In Long Beach, California, 105,000 spectators watched teams push whimsical contraptions from a pier. Sound for the event utilised IEEE 802.1 AVB Bridging protocol, enabled by AVB-compliant technology from Harman Professional. The signal control chain consisted of four dbx SC 32 Digital Matrix Processors and 24 AVB-capable Crown CTs 3000power amplifiers, as well a half-dozen network bridge switches from BSS Audio/NETGEAR configured and controlled using Harman HiQnet System Architect. On Stage Audio (OSA), led by vice president Jim Risgin, deployed the AVB system.
Using the HiQnet System Architect's virtual software environment, Red Bull ran audio and control data signals to three distant points, from the console to two parts of the pier 4,500ft away.
"The systems at Long Beach would have cost 10 times as much last year, in terms of hardware rentals and purchases," said Risgin. "AVB is the ultimate convergence of AV and IT, so we're able to use the much-less-expensive IT types of components, like terminations and the BSS Audio/NETGEAR switches we used here, rather than the more costly equipment made specifically for pro audio applications. We're leveraging the economies of scale of the IT industry."
(Jim Evans)
