Polish theater Mazowsze installs fiber optic backbone with Optocore

Located north of Warsaw, en Mazovia, the Mazowsze multifunctional concert hall and cultural center, con 540 seats, installs a fiber optic backbone network based on a topology Optocore designed by sound engineer Krzysztof Polesiński.

The network integrates two AutoRouter loops and four Optocore M8 MADI switches, and part of a new immersive infrastructure, con L-Acoustics L-ISA and Digico Quantum. Krzysztof Polesiński aimed to make the entire new system as redundant as possible and was unequivocal in his choice of fiber optic signal transport.

“Fiber is a medium for transmit various types of signals without loss, including audio, video and data. Besides, It is safe to use because it eliminates all the problems associated with copper cables, in particular electromagnetic interference. Besides, fiber optics can support many different protocols simultaneously, significantly reducing the amount of wiring required. Both in fixed and mobile installations, The use of fiber optics has become so common that copper installations are seeing fewer and fewer”, comments Polesiński.

The engineer first became familiar with Optocore while working with Digico D5 consoles, which were based on Optocore network transmission. “Although they used an older firmware version, the possibilities were still enormous”, highlights. “My next experience with the latest firmware was on a concert tour where Optocore devices distributed the signals”.

So, when he was commissioned to design the installation of the Roma Musical Theater in Warsaw, coincided with the launch of AutoRouter. “For me, This was a revolutionary change for permanent installations, since it allowed loop-based installations to be replaced by a star topology, what in permanent installations, where different devices are connected in different locations, Significantly improves flexibility for local technicians”. “In the later installations that I designed, I always tried to use the AutoRouter when the topology or user needs required it. After all, Technology is there to make our work easier!!”.

En el Mazowsze Performance Hall, Optocore takes care of the signal distribution to different locations, ensuring automatic connection and disconnection of devices appearing on a wide network. This entire network is located in two Optocore loops, each of which is routed to its own AutoRouter, allowing total flexibility when connecting multiple points simultaneously, With all the signals gathering on the consoles.

“They can be transmit up to a thousand channels across the entire Optocore network”, explica Krzysztof. “In addition to network integration with Digico consoles, Signals can also be routed outside of consoles between X6R-FX modules, that allow the transport of analog and AES/EBU signals, and provide an Ethernet tunnel. Besides, if required, These devices can be combined with the consoles, creating another point with a set of inputs and outputs”.

Complete redundancy

Reemphasizes the importance of complete redundancy, using redundant Optocore network connections for each loop. “Redundancy is also present in the Optocore devices themselves, since we have two AutoRouters and four M8 interfaces, two for each L-ISA II processor [L-Acoustics], since they are also redundant. The entire installation uses only two types of amplifiers, and each type has its own redundant counterpart”.

As for the improved connectivity, has detailed standard HMA connectors for the Optocore network, BNC connectors for MADI or video signals, AES/EBU analog connectors and an extensive network of CAT6A Ethernet connections. The connections were designed in collaboration with Andrzej Kawiak, de Odeo. Audio Plus took care of the sound system; Polsound was in charge of the consoles and signal distribution.

The installation also required modification of the acoustic panel of 4 tons hanging over the auditorium, and this operation was the most complex due to the construction of the building.

Krzysztof Polesiński subraya que “I think Mazowsze's signaling system is well thought out, which allows very quick assembly and disassembly by the technical team. The equipment uses the same type of wiring both in the auditorium and in the traveling concerts, significantly improving efficiency and eliminating errors. Cabling and transport system is designed for traveling applications, including the use of Optocore”.

“From the moment I found out, Optocore proved to be one of the most stable solutions, as it guarantees complete galvanic isolation, lossless transmission and easy scalability. As I already mentioned, AutoRouter is a revolutionary element, and I can't imagine an installation without it”, duck.

Definitely, has proven very popular with operators and incoming productions, as confirmed by the venue's chief sound engineer, Piotr Przedbora. “The Optocore system is the perfect solution for all the projects I have had the pleasure of participating in so far. Krzysiek expertly developed the entire system, taking into account the particularities of artistic teamwork, feedback from the acoustic team and numerous forward-thinking discussions”.

“I have always trusted the stability of the entire system. Quick network access from the consoles is incredibly convenient and, when everything is correctly configured, us, as engineers, we can focus on creating the mix. So you don't have to worry about interference or sound limitations, since the only thing that matters is the music”.

An important element behind the success of Mazowsze's fiber upgrade was the involvement of Optocore's Polish distributor, AudioRebel, led by its founder, Dawid Somló. As a former Optocore employee, brings deep technical knowledge of the platform and practical experience of many system implementations. This experience allows you to support integrators, Polish rental companies and consultants with a level of knowledge rarely found outside the manufacturer.