With more than 100 years of tradition behind it, the Düsseldorf Schauspielhaus is among the largest and most important theatres operating in the German speaking countries. Since 1970 it has been located in the Bernhard Peacock building at Gustaf-Gründgens space where it was spectacularly designed by architect Bernhard Pfau.
The theatre has extended its long relationship with Optocore, in order to keep pace with evolving technology. In the case of such a formidable, multi- space complex as this, an agile digital infrastructure, with multiple routing options and interconnectivity, is essential. To maintain this, the theatre has
upgraded the original Optocore analogue network, installed in 2011, to an advanced and future-proof system.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:
• Small form factor 1RU
• Decentralized network
• Lowest System Latency
• Seamless Integration with Digico Optocore loop
• Multi-channel interface for Wireless Microphones and IEM
• Flexible redundant star topology
“In terms of transmission it was mandatory to keep system latency as low as possible. This is where Optocore is absolutely the market leader. Reliability and small form factor of the devices, enabling large decentralised systems to be built, are further reasons why Optocore was the choice for us.”
Torben Kärst, Deputy Head of Sound
SOLUTION
The Düsseldorf Schauspielhaus theatre has upgraded the original Optocore analogue network, installed in 2011, to an advanced and future-proof system. The installation was about achieving increased routing options, better sound quality, an increased channel count and greater flexibility.
From the original proposal for a ‘stand alone’ Optocore system for the smaller studio theatre came the possibility of exchanging audio signals between both the larger and smaller theatres. The biggest leap forward was when it was decided to centralise entire wireless system. Since then, it is possible to
send audio signals across the whole building. Crucially, third house loop, complementing the Optocore/DiGiCo loops in both the large and small venues, proved to be a much simpler but more powerful version of the original design.
The integration now features an Optocore AutoRouter, multiple MADI devices, connected to the DiGiCo system
and Optocore’s new sample rate converter. It is the centre point of the house loop. With this device, it distributes 56 radio mics and feed the 16 IEM devices. It’s also the clock master of the whole audio system.
RF MAIN Audio Distribution SYSTEM
With AutoRouter there is no need for patch cables to close a loop, as this is now done automatically. Each connection point on stage is connected to the AutoRouter as well as the permanent devices as a loop and the DiGiCo console.
At the same time, the theatre’s tech team had kept abreast
of developments with Optocore partner company, BroaMan. As a result, three BroaMan Repeat48 devices have now been deployed for video distribution. It was one of the main task to ensure full integration and interconnection between audio and video. Repeat48WDMs are connecting grand hall machine room with two small venues.
KEY ADVANTAGES:
- One backbone system for all venues with all audio channels available in any system node
- MADI Sample Rate Converters for Wireless system
- Easy integration with Digico providing additional analogand digital I/O
- Flexibility with Automatic System Routing for StarTopology
BROAMAN Video System
GRAND HALL SYSTEM
SMALL HALL SYSTEM
SYSTEM COMPONENTS:
| Device | ID Number | Location | Functions |
| MAIN BACKBONE SYSTEM | |||
| M12-OPT/BNC SRC | 1 | Main RF Room | Wireless Mics and IEM System |
| M12-BNC | 2 | Grand Hall | MADI I/O for SD7T Quantum ENGINE A and B, WC Distribution |
| M8-BNC | 3 | Grand Hall | QLAB/ABLETON, DAW, VIDEO SYTEM |
| M8-BNC | 4 | Small Hall | MADI I/O for SD10T-24 |
| X6R-TP-8LI/8LO | 4.2 | Small Hall | Video System I/O |
| MAIN GRAND HALL | |||
| Autorouter | – | Main Rack Room | Optocore/DIGICO Loop Managment |
| DIGICO SD7T | 1 | FOH | Main System Mixing Desk |
| DIGICO SD10T-24 | 3 | Monitor | Monitor System Mixing Desk |
| DIGICO SD RACK | 11 | Stage | Audio I/O |
| X6R-FX-8MI/8LO | 12 | AMP ROOM | AES/EBU with SRC I/O |
| X6R-FX-8MI/8LO | 13 | AMP ROOM | AES/EBU with SRC I/O |
| V3R-TP-8LO | 13.2 | AMP ROOM | Power Amps Feed D&D 10D |
| SMALL THEATER HALL | |||
| Autorouter | – | Main Rack Room | Optocore/DIGICO Loop Managment |
| DIGICO SD10T-24 | 1 | FOH | Main System Mixing Desk |
| DIGICO SD RACK | 11 | Stage | Audio I/O |
| M8-BNC | 12 | AMP ROOM | QLAB/ABLETON, DAW, VIDEO SYTEM wI/O |
| X6R-FX-8MI/8LO | 13 | AMP ROOM | Audio I/O |
| V3R-TP-8LO | 13.2 | AMP ROOM | Power Amps Feed D&D 10D |
| BROAMAN VIDEO SYSTEM | |||
| Repeat48WDM-24 | – | Main Rack Room – Grand Hall | Main Video Exchange HUB |
| Repeat48WDM-12 | – | Small Hall A | Satelite Video Hub |
| Repeat48WDM-12 | – | Small Hall B | Satelite Video Hub |