Incorporating RedNet MP8R eight-channel Mic Pre and A/D converters, RedNet D64R 64-Channel MADI-Dante Bridges, RedNet HD32R Pro Tools | HD/HDX Bridges and RedNet 2 16-channel remote-controlled analogue interfaces, the new Focusrite system not only provides networking throughout the facility, but also offers students practical experience with the Dante Audio-over-IP protocol.
Full Sail Live 1 encompasses a large production space and a variety of ancillary show production-related rooms in a facility where students learn about sound reinforcement, lighting, live video and multimedia, automated lighting, concert touring and audio measurement systems. "We were looking for a solution to connect all those different rooms together over IP. RedNet was that solution for us," says Vince Lepore, course director of the Show Production Systems course at Full Sail University.
The RedNet system allows diverse live audio production equipment from a variety of manufacturers to interoperate on the Dante network, including Yamaha CL5, DiGiCo SD7, SD8 and SD9, and Avid Profile mixing consoles, Lepore elaborates. "We also have a Calrec Summa console that has a Hydra 2 I/O box with a Dante card installed, so that's on the network as well. And we have Lab.gruppen LM44 and BSS Audio Soundweb London BLU-806 loudspeaker processing on the network," which in turn feed loudspeaker systems by Dynacord, Meyer, JBL or L-Acoustics, he says.
At the front end of the system, five RedNet MP8R microphone preamplifier units are installed at the stage as a Dante splitter system for the entire building. "All of our sources hit the MP8R head amps, which are controlled by a Yamaha CL5 at our front-of-house position," explains Lepore. "All of the other rooms within the building are fed gain-tracked splits of those microphone inputs. The audio quality is great, and we've had great feedback from instructors and students alike, specifically about the MP8Rs. Those five units are the core of the system."
Approximately 200 students pass through the Show Production Bachelor of Science degree program every year, says programme director Mark Johnson, and every single one gets hands-on experience with the RedNet system and Dante networking. "It's a 20-month program and when you get out at the end you're equipped with a solid skillset in production in general. Even if you're interested specifically in lighting or audio or video, you get exposed to the whole program offering. That gives you an advantage once you get out in the field, because you understand how the other guys are working."
(Jim Evans)
