Super Bowl LI Uses Focusrite RedNet Audio Networking

Both the Super Bowl LI pre-game and halftime entertainment shows this year used Dante™-enabled RedNet D16 AES, D64R and A16R digital audio interfaces, employed by ATK Audiotek.

Last month, ATK Audiotek implemented Dante-based digital audio networking from Focusrite for the pre-game and halftime live music events after almost 20 years of using an older audio signal transport system.  The new updates powered on-field pre-game performances and a memorable halftime performance by Lady Gaga.

Two different systems routed the audio during the performances, and a DiGiCo D5 console was used to mix. RedNet D64R 64-channel MADI-Dante bridges converted the D5’s MADI signal to the Dante network, and audio was routed to four loudspeaker carts in different quadrants of the stadium using RedNet D16 AES 160-channel AES3 I/O interfaces. At the same time, the RedNet A16R’s 16b channels of analog I/O fed both the broadcast trucks and the stadium’s FOH position and served as the intermediary between the Dante network audio and the stadium’s existing analog wiring infrastructure. 

 “The old system we had been using just did not have the kind of flexibility that Dante and RedNet can offer,” said Kirk Powell, design engineer with ATK Audiotek on the show. “Now, if they quickly needed a microphone moved, it was just a matter of moving it on a screen and it was done. RedNet as the interface made this shift so much easier. The RedNet’s own interfaces are simple and intuitive, their reliability is rock solid, and the sound couldn’t be better. RedNet made the shift to the next generation of signal transport for the Super Bowl a sure thing.”