The MU-12 53’ 3G Single Expando Production Truck

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The MU-12 53’ 3G Single Expando Production Truck is a flagship mobile broadcast unit designed to meet the demands of modern live production environments, delivering exceptional UHD and HDR capabilities in a versatile, road-ready package. Operated by TNDV, a division of Live Media Group, MU-12 offers a comprehensive suite of production tools for handling major broadcasts, sports events, concerts, and studio-caliber programming with ease. Its rugged design, engineered infrastructure, and integrated systems make it a go-to solution for clients looking to achieve high-end results in the field without compromise.

The truck measures 53 feet in length with a full expansion that extends 49 feet by 5 feet, resulting in a comfortable and optimized interior footprint. With a gross vehicle weight of 80,000 pounds and support for standard road clearance, MU-12 can be deployed across a wide range of locations. Its power requirements are substantial but accessible, drawing 200 amps per leg at 190 to 280 volts across three phases, and it includes a 200-foot feeder cable to accommodate venue setups of all types.

Video production within MU-12 is driven by a Grass Valley K-Frame 3G switcher with a Kayenne 4-stripe, 35-button control panel. This system offers 7 mix effects, 96 inputs, 48 outputs, and is packed with features like FlexiKey, Double Take, advanced chroma keying, and both internal and external DPMs for real-time image manipulation. An internal image store adds powerful playback options, and the M/E View functionality enables streamlined oversight of complex mix configurations. For replay, the truck includes three EVS XT3 12-channel LSM servers with dual-user capability, an additional EVS XT3 unit serving as a dedicated spotbox, an EVS X-file3 for rapid file transfer over a 10G network, and an EVS Via Xhub to tie the entire replay system together. The infrastructure is wired for 60 channels of EVS, ensuring seamless integration of multiple live camera angles and replay streams.

Routing is handled through an Evertz EQX 3G video router with a 280×620 matrix, providing 112 inputs by 48 outputs for audio embedding and disembedding, supported by 18 onboard frame syncs and 16 fiber I/O ports. Complementing this is an Evertz EMR audio router with a full 1024×1024 MADI capacity. The system includes a total of 70 frame syncs—30 For-A HDR UDC units with color correction and 40 EVS Neuron HDR units equipped with custom LUTs and additional color control. Four TX processors add further up/down/cross conversion capabilities. A multiview layout with 304×23 capacity allows technical staff to monitor dozens of live feeds, ISO records, program outputs, and replay returns simultaneously.

Camera support includes ten Grass Valley LDX 86 Worldcam units, seven LDK Super XPanders, and six LDK4426 fiber triax converters. MU-12 comes equipped with a powerful lens arsenal, including a Fujinon 101×8.4 UHD stabilized lens, a combination of HD and UHD lenses ranging from 99x and 88x zooms down to wide-angle 14x optics, and hybrid options designed for flexible field coverage. The camera kits are supported by Vinten Vector 750 and Cartoni Gamma pan head and tripod packages, and the truck is wired for 16 CCUs to ensure optimal camera control and shading. Additional lens and camera configurations are available upon request, providing production teams with customization flexibility.

Audio is managed via a Calrec Artemis Beam digital surround sound console with 64 faders and deep I/O capabilities including 96×96 analog, 128×128 AES, and 256×256 MADI channels. The system is enhanced with a Waves Broadcast Processing Suite, delivering professional-grade dynamics and effects processing for high-end audio fidelity.

Communications are facilitated by a 192×192 RTS Adam Matrix intercom system, offering 32 OMNEO channels, 16 RVON IP channels, 64 MADI channels, 12 powered PL channels, and 12 powered IFB circuits. The system also includes four RTS telephone interfaces, four QKT audio couplers, 20 BP325 belt packs, 10 IFB belt packs, 16 Beyer DT108 single muff headsets, eight DT109 dual muff headsets, and four ring downs, ensuring seamless crew coordination across departments.

