route and manage audio throughout the entire facility.
"Our Ross Ultrix FR12 and FR5 routers act as central routing hubs for both video and audio signals, and Argo's tight integration supports synchronised routing of embedded audio alongside video across various production paths. This gives us full flexibility for handling mixed-media workflows during rapid event transitions.
"Argo also integrates directly with Cinedeck recorders for multichannel audio capture, the Prodigy I/O interface for bridging analogue or MADI sources, and our EVS audio track system for replay, highlights production and archives. Meanwhile, its integration with EVS Cerebrum means we can monitor and control Argo, the FR12 and FR5 routers, and all associated devices from a single interface, as well as patch changes and configuration recalls for different events like hockey games or special productions like Télédon or fan watch parties."
Visiting Broadcasters
The flexible setup also makes production simpler for visiting broadcasters. Patrick said, "On game days most of the audio interconnectivity with the main broadcaster is direct and our game production can be incorporated into our broadcast partner's program feed and vice versa. Having the flexibility to transport the audio signal in a variety of ways is useful, because some operators prefer to stay on legacy systems. Since we operate Dante in the bowl for PA and for audio distribution around the concourse and the interconnect room, we have access to every audio source throughout the venue."
The installation was a team effort between the venue, digital media integration company Applied Electronics Ltd, and Calrec's Canadian distributor True North AV, resulting in a system that enables Bell Centre to align with its current technical infrastructure as well as meet its evolving production needs.
"Working with Bell Centre has been a defining moment for True North AV," said Kypros Christodoulides, Technical Sales & Support at True North AV. "Argo's architecture is exactly what a high-profile venue like this needs. It gives the production team the tools to adapt in real time, whether they're broadcasting a game, hosting a concert, or creating content for digital platforms. It’s exciting to support a system that raises the bar for audio quality and delivery in live entertainment."
"Major venues like Bell Centre are looking to create more value for their customers," said Calrec's International Sales Manager Anthony Harrison. "Argo's flexibility means it can pivot quickly and support multiple production demands all at once. The installation has given Bell Centre the ability to not only deliver high quality broadcast content, but to drive creative engagement across multiple channels and connect with fans in more personalised, dynamic ways." calrec.com
Daniel Poisson, Sound Engineer, mixing NHL on a Calrec Argo S IP audio mixing console at Montréal's Bell Centre
