System T Virtual Tempest Engine (VTE) gives broadcasters the flexibility to deploy broadcast audio processing wherever it is needed: in the cloud, on-premises or as part of a hybrid production model. Designed for modern software-based productions, VTE enables audio production teams to scale processing resources for temporary, event-based or large-scale workflows while maintaining the familiar control experience and audio quality of the System T platform. Whether supporting remote production, temporary capacity, disaster recovery, multi-studio workflows or immersive audio production, VTE provides a flexible route to System T processing without being tied to a single deployment model.
Leveraging patented x86 CPU optimal core processing (OCP) technology, SSL’s Virtual Tempest Engine (VTE) provides the same advanced processing feature set as the hardware-based Tempest Engine range. The software-based Virtual Tempest Engine (VTE) operates within a Linux-based environment optimised for low latency throughput, providing real-time, deterministic audio processing and mixing for the cloud, hybrid and on-premises environments.
System T VTE provides up to 256 processing paths, including support for stereo, 5.1 and immersive formats, all controlled via hardware or software interfaces from any location. These interfaces are specifically designed for broadcast production and provide the same familiar System T feature set across virtualised workflows.
VTE provides filters, EQ, dynamics processing, automixing and delays on all channels and buses, plus an inbuilt Effect Rack. Mix minus, monitoring and talkback features are included in addition to main program buses, stem groups, track buses and auxiliary outputs. Any channel or bus can be mono, stereo, 5.1, 5.1.4, 7.1.4 or 9.1.6, providing a full toolkit for immersive productions and Dolby Atmos workflows.
System T VTE supports a range of deployment models, giving broadcasters the freedom to choose the right infrastructure for each production. System T Virtual Tempest Engine (VTE) gives broadcasters the flexibility to deploy broadcast audio processing wherever it is needed: in the cloud, on-premises or as part of a hybrid production model. This flexibility allows broadcasters to deploy, scale and repurpose System T processing resources according to operational needs, without compromising audio quality or the operator experience.
System T VTE can be deployed on-premises on shared server hardware, reducing investment in dedicated hardware while enabling server resources to be repurposed for maximum operational efficiency. For broadcasters with sustained, high-volume production requirements, running processing on shared on-premises compute infrastructure, can offer a compelling balance of flexibility, performance and cost efficiency. It enables organisations to gain the operational advantages of software-based production while maintaining control over infrastructure.
On-premises VTE deployments can be combined with Tempest Control App, System T hardware tiles or existing System T control surfaces, providing the same familiar operator experience across software-based, hybrid and traditional production environments.
Multiple software-based audio engines can also run on shared server hardware, helping broadcasters reduce dedicated hardware requirements while supporting scalable, multi-studio workflows. This approach aligns with the move towards software-defined production, where processing resources can be deployed, scaled and repurposed across cloud, hybrid and on-premises environments according to the needs of each production.
System T Cloud is a pioneering virtualised audio mixing solution for live-to-air broadcast. For broadcasters seeking greater operational flexibility, System T Cloud enables audio production resources to be deployed only when and where they are required.
Processing resources can be scaled in minutes to support remote production, pop-up events, disaster recovery workflows and distributed production models. This allows a more efficient use of technical resources, deploying capacity as required while maintaining the powerful audio processing, control and familiar workflows of a System T environment.
Rather than investing in permanent infrastructure to accommodate peak demand, organisations can provision processing capacity for specific events, temporary productions or rapidly changing operational requirements.
System T VTE combines Dante audio transport with native NDI® support, enabling flexible, cost-effective connectivity across software-defined production workflows.
The VTE Dante implementation provides 256 x 256 channels of Dante-based audio transport and routing, both for on-prem and cloud-based environments. This allows audio streams within the System T environment, allowing audio streams from on-premise devices, remote venues and distributed production locations to be brought directly into the virtualised workflow. This provides broadcast operators with a familiar approach when using software-defined production workflows, with the ability to route, process and manage live audio sources using the same System T operational model they rely on in hardware-based installations.
Alongside, native NDI support allows audio from NDI-enabled devices — including cameras, replay systems and other production sources — to be brought directly into the virtualised workflow.
By managing pure audio and embedded NDI audio signals alongside other live audio streams, VTE simplifies signal acquisition, reduces the need for additional conversion hardware and supports more cost-effective distributed production.
NDI® is a registered trademark of Vizrt NDI AB.For more information about NDI®, visit https://ndi.video.
System T Cloud delivers flexible virtualised processing through a choice of DSP pack sizes.
Alongside the 256-path VTE1 option, the 140-path DSP pack provides the same broadcast-grade processing feature set as the TE1 engine, with software-based I/O via Dante and/or NDI.
For smaller production requirements, µVTE (“micro VTE”) offers a 96-path virtual engine designed to bring the System T feature set to workflows that require a reduced DSP footprint.
Together, these scalable options make it easier to adopt System T Cloud across temporary, event-based, proof-of-concept and full-scale cloud production environments.
System T Cloud is available with flexible licensing options designed to help broadcasters scale production resources precisely when they need them.
Alongside annual subscriptions, 4-week and 12-week licences provide a practical way to support temporary, variable or event-based productions without long-term commitments or significant upfront investment.
These short-term options are ideal for projects that require additional production capacity for a defined period, such as major event coverage, overflow production, temporary studios, disaster recovery, proof-of-concept deployments or seasonal programming. They also give teams the time needed to configure, test and deploy software-based production workflows with confidence.
By combining System T processing with flexible licensing, VTE enables audio production teams to scale processing resources for temporary, event-based or large-scale workflows while maintaining the familiar control, maintaining the familiar control experience and audio quality of the System T platform.