Supporting AV and monitoring needs, MU-12 is stocked with six HMD26 announcer headsets, six Studio Tech announcer boxes, six Sennheiser MD46 stick microphones, six MKH416 shotguns, six MKH8070 long shotguns, and four MKH418 stereo shotgun microphones. Visual monitoring is supported by six 15-inch SDI and six 21-inch SDI monitors, along with two portable LED light kits for booth or field work.

Cabling infrastructure on board includes 7000 feet of triax and 850 feet of SMPTE fiber, two 150-foot six-wire triax looms, 3000 feet of DT12 audio mults, 1000 feet of six-pair audio snake, 500 feet of two-pair audio snake, 5000 feet of XLR cable, 5000 feet of single coax, three 150-foot ten-wire coax looms, three 125-foot five-wire looms, and a set of TAC fiber runs including 500-foot TAC-12, TAC-6, and TAC-4 links.

The MU-12 53’ 3G Single Expando is a best-in-class mobile production unit, purpose-built to execute the most technically complex live and recorded events with confidence and clarity. Its integrated systems, advanced engineering, and scalability ensure that whether deployed for network sports, high-profile concerts, studio broadcasts, or corporate events, MU-12 delivers a studio-quality experience on the road with zero compromiseMU-12-Specs_021025.

 

Mobile Unit Snapshot: MU-14 53’ Single Expando Production Unit

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The MU-14 53’ 3G Single Expando Production Truck is the most advanced and highest-capacity mobile broadcast unit in the Live Media fleet. Designed from the ground up to serve the most demanding UHD and HDR production environments, MU-14 represents the pinnacle of mobile engineering, seamlessly integrating immense I/O capability, powerful switching, deep EVS replay support, and full broadcast comms and audio infrastructure. With its unmatched feature set and future-proof architecture, MU-14 is purpose-built for major national and international sports broadcasts, large-scale entertainment specials, and high-concurrency live event coverage.

At 53 feet long with an expanded footprint of 49 feet by 5 feet, MU-14 offers a roomy interior that accommodates large production teams with ease. When deployed, the truck reaches a total operational width of 13.5 feet and stretches to 78 feet in length with the tractor included. With a gross vehicle weight of 80,000 pounds and a three-phase power draw rated for 190 to 280 volts at 200 amps per leg, MU-14 carries the raw energy and infrastructure to perform under any condition in the field.

Video production inside the truck is anchored by a Grass Valley K-Frame 3G switcher with a Kayenne 4-stripe, 35-button panel. The system offers a formidable 9 mix effects, with 176 inputs and 72 outputs, and is outfitted with advanced features including FlexiKey layering, Double Take transitions, chroma keying, and a powerful suite of DPMs. The switcher includes an onboard image store with movie playback capabilities and supports M/E View, enabling flexible visual workflows and operator customization. A built-in RGB color corrector ensures precision image management during dynamic productions. Supporting the switching backbone is a comprehensive EVS replay system featuring four XTVia 12-channel servers with dual-user capability, an XTVia 6-channel spotbox with Lance Controller, an EVS X-file3 with a 10G file network for lightning-fast file movement, and an EVS Via Xhub to tie all the components together. MU-14 is wired for an astonishing 120 channels of EVS replay, placing it among the most capable mobile replay environments on the road today.

Routing and signal management are handled by an Evertz EQX 3G video router configured with a 518×684 matrix. This system includes 112×128 embedding and de-embedding paths, 18 internal frame syncs, 16×16 RTR fiber I/O connections, and dedicated mux paths linking to companion units and booth locations. On the audio side, the Evertz EMR router delivers 1152×1152 MADI, 192×192 AES, and 96×96 analog mono paths, providing a routing backbone that accommodates high-density channel counts. The truck includes a total of 85 frame syncs, including 45 For-A HDR UDC units with color correction and 40 EVS Neuron HDR units with LUT support and customizable color correction pipelines. MU-14’s massive multiviewer capability offers 304×30 windows, giving directors and engineers unparalleled visibility into every facet of the production.

