Audio Consultant and Sound Engineer Victor Baeza Evia utilised Optocore in Mexico recently.
He decided to purchase a set of Optocore DD32R-FX AES/EBU fibre interfaces, along with DD6NE Ethernet switches and X6R converters after originally being introduced to the platform by Dubai-based AgorA, when working on an event several years ago. He returned to work with them again on the two-week-long, UN COP28 UAE Climate Change Convention at Dubai’s Expo City.
Speaking of the Optocore acquisitions, he said, “The first time I saw the units I just fell in love with them, I could see they were built like a tank.”
Last month he sub-rented his devices to AV rental company, Total Pro Show, one of three production houses based in Mérida, Yucatán. Originally set up by Claudio Pasos, Total Show Pro has more than 20 years of experience in the design, operation and audiovisual production of a vast range of events.
“Total Show have traditionally been running most of their networks on Cat5 or XLR. They were 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 their corporate and music events, where they are delivering sound from different locations or over long distances, rather than the standard format,” he noted.
He says 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,” he continued. “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-cap Foro GNP Seguros arena in Mérida on the Mexican leg of the Love Lines world tour by gender-fluid artist LP, that Baeza 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,” reported the sound consultant.
“The fact that fibre is the future, and that these products are German made, makes Optocore a game-changer,” he concluded.
