This Remote network enables central control and monitoring of the complete d&b loudspeaker system from anywhere in the network - be it from a PC in the control room, at the mix position, or on a wireless tablet PC in the auditorium.
This gives us infinite flexibility, states Walsh. We now not only have a lightweight, discreet and energy-efficient system - with more than enough power in the engine - but the remote Ethernet control allows us to tap into the system wherever we are.
When the Cottesloe Theatre was ready to retire its trusty d&b sound system after more than a decade of hard labour, Rich Walsh, Sound supervisor for the Cottesloe, was in do doubt that he wanted to remain with the same brand.
Technology has advanced in leaps and bounds since the original d&b system was installed, and now Walsh knew he could take advantage of a more compact and energy efficient footprint - specifying a system that could be remotely set-up, monitored and health checked over Ethernet.
He contacted the Theatre's regular audio suppliers, Orbital Sound, who delivered eight d&b E8 two-way multipurpose loudspeakers with a further eight E12-Ds providing bass extension via a long-excursion 12in driver. The rotatable 90° x 50° dispersion he knew would provide all the coverage he needed in the reconfigurable, 300-seat (maximum) studio theatre - whether set up conventionally or in the round.
To remain within the d&b environment, and guarantee a matched and fully-optimised system, Walsh assigned eight d&b D6 dual-channel amplifiers to the new rig, since they incorporate a DSP engine to provide loudspeaker-specific configurations and functions.
Finally, each d&b amplifier is fitted with a remote interface for the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus - in fact the D6 has two RJ45 connectors to enable the CAN-Bus signal to be daisy chained through them. Rich Walsh thus specified a d&b R70 Ethernet-to-CAN interface.
This Remote network enables central control and monitoring of the complete d&b loudspeaker system from anywhere in the network - be it from a PC in the control room, at the mix position, or on a wireless tablet PC in the auditorium.
This gives us infinite flexibility, states Walsh. We now not only have a lightweight, discreet and energy-efficient system - with more than enough power in the engine - but the remote Ethernet control allows us to tap into the system wherever we are.