Camera operations inside MU-14 are supported by twelve Sony HDC3500 UHD-HDR cameras paired with seven Sony HDLA1505 large lens adapters and an extensive Canon lens package. This includes seven Canon UJ111x8.3 Digisuper long lenses with stabilization, two CJ25ex7.6 UHD ENG lenses, two CJ20ex7.6 UHD ENG lenses, and one CJ15ex4.3 wide-angle UHD ENG lens. The cameras are supported by seven Vinten Vector 750 pan heads with HDT2 tripods and four Cartoni Focus 20 heads, offering a robust and flexible shooting platform. MU-14 is wired for up to 20 CCUs, enabling precise camera shading and control across all channels, with additional camera and lens configurations available based on production needs.

Audio mixing is handled through a Calrec Apollo digital surround console featuring 144 faders spread across 12 dual-fader layers. The system includes 148×148 analog I/O, 128×128 AES, 512×512 MADI spread across eight ports, and a 64×64 Dante integration for AoIP workflows. With embedded Waves Broadcast Suite processing, MU-14 offers advanced audio shaping, dynamics, and broadcast mastering features in real time. Communications infrastructure is just as comprehensive, anchored by a 256×256 RTS Adam Matrix intercom with 64 OMNEO channels, 16 RVON IP paths, 64 MADI channels, 12 powered PL channels, and 12 powered IFB outputs. MU-14 is stocked with RTS BP325 intercom packs, IFB belt packs, and a complete headset suite including 20 Beyer DT108 single muff units and 10 DT109 dual muff models, as well as phone interfaces and couplers to support crew and talent communications across the full production landscape.

For AV support, the truck comes with six HMD26 announcer headsets, six Studio Tech boxes, six MD46 stick mics, and a full complement of shotgun and stereo microphones including the MKH416, MKH807, and MKH418. Monitoring gear includes six 15-inch SDI monitors, six 21-inch SDI monitors, and two portable LED light kits. MU-14’s cable infrastructure includes 7000 feet of SMPTE fiber, two 150-foot 6-wire SMPTE looms, 3000 feet of DT12 audio mults, and over 10,000 feet of combined coaxial, audio, and multipair snakes, offering robust connectivity in complex setups.

MU-14 sets a new benchmark in remote production technology. With the highest M/E count, deepest replay channel capacity, and broadest routing architecture in the Live Media Group fleet, it delivers the performance and redundancy expected in the most mission-critical live environments. From UHD sports coverage and multi-stage music shows to dual-stream linear and OTT broadcasts, MU-14 has the power, flexibility, and intelligence to bring elite productions to life at scaleMU-14-Specs_021025.

 

 How to Choose the Right Mobile Production Unit for Your Event

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Selecting the right mobile production unit can make or break the success of a live event. From sports broadcasts to concerts, award shows to corporate gatherings, having the correct setup is essential for capturing every moment with clarity, professionalism, and style. With options ranging from large 53′ double expando UHD mobile units to compact 20′ production/uplink hybrids, Live Media Group’s mobile unit companies – Live Media and TNDV – offer a diverse fleet that caters to event requirements of any scope or complexity.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to choose the best mobile production unit based on your event type, budget, and specific production needs.

choosing the right mobile production unit

1. Understand Your Event Type and Scale

The type of event and its scale play a crucial role in determining the ideal mobile production unit. For instance, a stadium sporting event, high-profile concert or award show with multiple camera angles and intricate lighting setups demands a more comprehensive unit (or units) than a small corporate meeting.

