Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1277927
C A S Q U A R T E R L Y I S U M M E R 2 0 2 0 25 the far-reaching outer fringes of "Zone A" or potentially even the inner perimeter of "Zone B." This could possibly allow the sound mixer the ability to have almost zero contact with anyone else in production. The RF signals for both the reception of the talent and boom microphone transmitters and the RF transmission range for the IFB units will be at their most advantageous. Basically, there is a little robot right there on set closer than I'd probably ever set up my cart. There are many developed and continuously developing networking tools we use that would allow us so much flexibility here. Depending on what wireless equipment you use in order to enter your signal flow into the Dante protocol can make your wireless components much easier to see and control. For example, Shure, Wisycom, Audio Ltd., Lectrosonics all make devices that allow for the audio stream to be embedded into a Dante network. In the case for Lectrosonics, they have a telemetry program called "Wireless Designer" that allows for the viewing, commanding, and coordination of RF signals. One of the downsides to placing the RF receivers far away from the sound mixer has always been the loss of visibility of this telemetry. But with a little network configuring, that concern could be moot when the digital commands for Wireless Designer are running down the same CAT6 pipe as the audio streams. A good example of this implemented in a setup is the Dante rack that Joe Foglia CAS shared with me. Three DSQD's, one M2T for IFB, and a Glensound Dante interface for analog signals; all in a ready-to-run rack case and connected by one CAT6 cable. A lot of these same needs could be performed by a system employing fiber-optic technology. Sound mixer Delroy Cornick was generous enough to share with me some of the components he uses to transmit RF, ZaxNet, and SDI video over fiber. The RF over Fiber (RFoF) modules are manufactured by RFOptic. Two modules take a 500 MHz dual RF signal from an RF Venue Diversity Fin, and a third module is for ZaxNet. They change that RF into light, which has none of the distance From top to bottom: Delroy Cornick's RF over Fiber assembly. RF over Fiber components inside a pelican case with panel mount connectors. Center left: CAS member Joe Foglia's cart with Dante Module. CAT6, USB, and Power connections on the back of Dante Module. Letrosonics DSQD's and M2T with Dante, Glensound Dante Interface, and Comtek transmitters