Andy Huffer of Optocore's UK distributor, HD Pro Audio, explained the setup: "At FOH, the AES outputs from the Digidesign Profile console were sent to the Optocore DD32E device, with all digital devices locked to an external wordclock. The DD32E also received an RS485 input from an XTA DP226 processor located at FOH.
"These signals (both AES and RS485) were then sent to the Optocore DD32 device located on stage, and distributed. The AES signals were patched to multiple outputs via the Optocore internal matrix, allowing the same signal to be sent to multiple XTA DP226 processors where necessary - as in the case of the main PA hangs, where one input signal was "zoned" via several DP226s. The RS485 signal was also sent from the DD32 device to the first DP226 in the RS485 chain on stage. Custom XLR panels were used to allow for easy patching of all amplifier and processor racks with 4 way AES multicore cables."
Huffer concludes: "The main advantages of using Optocore for this application were the easy transport and distribution of multiple AES signals, an area traditionally full of cable and wordclock issues, plus the solid transportation of RS485 control data, which can prove unreliable over long distances and multiple connections."
The complete system for the Pyramid Stage was supplied by Wimbledon-based RG Jones Sound Engineering and system design was by Simon Honywill, who commented afterwards, "The system was absolutely rock solid throughout, Andy's co-operation and ability was total as ever and the nasty place that is the Pyramid Stage multicore trap was significantly less crowded. I was determined to maintain the signal in the digital domain from mic input to loudspeaker processor output, and this was an elegant solution."
(Jim Evans)
