Gearhouse integrates Axient Digital wireless into innovative SportsCom referee microphone system
In its ceaseless efforts to provide state-of-the-art intercoms for broadcast events, Gearhouse Broadcast’s Event Communications in Australia collaborated with Shure and its distributor, Jands, to incorporate Axient Digital wireless into its SportsCom referee communications system. SportsCom integrates a wireless microphone with an intercom system to enable seamless communication and live transmission from game officials to both broadcast and live audiences.
Working directly with Shure and Jands through an exclusive R&D partnership agreement, Gearhouse became the first Axient Digital user globally. They unveiled the upgraded SportsCom system to the Australian Football League (AFL), which agreed to use the system at all remaining games in the current season. The miking system consists of six Axient Digital bodypacks for the officiating crew. Three umpire channels are always open, while the fourth umpire and two goal judges activate their mics using Shure push-to-talk (PTT) switches.
The appeal of Axient Digital to Gearhouse is its overall performance, with better coverage over a larger area, and efficient spectrum use to ensure robust operation in crowded RF environments. The system’s wide frequency tuning range (184 MHz for both receivers and transmitters) allows the same SportsCom system hardware can be used throughout Australia without changing kit, its unique Quadversity antenna feature means more reliable coverage over larger areas with fewer dropouts. In addition, the system’s robust smart battery system essentially eliminates in-match battery changes while reducing cost of ownership.
Having already received strong interest in SportsCom from other sporting bodies, Gearhouse Broadcast anticipates expanding its commitment to Axient Digital, especially once the premium ADX transmitters become available in early 2018. ADX series transmitters add Shure’s unique ShowLink backchannel communication system, enabling remote control of all transmitter functions, including frequency and output power.
Jason Owen, Gearhouse Manager, Event Communications Division, reports that SportsCom with Axient Digital has been a huge success, with the AFL committed to using it in all matches. The system is also generating demand from other customers.
“The reason the AFL wanted our Axient Digital solution is that it is a smarter RF management solution,” says Owen. “We are truly offering class-leading technology here. It is, without question, the best performing and most advanced system on the market today.”
Customer Profile
Gearhouse Event Communications is a division of Gearhouse Broadcast, a global leader in live event broadcast production, providing custom communications systems for major sporting events
Challenge
To provide clear, intelligible audio of officiating announcements to Australian League Football broadcasters and attendees, live and in real time
Solution
Upgrading the Gearhouse SportsCom referee communication system with Axient Digital wireless microphone bodypack systems
Advantages
Reliable, intelligible audio with flawless wireless performance across all Australia
Gear List
| Model Number | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Accommodates up to 8 Shure rechargeable bodypack and handheld transmitter batteries in a single rack space. | |
| 1 | Compatible with all AD series and ADX series transmitters. | |
| 1 | Compatible with all AD series and ADX series transmitters. | |
| 6 | Lightweight, durable bodypack with optional rechargeability and TA4 and LEMO3 connector options. |
Related Products and Accessories
Related Stories
Modernization of conference technology with Shure MXCW at the main headquarters of DIN e.V. Berlin
In the course of the core renovation of the DIN e.V. conference center, the media technology was to be fundamentally redesigned and installed. In order to be able to distribute the video and audio signals across the entire DIN Berlin site, all 13 conference rooms in the building were to be equipped with new video conferencing technology.
Axient Digital takes center stage at 2017 Billboard Latin Music Awards
For the 2017 event at the University of Miami’s Watsco Center, the network had the opportunity to incorporate the new Axient Digital into the mix of Shure systems that handled the vast majority of RF miking during the four-hour show.
Axient Digital passes the test for Henry Cohen of CP Communications
CP Communications is a full service RF production provider for major sports and special events broadcasting. With the 600 MHz UHF spectrum being significantly reduced, and the 500MHz band experiencing repacking of the remaining DTV broadcasters, finding robust, reliable wireless solutions is a critical need.
