Slate

The high-precision grading panel for artists on the move

Slate uses the same technological advances that we refined on the Blackboard 2 control surface, but in a size perfect for the demands of today’s multi-purpose postproduction facilities.

The Slate grading panels is ideally suited to working with Baselight Editions within your editing or compositing system, but it’s equally at home with the full Baselight colour grading system—it’s portable by design.

Read about Slate in more detail in the Slate datasheet.

Adaptive Keys

All keys are soft-configured so that any operation can be assigned to any key, and have a dynamically displayed label or image that shows the exact context in every operation directly on the key.

Encoders

Slate features twelve limitless optical encoders for rotary input. Each encoder has an integrated push switch for further operations.

Screens

Slate employs two display screens to give the colourist clear and instant feedback. They not only display the values for the current operation, but also show the flow of operations to assist in navigation with more complex tasks.

Context Controls

All controls vary in range, sensitivity and feedback depending on the operation. The function and labelling of keys, encoders and displays changes seamlessly with every operation. Slate only illuminates the active controls to speed up navigation.

Trackballs and rings

The trackballs feature a six-contact point mounting system, ensuring movement is easy in every direction, with bespoke third axis rings that float precisely under the lightest touch.

Blackboard Classic

The popular Blackboard 1 rebooted

The Blackboard Classic control surface retains all of the key features that were so popular with the original Blackboard 1 design. The Classic is built within the same ergonomic low profile, but with the addition of large high-resolution displays, a larger tablet and extendable connectivity.

Read about Blackboard Classic in more detail in the Blackboard Classic datasheet.

Direct access

All commonly used functions can be accessed directly via a single press on a dedicated button or using simple-to-recall key combinations. The radial design ensures all controls are within easy reach, while the controls themselves convey quality and precision.

Second-nature by design

Each area of the control surface brings together related functions, leading to highly efficient and intuitive operation. The Stack Manager enables rapid selection of inside/outside layers, grades and matte operators; Cursor, Display, Playback, Navigation, Gallery, Cuts view, Scratchpad, Keyframe and other controls all have natural functional groupings.

Contextual parameters

As you work, the main controls switch automatically to provide interactive adjustment of the currently selected operator or function. Parameter values and other related information is presented clearly and logically across the four high-resolution parameter displays.

Precision controls

Optical laser-sensing trackballs, precision encoders and a responsive jog/shuttle control provide a premium grading experience. The light-touch, tactile buttons indicate their current status using bi-colour, multi-level illumination, which can also be adjusted to match ambient lighting conditions.

Affordable full-size panel

Often a large control surface is a basic requirement when fitting out a suite, both for effectiveness of operation and presentation purposes. The Blackboard Classic sits between FilmLight’s soft-key Slate and Blackboard 2 panels, allowing Baselight artists to have access to a full-sized panel – while remaining within budget constraints.

A high precision instrument designed for artists

Blackboard defined the direction for colour grading. But technology evolves and art advances. Colour grading has developed new techniques as desire has become reality.

Complexity, speed, efficiency - the drive continues. Inheriting the pedigree, Blackboard 2 evolves the concept, refining the method and enabling the future of colour grading.

Read about Blackboard 2 in more detail in the Blackboard 2 datasheet.

Look and Feel

Blackboard 2 blends sleek, natural wood into the curved, sweeping design, creating a surface that is at once both practical and highly desirable.

Form and Function

The simple radial design ensures all controls are within easy reach, while the controls themselves convey precision.

Context Controls

All controls vary in range, sensitivity and feedback depending on the operation. The function and labelling of keys, encoders and displays changes seamlessly with every operation. Blackboard 2 only illuminates the active controls to speed up navigation.

Screens

Blackboard 2 employs four large, high-resolution displays to give the colourist clear and instant feedback. They not only display the values for the current operation, but also show the flow of operations to assist in navigation with more complex tasks.

Adaptive Keys

All keys are soft-configured so that any operation can be assigned to any key, and have a dynamically displayed label or image that shows the exact context in every operation directly on the key.

Encoders

Blackboard 2 features twelve wear-free, limitless optical encoders for rotary input. Each encoder has an integrated push switch for further operations, and is illuminated with a full colour LED to show activity and state.

Jog/Shuttle

The larger jog/shuttle control features a smooth, high-precision optical encoder for navigating, as well as a push button to quickly change between modes.

Tablet

Directly integrated into the surface, Blackboard 2 provides a Wacom tablet with a three button pen for input and control.

Trackballs and rings

The trackballs boast a five-contact point mounting system, ensuring movement is easy in every direction. Optical laser sensing gives absolute precision, whilst the inertial-weighted third axis rings float precisely under the lightest touch.

Chalk

The Chalk application lets you customise the buttons on the Blackboard 2 control surface. Baselight 4.4 also introduces multiple language support so you can work in your language.

Baselight supports an ever-increasing array of third-party grading panels, including...

• Tangent Wave
• Tangent Element
• Avid Artist Color
• Avid Artist Transport

AKA has made numerous grading desks to hold Baselight systems, culminating in Europe's largest Grading Theatre at Molinare's Soho Facility. AKA have just completed two new Baselight TWO installations for the ever-expanding ENVY facilities, and also installed a second suite into Unit Media.

Call the AKA design team when planning your next studio project to discuss your requirements.

Molinare

ENVY Post Production

w: www.akadesign.co.uk
t: +44 (0)20 8829 9100
e: [email protected]