Situated to the west of Warsaw, the Mazowsze Performance Hall concert venue and cultural centre recently adopted fibre-optic signal transport networking to support a new immersive infrastructure, with L-Acoustics L-ISA and DiGiCo Quantum systems front-of-systems house, and Optocore topology as its backbone.
Sound engineer and designer Krzysztof Polesiński was responsible for the specification, which includes two AutoRouter loops and four Optocore M8 Madi switchers. He wanted the entire new system to be as redundant as possible, and was unequivocal in his choice of fibre-optic transport.
‘Fibre optics can support many different protocols simultaneously, significantly reducing the amount of cabling required,’ he says. ‘In both fixed and touring installations, the use of fibre optics has now become so common that copper installations are seen less and less.’
He became familiar with Optocore while working on DiGiCo D5 consoles based on Optocore network transmission. ‘Although they were using an older firmware version, the possibilities were still enormous,’ he recalls. ‘My next experience, with the newer firmware, was on a concert tour when Optocore devices distributed the signals.’
When tasked with the design and installation of the installation at the Roma Musical Theatre in Warsaw, it coincided with the launch of the AutoRouter.
‘For me this ia a game-changer for permanent installations, allowing the replacement of loop-based installations with a star topology, which in permanent installations – where different devices are connected in different locations – significantly improves the flexibility for local technicians,’ he says. ‘In subsequent installations I designed, I always tried to use the AutoRouter whenever the topology or user needs required it. After all, technology is there to make our work easier.’
At the Mazowsze Performance Hall, Optocore handles signal distribution to the many locations, ensuring automatic connection and disconnection of devices appearing across a vast network. This network is on two Optocore loops, each of which is routed to its own AutoRouter, allowing complete flexibility in connecting multiple points simultaneously, with all signals meeting at the consoles.
‘Up to 1,000 channels can be transmitted across the entire Optocore network,’ Krzysztof explains. ‘Besides network integration with DiGiCo consoles, signals can also be routed outside the consoles between X6R-FX modules, which allow for analogue, AES/EBU signal transport and provide an Ethernet tunnel. Furthermore, if necessary, these devices can be combined with the consoles, creating another point with a set of inputs and outputs.
The installation also required modification of the four-ton acoustic panel hanging above the auditorium, made complex by to the building’s construction.
‘I believe the Mazowsze signal system is well-thought-out, allowing for very quick set-up and dismantling by the technical crew,’ he says. ‘The crew uses the same type of cabling both on-site in the auditorium and for touring concerts, which significantly improves efficiency and eliminates errors. The cabling and transport system is designed for touring applications, including the use of Optocore.
‘From the moment I discovered it, Optocore proved to be one of the most stable solutions, ensuring full galvanic isolation, lossless transmission, and easy scalability. AutoRouter is a game changer, and I can’t imagine an installation without it.’
It has certainly proven popular with operators and incoming productions, as the venue’s chief sound engineer, Piotr Przedbora, confirms: ‘The Optocore system is the perfect solution for all the projects I’ve had the pleasure of participating in so far. Krzysiek expertly developed the entire system, taking into account the specifics of the artistic teamwork, the feedback from the acoustic team, and numerous discussions looking far into the future.’
An important factor in the success of the Mazowsze fibre upgrade was the involvement of Optocore’s Polish distributor, AudioRebel, led by its founder Dawid Somló. As a former Optocore employee, he brings deep technical knowledge of the platform and practical experience from many system deployments. This background allows him to support Polish integrators, rental companies and consultants with a level of insight rarely found outside the manufacturer.
This partnership ensured that the project integrated smoothly into Optocore’s ecosystem in Poland. AudioRebel continues to play a key role in educating engineers, promoting fiber workflows and supporting advanced installations such as Mazowsze’s with solid, manufacturer-level expertise.
More: www.optocore.com