DETROIT – PRG recently invested in a comprehensive stock of RockNet digital audio network gear from Riedel Communications, including a set of RockNet input, output and mixing console modules as well as inline repeaters and fiber optic connections, with plans to first use the new gear at the North American International Auto Show.
Along with events for Fortune 500 companies, PRG also provides gear and support for high-profile concert tours such as U2 and Lady Gaga.
"I'm a huge fan of RockNet since I first heard it," said Mark Boettcher, project manager at PRG. "The audio quality is just excellent and it's a rock-solid solution with an excellent redundancy concept. Especially at concerts, in theaters and presentations, this is a crucial factor for audio distribution. You can't afford any audio drop-outs there. Another point that was really important to us is ease, speed and flexibility of setting up a RockNet installation without using a computer. This is really amazingly easy – no IP, no stress."
RockNet is a digital audio network that offers up to 160 channels over a single counter-rotating CAT-5 ring. Riedel Communications says its redundant ring topology is designed to form a self-healing network that secures the installation against single-points-of-failure, with up to 24bit/96kHz.
Riedel adds that RockNet is not utilizing existing network technologies like TCP/IP for audio purposes, but is a genuine audio network platform, designed specifically for live sound applications. RockNet also includes an Independent Gain feature, which is designed to allow several mixing consoles to operate with the same mic pre-amps without affecting each other. The company notes that while a master-console is controlling the analog gain of the pre-amps remotely, all other consoles operate with emulated pre-amps just as if they were also controlling the actual mic input.
PRG's new RockNet stock includes 10 RockNet RN.301.MI microphone/line inputs and 10 RN.302.LO line output modules offering a total of 80 inputs and outputs. Six RockNet RN.341.MY expansion cards integrate digital Yamaha mixing consoles into the audio network providing remote gain control for all inputs and outputs of the RockNet system.
PRG uses RockNet Inline repeaters to bridge distances greater than 500 feet (150 meter) over copper cabling expanding connection to a total of 1,500 feet (450 meter). To provide connections for even greater distances PRG utilizes RockNet RN.351.FI fiber input and RN.352.FO fiber output modules. They allow long-haul connectivity of up to 12 miles (20 km).
At the Detroit Auto Show, PRG will use the new RockNet system for the Chrysler booth. To fulfill the demands of Chrysler's booth layout, RockNet will route the audio from multiple DVD playbacks, DOREMI HDD Video playbacks, CD playbacks and Wireless microphones from around the show floor back to the control room and from there to multiple sets of individual loudspeakers distributed over the booth.
The setup contains more than 70 loudspeakers and 48 audio zones. RockNet hardware is distributed to six separate locations within the booth, each hundreds of feet apart, and is controlled via a Wireless Tablet PC for ease of adjustment while walking around the booth.
"This is perfect, as our Tablet PC controls all of our Networked devices including the Yamaha consoles fitted with RN.341.MY cards, network controlled CD players, wireless microphones and the RockNet software," Boettcher said. "RockNet provides us the ability to integrate the control software with all of these other network controlled devices on one wireless PC or MAC.
"RockNet's flexibility made the product perfect for the job. The ability to route a set of inputs to multiple consoles means no external splitters, Y-cords or other cabling. We are able to minimize cabling by thinking thru our routing within the RockNet Network. The product allows us to operate up to 99 modules in one network, providing a total of 768 outputs. And due to the ring network cabling is reduced to a minimum," Boettcher added.
For more information, please visit www.prg.com and www.riedel.net.