  • Large-Scale Events, Concerts and Festivals: These events benefit from large double expando mobile units, such as Live Media’s MU-16 and MU-18 or TNDV’s Exclamation. These units offer spacious control rooms and ample workspace, accommodating large production crews and advanced equipment for multi-camera setups and intricate lighting.
  • Corporate Events and Conferences: A 20′ production/uplink hybrid, like Modulation or Constellation, is often more suitable for corporate events where space may be limited. Compact yet powerful, these units are equipped to handle live streaming, switching, and high-quality audio, making them ideal for conference broadcasting or smaller live events. TNDV also has a wide selection of mobile fly packs for smaller productions that may not require the full complement of equipment that comes with a mobile unit. 
  • Sporting Events: Sports broadcasts typically demand units with high video format capabilities, such as MU-14 and MU-29, which support 1080P / 3G and UHD / 4K. These formats ensure high-resolution footage that captures fast action with minimal delay.
  • Award Shows and Red Carpet Events: These high-profile events call for visually rich, multi-angle shots. Units like Aspiration and Collaboration offer the space and power needed for multiple cameras, live streaming, and custom graphics.

By aligning the mobile unit selection with the event type, you’re ensuring that each detail will be captured perfectly, regardless of complexity.

2. Consider the Body Style

The body style of the mobile unit impacts not only the available space but also the types of events it’s suited for. Here’s a breakdown of common styles and their strengths:

  • Double Expando: These units, such as Exclamation, MU-3 and MU-6, expand on both sides, offering a large interior space for crew members and equipment. They’re ideal for multi-camera productions and larger crews, providing the flexibility to handle dynamic and intricate events.
  • Single Expando: Mobile units with a single expansion, like MU-10, offer a balance of space and mobility. They’re more compact than double expandos but still offer ample room for mid-sized events and moderate crew sizes. A majority of the mobile units of Live Media and TNDV fall into this category. 
  • Straight Trailer and Straight Truck: Compact and maneuverable, these units are suitable for smaller events where space is limited, such as on-location interviews or intimate gatherings. Live Media’s B-1 and B-3 units and TNDV’s Inspiration fall into this category, providing essential functionality without the bulk of an expando.

Each body style has unique benefits, so it’s essential to assess the logistical constraints and space requirements of your event venue before deciding.

3. Select the Appropriate Video Format

High-definition quality is increasingly essential for live events, particularly when broadcasting to larger audiences. Live Media Group’s fleet supports various video formats, from 1080i / 720p HD to UHD / 4K:

  • 1080i / 720p HD: Ideal for smaller events or internal corporate streaming, this format is cost-effective while still delivering clear visuals.
  • 1080P / 3G: For events that demand crisp visuals and minimal lag, 1080P / 3G is a solid middle ground. It’s suitable for medium-to-large events where high-definition is required but where full UHD may be unnecessary.
  • UHD / 4K: For the highest quality broadcast, UHD / 4K units are ideal. This format is perfect for high-profile concerts, sports events, or award shows where every detail matters, and viewers expect the highest clarity.

Choosing the correct video format ensures that your audience experiences the event at the level of quality it deserves, so align this choice with both the event’s scale and the visual expectations of your viewers.

4. Assess Audio Production Needs

Audio quality is crucial, especially for events with live performances or speeches. Different mobile units cater to varying audio needs: 45' Audio Production & Multitrack mobile unit

  • Audio Production-Specific Units: Units such as Vibration are tailored for audio production, equipped with high-quality mixers, soundproofing, and specialized crew workspaces. These units are ideal for concerts or live performances where sound quality is paramount.
  • General Production Units: For events where audio is important but secondary to video, standard production units will suffice. Many of Live Media’s units, including MU-11 and MU-21, offer robust audio capabilities suitable for most event types.

When selecting your mobile unit, make sure it includes the necessary audio features, especially if clear sound is critical to the event experience.

5. Budget Considerations

The range of mobile units at Live Media Group allows for flexibility across different budget levels:

  • Premium Units: Units such as MU-14, MU-30 and Exclamation offer top-of-the-line features for large-scale, high-profile events. These units come with larger crews, advanced technology, and increased capacity, which may come at a higher cost.
  • Mid-Range Options: Units like MU-8, Aspiration and MU-10 provide a balance between cost and functionality, suitable for mid-sized events requiring solid production capabilities without the need for extensive crew or equipment.
  • Cost-Effective Choices: For smaller events or budget-conscious productions, units such as B-5 and B-8 provide essential functionality at a lower cost. These units are ideal for simpler events, interviews, or internal corporate functions. Fly packs often are a great option for events of a smaller scope. 

