Based in Mexico, Victor Baeza Evia is highly experienced audio consultant and sound engineer who – following being introduced to the platform by Dubai-based AgorA – has acuired a set of Optocore DD32R-FX AES/EBU fibre interfaces, along with DD6NE Ethernet switches and X6R converters. ‘The first time I saw the units I just fell in love with them – I could see they were built like a tank,’ he says.

He recently sub-rented his devices to A/V rental company Total Pro Show, one of three production houses based in his native Mérida, Yucatán.Evia has been working with the company for around ten years as both consultant and freelancer, adding to its 20-plus years’ experience in design, operation and audiovisual production of a vast range of events.

‘Total Show has been running most of its networks on Cat5 or XLR and was looking to invest in a more rugged solution, but it’s not always easy to get proper outdoor cable. Also Cat5 is no longer the primary backbone – so I proposed the idea of running fibre on corporate and music events, where they are delivering sound from different locations or over long distances, rather than the standard format.’

The company was excited at the prospect: ‘They also saw Optocore as a great solution to run their d&b PA and [DiGiCo] digital desks. The DD6 sits perfectly in that set-up for inputs and outputs and as part of a FOH network, especially with amplifiers now network-controlled. We have also been trying to do the lighting with the DD6 and that has worked well.’

It was at the 12,000-capacity Foro GNP Seguros arena in Mérida on the Mexican leg of the Love Lines world tour by gender-fluid artist LP, that Evia deployed the Optocore fibre solution for PA transmission, distribution, control and monitoring. It has also been specified subsequently for shows with Alejandra Guzman and Manuel Medrano in Auditorio La Isla Merida.

‘Our Optocore solution consists of a single ring with a pair each of the DD32 and DD6 devices, which provides a lot of flexibility, with the rock solid redundancy that only Optocore can supply. The feedback we received was extremely positive. Everyone has been amazed with the transparency, quality, low latency and redundancy that these devices give us at every show.

‘The fact that fibre is the future, and that these products are German made, makes Optocore a game-changer.’