U.S. Olympic Swimming Team Trials Employ Deep Integration of DiGiCo Audio Technology
In the heart of downtown Indianapolis, Lucas Oil Stadium hosted the U.S. Olympic Swimming Team Trials from June 15-23, 2021. The event, broadcast on NBC Sports, presented significant live-sound challenges that were expertly met by Dodd Technologies, the chosen live sound provider.
At the centre of the audio system was a DiGiCo SD12-96 console, serving as the hub for the entire audio system. This versatile console, equipped with 64 channels of Dante and 32-64 channels of MADI, effortlessly managed the complex PA system required for the trials.
The stadium, transformed to accommodate two Olympic-sized pools, could seat 30,000 spectators. Each area in the stadium demanded its own sets of loudspeakers and separate groups/auxes from the SD12-96. The sound system was a combination of JBL sound system and additional Meyer Sound components, providing clear and powerful audio for the vast audience.
The SD12-96 was instrumental in managing the complex audio demands of the event, requiring numerous tweaks over multiple days. It handled four discrete video playback sources, half of which included timecode, ensuring seamless synchronisation between visuals and audio.
The console also managed the live event's comms infrastructure, including Riedel Artist frames and Bolero wireless units, ensuring smooth communication between the production team. The SD12-96 was praised for its ease of use in handling complex audio tasks, making it possible for anyone to throw any audio requirement at it and have it managed effectively.
A notable feature was the creation of a separate aux for announcers to hear themselves without a delay from the PA system, enhancing the quality of their performance. The SD12-96 was also capable of handling various audio formats, including MADI, Dante, and AES67, demonstrating its versatility in handling diverse live-event production demands.
The trials featured a variety of live performances, from multiple wireless roving announcers/hosts, an anthem singer, violinist, quartet, and choir. The SD12-96 proved to be an indispensable tool in delivering clear and powerful audio for these performances, contributing to the overall success of the U.S. Olympic Swimming Team Trials.
The SD12-96 console, with its versatile capabilities, effortlessly managed various audio requirements for the U.S. Olympic Swimming Team Trials, including live performances from multiple announcers, singers, musicians, and a choir, showcasing its adaptability for different sound events and formats. Furthermore, the console's innovative feature of providing announcers with a self-hear aux without delay improved the quality of their performances, enhancing the overall feature-rich technology used during sports events at Lucas Oil Stadium.
