Royal Opera House adds Optocore

The solution has been designed to improve connectivity and route signals to the multiple performance spaces within the complex. At the same time a Madi bridge will enable recording from the proposed Capture/Production suite whilst using Optocore converters to link with a Midas XL8.

In proposing the Optocore design, Bruno Silva, one of ROHM’s deputy sound and broadcast managers, sourced the 20 Optocore components for the network from UK Optocore specialists, HD Pro Audio. He is one of three resident sound engineers, who joined the project in September 2010.

Working with the consultants, the team modified some of the specifications, adding additional equipment including the Optocore network. ‘We knew this would boost the sound and video comms connectivity via analogue, optical, video and Ethernet patches,’ stated Mr Silva.

In addition to the main configurable auditorium, the Optocore network extends coverage to the smaller 80-seat Studio Theatre the terrace, on the roof of the building, the front of house foyer spaces and to the a large outside marbled space (‘Maidan’).

‘The ROHM is Oman’s premier venue for culture and arts, receiving acts from around the world,’ added Mr Silva. ‘Its many performance spaces can host many different events and all will benefit from the Optocore ring.’

Headroom has been built into the system so that the Pro Tools capture suite, with a proposed Lawo mc90 desk and video gallery, can eventually be connected to the Optocore network, without the need for an additional stagebox; the network can also be arranged to provide multi-tracking to OBs.

At the hub of the Optocore solution is a DD32R-FX in the main theatre comms room. The Sane port has allowed the ROHM team to be highly creative, adding analogue channels, Ethernet and Madi-based Cat-5 connectivity to the network.

The DD32R-FX interfaces with the new X6R-TP converter and Optocore DD2FR-FX, providing Madi ports, linked to Klark Teknik DN9650 processors and to the two Midas XL8 FOH consoles via an RME Madi bridge.

The two main stage racks offer 48 channels, so that one or both racks can be deployed for the orchestra or split across other areas of the building.

The racks consist of four further X6R-FX and Cat5-linked X6R-TP modules, before outputting to a further X6R-TP and X6R-FX on the Terrace stage, connected via an Optocore DD4MR-FX and LX4B FOH network converter at FOH.

Also linked into the digital architecture are the Foyer/Porch, via an additional X6R FX, and three rack modules in the Studio Theatre – comprising X6R-TP’s and X6R FX.

‘The whole idea behind Optocore is to enable us to relay audio and record, across the stage areas,’ said Mr Silva. ‘For instance if we need to put a band into the second theatre we can use the Optocore to connect the multi-channels to the FOH Midas desk using the local Optocore preamps and to also split the feeds simultaneously to the Capture suite and Lawo mc90 desk, deploying the Madi stream of the DD2FR-FX interface. We can link the signals and relay from area to area, using all available pro audio standards including AES/EBU and Madi.’

The design of the ROHM was a collaboration between a UK based design team, including Acoustic Dimensions and architects WATG, working with the in-house interior designers and the client (The Royal Court of Affairs Oman).

www.optocore.com