High-End Broadcast: Ross Graphite vs Carbonite

Moving beyond entry-level switchers? Ross Video’s Graphite and Carbonite families are the next step when your church wants reliable broadcast tools that volunteers can learn without stress. This overview explains the differences in simple terms and helps you choose a system that fits your ministry’s needs and future growth.

What They Are (in simple terms)

Graphite is an all-in-one production system. It combines a real hardware switcher, XPression real-time graphics, clip playback, and the RAVE audio mixer—all in one chassis. The design minimizes wiring and keeps everything unified, so volunteers can control switching, graphics, and audio from a single interface.

Carbonite is a modular switcher line. You select the frame that fits your scale—such as the Carbonite Ultra in a compact 1RU chassis or the larger Ultra 60 in a 3RU format—and pair it with a TouchDrive control panel. This setup is more traditional but extremely flexible, supporting both HD and UHD workflows for everything from small sanctuaries to multi-room campuses.

What’s New and Notable

Carbonite Ultra 60
Offers up to 60 inputs and 25 outputs in HD or UHD/12G. Its modular 3RU frame lets you start small and expand as your production grows.
Carbonite Code
A software-based Carbonite designed for NDI/IP video environments. It’s ideal for teams that want a PC-based, network-driven production workflow.
TouchDrive Panels
These control surfaces add touchscreen labels, customizable buttons, and clear feedback that help volunteers operate confidently with minimal training.
Graphite PPC (Portable Production Center)
A transportable version of Graphite offered in several configurations, typically 5-, 9-, or 13-input models with up to 2 M/Es. It delivers the same integrated power in a portable form factor.

Quick Comparison

Feature	Graphite (incl. PPC)	Carbonite Ultra	Carbonite Ultra 60
Core idea	All-in-one: switcher + graphics + audio	Modular 1RU switcher	Modular 3RU high I/O
I/O scale	Model-dependent (5/9/13 inputs)	Up to 24 in / 14 out	Up to 60 in / 25 out
M/Es	Up to 2 (model-dependent)	Up to 3 M/Es + 4 MiniMEs	Multi-ME large scale
Graphics	Integrated XPression	External graphics	External graphics
Audio	Built-in RAVE mixer	External audio console/DSP	External audio console/DSP
Panels	Works with TouchDrive	TouchDrive family	TouchDrive family

Which One Fits Your Church?

Small to mid-size churches or volunteer-only teams
Graphite is perfect when you want a single box that handles switching, graphics, and audio with minimal wiring. The workflow feels unified and simple, and the Graphite PPC is great for portable or multi-purpose rooms.

Growing ministries or UHD-ready campuses
Carbonite systems are designed for scale. The Carbonite Ultra is compact yet powerful, while the Ultra 60 provides expanded I/O and 12G-SDI/UHD support. Pair either with a TouchDrive panel for clear labeling and easy training.

All-IP or NDI-centric workflows
If your church is leaning toward networked video rather than SDI cabling, Carbonite Code brings the same production logic into a fully software environment. It requires some technical comfort with IP networks but offers tremendous flexibility.

Budget and Expansion Tips

Plan your I/O early. Count cameras, computers, lyric feeds, recorders, and IMAG displays, then add about 25–30 percent headroom for growth.
Think about graphics. If sermon branding and lower-thirds are part of every service, Graphite’s integrated XPression saves time and eliminates the need for an extra graphics PC.
Choose the right panel. TouchDrive panels feature touch-sensitive labeling and bright feedback that make training volunteers faster.
Plan for UHD/12G. If 4K video is on your roadmap, be sure your chosen frame explicitly supports it—Carbonite Ultra and Ultra 60 both do.

Quick Start Checklist

Decide between all-in-one (Graphite) and modular (Carbonite).
List every device that needs to connect and note required inputs and outputs.
Choose whether to run integrated or external graphics.
Select a TouchDrive panel size that fits your workspace.
Schedule a practice session to build memories and macros before Sunday service.

Final Thoughts

Both Ross systems are designed for serious broadcast work yet remain volunteer-friendly. If you want simplicity and integrated power, Graphite delivers an entire production environment in one box. If you need scalability, UHD capability, and modular flexibility, Carbonite—especially the Ultra 60—offers room to grow for years to come.

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