One of the highest-profile implementations of Focusrite’s RedNet audio I/O technology is at FOH for The Killers’ current world tour.
Keeping the audio within the digital domain, Systems Engineer Philip Reynolds is using a RedNet 1 eight-channel AD/DA, and RedNet 4 eight-channel mic preamp perform a variety of duties – conversion to digital takes place where the mics meet the stagebox, where it remains for as long as possible before conversion to analogue.
Reynolds’ key responsibility is to ensure than the tour’s sound system performs as well as possible, regardless of venue changes on an almost daily basis. In order to do this, he uses audio analysis software coupled with a reference mic, to match the sound system response as closely as possible to the output of the FOH desk. RedNet handles all of his inputs and outputs.
The RedNet 1 routes audio to and from the test system, and also to FOH for music playout and the drones that are used during the show’s encore. This comes from a pair of Mac Minis, one primary and one backup, which connect to the RedNet network using a Dante Virtual Soundcard (DVS) driver. RedNet also handles the press and video feeds, as well as any venue needs, such as the hearing assist system for the hard of hearing.
‘I was blown away,’ Reynolds says of the system. ‘The RedNet 4’s preamp is flat, and the phase coherence is perfect.’ Having this accuracy is of utmost importance for Philip, as his ability to make fine tweaks to the loudspeakers relies on the analysis software’s precision.
Because he uses his own gear on tour rather than rental equipment, the RedNet system represents a significant personal investment for Reynolds. ‘Because it’s mine, I know it works and that I’m going to have it where I go,’ he says. ‘RedNet does everything I want it to do, and the expandability is endless with this set-up. I rely on my system 100 per cent, and it just works.’
He plans to expand his RedNet system with an additional RedNet 1 and a RedNet 3 digital I/O, the latter of which will enable him to drive the FOH system from the RedNet network. ‘RedNet units have allowed me to design a system to bring a fully digital system on the front end,’ he explains. ‘With the RedNet 3 providing primary digital connection and RedNet 1 acting as my analogue backup, we can bring the latency down and keep the quality of audio the same, which has been a goal of mine for the past year.’
More: www.focusrite.com/rednet
