Carnival Cruise Lines Simplifies Its Productions with Pro64

James Keaton, Audio Supervisor
Carnival Cruise Lines

Applications:

Monitor Mixing, Digital Snakes

AVIOM PRODUCTS

Pro64 Series
2 6416m Mic Input Modules
2 6416Y2 A-Net Interface Cards
1 RCI Remote Control Interface
1 MCS Mic Control Surface
1 ASI A-Net Systems Interface

Pro16 Series
2 A-16D Pro A-Net Distributors
10 A-16II Personal Mixers

Download System Diagram

To service The Beat, two 6416Y2 A-Net Interface Cards were installed to send and receive 32-channels of audio through a Yamaha PM5D digital console. This setup easily accommodates the different shows that take place in the lounge. The stage setup incorporates two 6416m Mic Input Modules that capture the audio signals from the stage performers as well as the 10-piece band. The Aviom mic preamps are remotely controlled by the RCI Remote Control Interface that provides a network interface for the MCS Mic Control Surface, addressing up to 64 mic channels. With this remote capability, the audio engineer can control the different levels of the preamps from the control room several decks above the stage as opposed to having to travel between decks. On stage, an ASI A-Net Systems Interface unit allows the Pro16 Series Personal Mixers used by the band to interface with the Pro64 audio network. Ten A-16II Personal Mixers, used to provide performers with individual control over their monitor mixes, round out the system.

"The band is situated in an approximately 15-foot orchestra pit which is essentially a steel box that goes down one deck with a floor on a hydraulic lift," Keaton explains. "With these close quarters, the sound levels get very loud and it makes mixing through floor monitors almost impossible. With the Aviom system, we now have the band on isolation headphones with A-16II Personal Mixers for each player, allowing each person to dial up a mix that satisfies their performance needs. This also eliminates the sound of the floor monitors from blending with the front of house, making the audio more clean and focused."

Another advantage offered by the Aviom system is the use of Cat-5 cable to deliver bidirectional audio signals to and from the front-of-house console that is housed four decks away from the stage. "The capability of delivering all the audio signals over a single Cat-5 cable is perfect for our type of installation," continues Keaton. "When we used audio snakes with hydraulic lift stages, we had instances where the lift would crush the connector box or sever a wire. Now if something happens, it is fairly easy to patch in a Cat-5 cable. The Aviom system really improves our confidence levels. We find that the system responds exceptionally well to the electrical environment on a ship and is quite robust. We have 22 ships, each with 16 Personal Mixers, support systems and spares and these units keep on working. We are extremely happy with Aviom."