SHURE AXIENT DIGITAL DELIVERS FLAWLESS AUDIO FOR THE NATIONAL LOTTERY'S TEAM GB OLYMPICS & PARALYMPICS GB HOMECOMING SHOWS
Customer Profile
Solotech, a leading global audio and event production company known for delivering high-quality technical solutions for complex live events, brought its expertise to the Paralympics celebrations. The company’s Front-of-House Engineer and Head of Audio requested Shure for the project, citing the equipment’s exceptional ease of use, superior setup capabilities, and outstanding audio quality.
These events, honouring the remarkable performances of athletes, were held across Manchester Arena (Team GB) and Birmingham Utilita Arena (Paralympics). Filmed for the National Lottery and broadcast on television, the homecoming shows highlighted the incredible talent, resilience, and sporting excellence of Team GB's Olympic and Paralympic competitors.
Challenge
The events required a sophisticated audio solution capable of managing complex technical challenges, and Solotech's audio team deployed a comprehensive Shure wireless setup that ensured pristine sound and seamless production.
Solution
The system featured an impressive 40 channels of Shure Axient Digital Wireless System run via Dante, including AD2's with SM58 capsules for presenters and vocalists, Beta 58A capsules, Nexadyne™ supercardioid capsules, AD1's, and 28 Mixes of Shure PSM 1000 Advanced In-Ear Personal Monitoring System.
The Shure solution addressed several key production challenges. With extensive video coverage and a thrust with a B stage, rock-solid RF performance was crucial. The digital setup maintained audio quality by minimising analogue conversions and enabled seamless digital splits for television production.
Notably, the team made extensive use of Shure SE215 in-ear monitors.
Solotech’s Head of RG, Liam Cartwright mentioned: "The SE215s were prolific. They offered brilliant sound quality, exceptional build quality, and excellent isolation. At a price point that allows us to bring multiple units, they accommodate a variety of performer needs and ear shapes with various tips."
Advantages
Solotech's Head of RF, Liam Cartwright, highlighted the Shure system's technical sophistication. “The Dante Cue function on the Axient Digital receivers provided remarkable operational flexibility, tactility, and low latency," he explained. We could preview performers' transmitters at the side of the stage, listening for any audio or tonal issues, which was critically important for delicate headset performances."
The redundant Dante network enabled seamless distribution into the OB/broadcast truck and front of the house, allowing unprecedented operational efficiency.
Solotech found the system's pre-production capabilities equally impressive. Cartwright noted that Wireless Workbench was instrumental in the RF system's success. It used the postcode database to identify 8MHz DTV channels and conducted multiple venue scans. This meticulous preparation allowed for precise frequency coordination and transmitter selection.
Françoise Le Moignan, Account Manager at Solotech & Monitor Engineer for the event explained: "Managing the extensive channel count required keeping the Axient in the digital system in the digital domain. We maintained individual microphone trims by running three consoles on a single fibre loop with Axient Digital via Dante and seamlessly enabled broadcast digital splits.”
"It was flawless and reliable, and the ease of use made it the ideal choice," Le Moignan added. "The audio quality, reliability, and sonic quality of the in-ear mixes on the PSM 1000 were awe-inspiring; we always enjoy working with Shure."
David Phillips, Senior Manager Sales at Shure UK, commented: "Our Axient Digital system continues to demonstrate its versatility and reliability in demanding live broadcast environments. We're proud to have supported Solotech with the Team GB Paralympics Homecoming Shows."
The successful deployment underscores Shure's commitment to providing cutting-edge digital audio solutions that meet the most challenging technical requirements.
The National Lottery and producers @tbimedia made these shows possible. You can catch up on The National Lottery’s Paralympics GB Homecoming now on Channel 4 on demand.
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