Selecting a mobile unit that aligns with your budget ensures that your production is both high-quality and financially feasible.

6. Evaluate Special Requirements for Your Event

Each event has unique requirements that may necessitate specialized features. Here are a few examples:

  • Streaming and Uplink Capabilities: For events that require live streaming or remote broadcast, a unit with uplink capabilities, like MU-22, is essential.
  • Multi-Camera Support: If you’re capturing complex angles, such as for sports events or concerts, choose a unit with ample multi-camera support. Units like MU-16 can handle extensive camera setups, ensuring dynamic, multi-angle footage.
  • Customization: Some events may require additional customization, such as specific branding for corporate events. Discuss any unique requirements with Live Media Group to ensure that your unit meets all production needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right mobile production unit for your event is a multi-faceted decision. By considering factors like event type, body style, video format, audio needs, budget, and any special requirements, you can select a mobile unit that meets your production goals while staying within budget.

The diverse fleet of Live Media and TNDV, from expansive double expandos to compact hybrids, offers options for every type of event. And, if you need crew and logistical expertise, our GameTime division provides comprehensive crew and staffing at all levels of live event productions. 

By working with an experienced provider and carefully assessing your needs, you can ensure that your event is a memorable and professionally produced experience for all involved.

The Future of Corporate Event Production: What to Expect in the Next Five Years

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As corporate events become increasingly complex and technology-driven, the expectations for engaging, high-quality production continue to rise. From hybrid events to interactive broadcasts, the corporate event landscape is evolving rapidly. Over the next five years, we can expect groundbreaking trends and technologies to reshape how we approach event production, and Live Media Group is positioned at the forefront of this transformation.

In this article, we’ll explore the key trends and technologies that will define corporate event production in the coming years, offering insights into how companies can leverage these advancements to captivate audiences and enhance brand presence.

Hybrid Events as the New Standard

In the wake of the global shift toward virtual events, hybrid events (those combining in-person and virtual components) are here to stay. Hybrid events allow companies to reach both on-site attendees and remote participants, creating a versatile experience that maximizes audience engagement and expands reach.

  • Enhanced Interactivity for Virtual Audiences: Expect virtual attendees to enjoy immersive experiences with features like live Q&A, real-time polling, and interactive breakout sessions. By using Live Media Group’s advanced production technology, corporate clients can ensure seamless interaction between in-person and online participants.
  • Dual Production Strategies: Live Media Group’s mobile production units and state-of-the-art control rooms will allow simultaneous streaming of high-quality video to online platforms while managing on-site content for in-person audiences. This setup provides an integrated experience that accommodates both audiences without sacrificing quality.

AI and Machine Learning Integration

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are set to become integral to event production, offering solutions that improve efficiency, personalization, and engagement.

  • AI-Driven Personalization: AI can be used to tailor event content to each attendee’s preferences, delivering personalized schedules, relevant sessions, and targeted content suggestions. This can be particularly impactful for large conferences, where customized experiences help keep attendees engaged.
  • Real-Time Data Analysis and Insights: AI and ML will enable real-time data analysis during events, providing valuable insights into audience engagement. For example, AI can detect when audience interest drops, allowing producers to adjust the content or pacing. Live Media Group’s advanced analytics capabilities can equip clients with actionable insights, helping them refine future events.
  • Automated Production Assistance: AI-powered tools can streamline many production aspects, from camera tracking to automated lighting adjustments, freeing up production crews to focus on more complex tasks.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences

As technology advances, AR and VR are expected to play a larger role in corporate events, offering unique, immersive experiences that captivate audiences and deepen engagement.

