Mobile Unit Snapshot: MU-21 48-foot 3G double expando production truck

MU-21: A Mobile Production and Satellite Uplink Powerhouse for Modern Live Broadcasts

In the fast-paced world of live television, sports coverage, remote news gathering, and multi-venue events, the need for integrated production and transmission solutions has never been more urgent. Enter the MU-21, a uniquely versatile 48-foot 3G double expando production truck that combines full broadcast switching, multichannel replay, and C-Band satellite uplink capabilities into a single, compact mobile platform.

Designed and operated by TNDV, a division of Live Media Group, the MU-21 is purpose-built for live events where signal integrity, connectivity, and agility are paramount. From national news coverage to sports broadcasting and political town halls, this production truck is the answer for productions that require a complete field control room and uplink facility in one self-sufficient footprint.

At its core, MU-21 houses a Grass Valley K-Frame 3G production switcher with a powerful Kayenne 4-stripe, 35-button control panel. With 5 M/Es, 64 inputs, 48 outputs, and an advanced feature set including FlexiKey, Double Take, and full chroma key support, this truck is designed to handle high-volume, multi-angle productions with ease. The switcher includes 16 iDPM and 16 EDPM processors and a built-in image store, making real-time transitions, effects, and video layering highly efficient in fast-moving broadcast environments.

Replay power is driven by a robust EVS XTVia system—three 8-channel LSM servers, a 4-channel spotbox with Lance controller, and a 10G-connected EVS X-file3 for fast file transfer and archive management. The system is wired for five 6-channel EVS servers, enabling simultaneous ISO recording, clip playout, and live replay across multiple camera feeds. At the heart of this network is the EVS X-Hub3 media router, providing high-speed content sharing across all replay devices.

Routing is handled via a Grass Valley NVision 3G video router with a 252×378 matrix and 90×90 audio embed/de-embed capability. This is complemented by a dual-tier multiview system—216×24 for the main multiviewer and a 32×4 For-A auxiliary display—to give production teams precise oversight of all sources. The truck also includes 30 AJA 3G up/down/cross frame syncs with built-in color correction for format matching across multi-camera workflows. An integrated TSL Tallyman system keeps all tally states in sync for operators and talent across camera channels and control surfaces.

MU-21 features a high-end Grass Valley camera package, including 10 LDX 86 WorldCam units, which support global HD and UHD production standards, along with 5 Super XPander systems and 8 fiber triax converters. Its premium Canon lens inventory includes 95x and 80x long zoom lenses, several 22x ENG lenses, and wide-angle options like the 11x and 17x glass. Five Vinten Vector 75 pan heads and three handheld tripods provide stable support for all camera configurations, and the truck is wired to support up to 12 CCUs, ensuring complete remote control and shading flexibility.

Audio capabilities are built around the Calrec Artemis Light digital console with Bluefin2 processing. It offers 48 faders, 12 dual-fader layers, and a wide range of connectivity including 64×64 analog, 64×64 AES, 384×384 MADI, and 64×64 Dante I/O—all processed through the integrated Waves SoundGrid broadcast suite for dynamic mixing, mastering, and processing. The truck also includes a Waves SoundGrid server for dedicated plugin hosting and advanced signal chain customization.

When it comes to communication, MU-21 keeps your crew connected with an RTS Adam M matrix intercom system configured with a 176×176 core. It supports 64 OMNEO IP channels, 32 MADI, and 16 RVON VoIP paths, along with 12 powered PL lines and 8 IFB circuits. The unit comes fully stocked with RTS belt packs, IFB units, telephone interfaces (including Innkeeper hybrid units), and Beyer headsets for complete internal and external communications control—even in the most complex multi-team workflows.

What truly sets the MU-21 apart from traditional production trucks is its integrated C-Band satellite uplink system. Built directly into the unit, this setup includes a 2.4-meter AVL C-Band uplink antenna and a pair of 400-watt Advantech SSPBs. Dual Adtec Affinity mux encoders, Ericsson modulators, and RX8200 receivers provide complete redundancy and flexibility for direct-to-air contributions, network feeds, and mission-critical signal paths. This level of transmission capability eliminates the need for separate satellite trucks and reduces setup time—making the MU-21 ideal for breaking news, remote sporting events, and on-location specials where production and uplink must be tightly integrated.

Beyond transmission and control, MU-21 supports AV operations with a deep equipment list that includes HMD26 headsets, Studio Tech boxes, MD46 stick mics, MKH416 shotguns, MKH8070 long shotguns, and MKH418 stereo options. Field monitoring is handled with 15” and 21” SDI monitors and LED light kits, ensuring operators and talent have clear visuals regardless of shooting conditions.

The cable infrastructure on board supports full deployment across multiple remote points, featuring 7000 feet of triax, 3000 feet of DT12 audio multicore, 3000 feet of single coax, and TAC fiber runs up to 1000 feet. With coax looms, triax looms, and extensive XLR and audio snake options, MU-21 is ready to meet nearly any site requirement—no matter how challenging the environment.

Why MU-21 Is the Broadcast Truck You’ve Been Waiting For

MU-21 redefines what a modern broadcast vehicle can be. It delivers production-grade switching, network-level replay, multi-camera UHD/HDR acquisition, studio-quality audio, and redundant satellite transmission—all in one 48-foot double-expando unit. It’s ideal for productions where space, power, and uptime are non-negotiable, and where live content must be captured and transmitted without delay. Whether you’re covering an international sports feed, streaming a live concert, or sending a breaking news feed to air, MU-21 brings the control room and uplink station directly to your event.

To book MU-22, please contact us at solutions@livemediagroup.com or 833-933-5483.