GLENDALE, Calif. -- Dec. 10, 2013 -- Riedel Communications, a leading provider of real-time video, audio, data, and communications networks, today announced that RockWave Fiber Systems has used a Riedel RockNet real-time, low-latency audio distribution network to support the Red Bull AMA Amateur National MX Championship and the Traxxas TORC (The Off-Road Championship) Series. Enabling bidirectional fiber-based audio transport, the Riedel RockNet frames provided a copper cable alternative that allowed RockWave to cover the extensive race courses with much greater simplicity and ease.
"Managing the distance of various audio locations from the main audio mix is our primary challenge during race events, but Riedel's RockNet solves this problem by providing flawless analog-to-digital conversion of audio, which then can be transported and distributed via fiber," said Justin Maita, chief engineer at RockWave Fiber Systems. "The difference between using a couple of pieces of tactical fiber, rather than the many heavy DT-12 cables normally required, is impossible to convey. Ultimately, this approach saves us days on the install and a lot of time on the strike, thus allowing techs to spend valuable time working on other important technical details."
Designed for heavy-duty road use, RockNet is a real-time, low-latency audio distribution network that conveys up to 160 24 bit/48 kHz audio channels on a single fiber core at distances of up to 12.4 miles. (Alternatively, the system can be used with RJ-45 CAT-5 cabling.) All devices feature locking IEC connectors for redundant power supplies, all other audio connectors are entirely gold-plated, and the circuit design is streamlined to assure ultra-low noise and minimum distortion for excellent audio quality.
RockWave used Riedel RockNet systems for the Red Bull AMA Amateur National MX Championship from July 28 to Aug. 3 at the Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., and at the Traxxas TORC series held in September at Nevada's Primm Off Road Raceway. For production at both events, RockWave connected all locations with Riedel 351 and 352 fiber TX/RX devices and single-mode TAC fiber, to RockNet frames connected locally to one another via Riedel CAT-5 jumpers. In the field where audio required voltage for communications and IFBs, the company connected wetting devices to the frames.
Thanks to this Riedel solution, RockWave did not use a single piece of heavy DT-12 audio cable during the Red Bull AMA Amateur National MX Championship. Instead, the company used 16 RockNet frames, deploying half in the field and the other half in the main TV compound, where the network passed all the field audio, with signals going in both directions, to the main audio hub/mix over fiber.
With the numerous audio drops used during high-profile motocross and off-road races, production typically would require as many as 20 separate DT-12 cables, some going as far as 1,000 feet, to accommodate all the show audio. Installation of this cabling is easily a day's work or more, but using the RockNet system and fiber, the engineer on site for the TORC event was able accomplish in one day the audio network configuration work that previously took two or three days.
At TORC, RockWave used 11 Riedel RockNet frames along with a Riedel MADI interface, which was installed in the broadcast compound to enable interfacing with primary audio. With this solution, the company was able to pass all audio for the show down two short pieces of coax cable, and then down TAC fiber to the field.
Further information about Riedel and the company's products is available at www.riedel.net.
Photo Links:
www.wallstcom.com/Riedel/Riedel-Loretta-Lynn-MX-Course.jpg
www.wallstcom.com/Riedel/Riedel-Redbull-MX-Start.jpg
www.wallstcom.com/Riedel/Riedel-RockNet-on-location.jpg
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About RockWave Fiber Systems
RockWave Fiber Systems was founded in 2013 by a team of professionals with over 30 years of combined experience working in all areas of production, including broadcast, live music, corporate events, and resort A/V. Our commitment is to provide every client with a high level of technical support and customer service while implementing state-of-the-art fiber-optic technology capable of delivering all types of media (audio, video, data, etc.) in the most cohesive, practical, and cost-effective ways possible. www.rockwavefiber.com
About Riedel Communications
Riedel Communications designs, manufactures, and distributes pioneering real-time video, audio, data, and communications networks for broadcast, pro audio, event, sports, theater, and security applications. The company also provides rental services for radio and intercom systems, event IT solutions, fiber backbones, and wireless signal transmission systems that scale easily for events of any size, anywhere in the world. Founded in 1987, the company now employs more than 400 people at 11 locations in Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.
