As part of our continued equipment improvements, another task was to develop a new analogue multicore split. The multicore split allows for 2 or more consoles to be connected to the same microphones. For example, in a live event scenario where you need microphones to be picked up by both the monitor console and FOH console but have separate gain controls.
As part of this upgrade, we wanted to ensure we could do 64 channels of microphones. We then wanted to make sure we can output, via multipin connectors, to 2 different consoles. We also wanted to provide 64 male XLR output connectors linked through as well to allow for a further 3rd device to be connected.
Firstly, we designed the new input panels. We split the inputs into 2 bands of 32 and built them into a custom 3U panel. This panel has 2 rows of 16 XLRs with white scribble strip under each row. This allows for labelling of each input to avoid confusion. We obviously made 2 of these panels – Inputs 1-32 and Inputs 33-64.
Secondly the output panels are made. We have 4 output panels in total, 2 for VEAMs and 2 for XLR outputs. Each VEAM panel is 2U high and has 2 cutouts for 150pin VEAM connectors. The XLR output panels are simply a 2U panel with 2 rows of 16 connectors to total 32 channels. The input panel connectors are wired to both the FOH VEAM connector, the MON VEAM connector and the 32 XLR outputs, all in parallel. This allows for any input of the 32 to be picked up by any and all of the output connections. We repeat this process for the second bank of 32 channels.
Once complete, we have 2 input panels that are fitted in the front of a slam lock lid rack case and 4 output panels mounted to the rear.
In order to connect the 150pin 32way connections into the sound desks stagebox, we also made a further 2 panels. Each panel is 2U high and fitted with 2 150pin VEAM input connectors – 1 for inputs 1-32 and 1 for inputs 33-64. Both these VEAMs wire to 64 XLR connectors inside the rack that can be connected into the desks stagebox. Alongside this we also manufactured 2 3m and 2 5m 150pin VEAM-VEAM cables for linking between the VEAM panels.
This rack is then finished with LED lighting for easy visibility in low light and a remote stage box system comprising of 4 VEAM 54pin connectors to XLRs for patching stage remote boxes. This aspect is discussed in another project report so feel free to give this a read.
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