Gearhouse Broadcast’s Event Comms launches World first Axient Digital radio microphone platform

Gearhouse Broadcast, a supplier of technical facilities, crew and services used to capture the world’s most watched content, has scored a world first by launching the new Shure Axient Digital radio microphone platform. Its Australian-based in-house Event Communications division successfully used the system that provides sporting bodies, production companies and large venues with unrivalled RF performance. Following its successful debut, the Shure system has already been adopted by the AFL (Australian Football League) for use at all of its games across the country.

Jason Owen, manager of the Event Communications division at Gearhouse explained: “Shure and its Australian dealer Jands approached us to discuss how they could further assist our already rapid growth in Australia. It began with us signing an exclusive R&D partnership which gives us direct access to their product road map and input on future feature sets and product design. At that point, having seen the success of our SportsCom custom intercom solution in the market, they also offered Gearhouse Event Comms the opportunity to become the world’s first user of their incredible Axient Digital radio microphone platform.”

Shure’s Axient® Digital incorporates the most innovative wireless audio technology in the world. Engineered from the ground up for professional productions that demand flawless execution, it provides an unprecedented level of signal stability and audio clarity, plus flexible hardware options, advanced connectivity, and comprehensive control. Both of Shure’s AD series and ADX series transmitters are compatible with a shared Axient Digital receiver platform and this scalable wireless system includes a ground-breaking micro-bodypack and provides incomparable sound for a wide range of applications and settings.

Owen continued, “Axient Digital is perfect for sporting bodies, large venues and production companies so we immediately approached the AFL in Australia and suggested they use the system at all remaining games this year. I have long been a fan of Shure kit in the live production space, however when I saw and heard Axient Digital I knew it was a gamechanger. It really stands head and shoulders above other systems. Its outstanding RF performance in even the most complex, crowded environments ensures maximum stability, improved range even in high noise-floor venues. There’s also dual and quad receiver options that open the gateway to the full range of features, from high-performance RF and transparent digital audio to software control. It really is without question the best performing and most advanced system on the market today.”

Shure, Jands and Gearhouse perfected the Axient Digital system for the Australian market by working in close collaboration for several months. With Gearhouse providing the custom communications solutions, Shure the strategic technology input and Jands comprehensive product support, Gearhouse presented their radio and event comms powerhouse solution to the AFL and other sporting bodies.

Owen added, “Put simply the reason the AFL wanted our Axient Digital solution is that it is a smarter RF management solution for radio microphones and significantly improves the RF and audio performance in comparison to any other product on the market. Axient Digital also works efficiently and reliably at much lower RF levels than any other system I have ever seen. This means more reliable coverage for the product and its true diversity, quadveristy and high-density mode allows more channels to operate in one space than ever before.”

Owen has already received unprecedented interest from the sportscasting market for Axient Digital. According to him it’s the system’s power, reliability and flexibility that’s generating the demand as he explained, “I have taken multiple calls from sporting bodies who want access to SportsCom as it will provide better coverage over a larger area than conventional systems which in turn means a far lower cost of ownership for them. It’s also appealing due to its more efficient use of the spectrum which means fewer dropouts and higher channel density. Production companies and large venues are also very keen to use it as it’s clear that both AD and ADX will become the world standard for touring acts simply because of the RF performance and audio quality. When you add in ADX’s bi-directional capability Axient Digital stands alone in the market in terms of flexibility and interference-free RF.”

According to Jason Owen the fact that Gearhouse Event Comms is the first company in the world to offer Axient Digital is an honour that was bestowed on the company based on their never-ending commitment to innovation as he concluded, “The Axient Digital world first came about because Shure saw what we had achieved by developing and implementing our SportsCom solution. When talking to customers they quickly saw SportsCom provides a new and innovative way for sporting bodies to deliver their match day technology and adjudication platforms. We are truly offering class-leading technology here with SportsCom now also incorporating the Axient Digital platform. In addition to all the other benefits, we will roll out ADX in early 2018 which can re-tune radio mic frequencies on the fly with no interruption to audio services.”

About Gearhouse Broadcast
Gearhouse Broadcast is one of the world’s leading and most innovative broadcast services providers. It supplies technical facilities, crew and services to capture the world’s most watched live and near live content from iconic events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics, to popular entertainment programmes such as The X Factor and I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!.
 
It delivers services including project solutions, outside broadcast, equipment rental, systems integration, RF, equipment sales and event communications to the world’s most respected broadcasters, production companies and rights holders. With offices in the UK, France, Australia, USA and Qatar - and a fleet of HD and 4K OB trucks in Australia and the US - Gearhouse Broadcast can meet the most complex broadcast requirements locally or on location anywhere in the world.

Through its reputation for reliability and the early adoption of emerging technologies such as 4K, IP and remote production, Gearhouse Broadcast has built up an enviable track record of providing cost-effective equipment, end-to-end solutions and support for all types of broadcast needs.
 
Its talented and dedicated staff are employed for their expertise and experience. They offer unparalleled product and industry understanding, small and large-scale project experience, technical know-how, consultancy skills, systems integration knowledge and advanced awareness of emerging trends.
 
Clients include some of the most highly respected broadcasters and programme makers in the world such as BBC, Sky, UEFA, Al Jazeera, ESPN, Host Broadcast Services, ZDF, Channel 9, Fox Sports, MTV Networks, Univision, The London Studios, IMG, ITV, ATP Media, France 3, Globecast and TF1.