  • Augmented Reality for In-Person and Virtual Audiences: AR can enhance in-person experiences with interactive displays, allowing attendees to engage with virtual elements through smartphones or wearable tech. For virtual audiences, AR can overlay presentation materials onto the screen, making sessions more interactive and visually engaging.
  • Virtual Reality as a Stand-Alone Experience: VR can offer remote participants a fully immersive event experience, particularly valuable for product launches or company training sessions. Live Media Group is exploring ways to incorporate VR elements into corporate events, allowing audiences to feel as if they’re attending in person, no matter their location.
  • AR/VR Production Requirements: With the integration of AR and VR, production crews will need to manage new aspects such as 3D graphics, spatial audio, and interactive interfaces. Live Media Group’s technical expertise and commitment to state-of-the-art technology can help clients bring these advanced experiences to life.

5G Connectivity and Its Impact on Event Production

The expansion of 5G networks will revolutionize event production, particularly for mobile and remote setups. With faster data speeds and reduced latency, 5G offers numerous benefits for corporate events, from improved streaming quality to enhanced interactivity.

  • High-Quality Live Streaming: 5G will allow for ultra-HD live streaming with minimal delay, even in venues with large audiences. This will enhance the experience for remote attendees and enable real-time interaction without the lag often associated with virtual events.
  • Greater Flexibility for Mobile Production: With 5G, mobile production units will have more flexibility in terms of location, enabling corporate events to be streamed from virtually anywhere. Live Media Group’s mobile units are already equipped to harness this connectivity boost, making them a preferred choice for companies looking to innovate with remote and on-site events.
  • Enhanced Augmented Reality and Real-Time Data Transmission: 5G supports the heavy data demands of AR and VR, allowing production crews to incorporate these elements without compromising quality. This technology also enables real-time data analytics during the event, providing insights that can inform on-the-spot decisions.

Sustainable Event Production

Sustainability is increasingly important to companies and audiences alike. Over the next five years, we can expect to see a push towards more eco-friendly practices in event production.

  • Energy-Efficient Equipment: Advances in energy-efficient production equipment, such as LED lighting and low-power cameras, will reduce the carbon footprint of events. Live Media Group’s commitment to sustainability means they’re continually exploring options to integrate greener technology into their production units.
  • Remote Production to Minimize Travel: Hybrid events and remote production capabilities reduce the need for extensive travel, which is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Live Media Group’s Nashville-based control room, for example, can manage productions remotely, allowing teams to coordinate live events without the need for on-site staff at every location.
  • Reducing Waste with Digital Solutions: The use of digital platforms for registration, schedules, and event materials reduces the need for paper, making corporate events more sustainable. Live Media Group’s digital solutions help clients minimize waste and create eco-friendly experiences without sacrificing quality.

Increased Focus on Security and Privacy

With the rise of virtual and hybrid events, ensuring the security and privacy of corporate content has become paramount. In the next five years, we’ll see more robust solutions to address these concerns.

  • Data Encryption and Secure Streaming: As corporate events often involve confidential information, the demand for secure streaming services is expected to grow. Live Media Group is committed to implementing secure encryption protocols to protect sensitive data, allowing companies to broadcast with confidence.
  • Enhanced Access Control: Advanced access control features, such as multi-factor authentication and individual access codes, will become standard to ensure that only authorized attendees can join virtual sessions.
  • Data Privacy Compliance: With increasing regulations surrounding data privacy, corporate event production teams will need to ensure compliance with standards like GDPR. Live Media Group’s digital solutions are designed to meet the latest privacy requirements, allowing companies to produce events in line with global privacy standards.

Conclusion

The future of corporate event production is set to be an exciting one, marked by rapid technological advancements, greater emphasis on hybrid experiences, and an increased focus on sustainability and security. By staying ahead of these trends, Live Media Group is positioned as a leader in corporate event production, equipped to help clients navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving landscape.

Whether it’s through the use of 5G, AR/VR, AI, or sustainable practices, Live Media Group is committed to delivering innovative, high-quality experiences that resonate with both in-person and remote audiences. For companies looking to create memorable events that engage, inspire, and connect, Live Media Group is the partner to watch in the years ahead.