The console is installed in the track's main control room and handles 56 inputs from various audio sources including announcer mics and the many simulcasts that provide playback of events for the spectators. All 32 mix outputs of the iDR10 are in use, and the programmable nature of the iLive surface allowed the engineers to configure the different mix outputs to provide feeds to the stadium, boxes, hospitality suites, track, OB vans, other broadcast feeds, and monitor mixes. "The iLive was chosen for its routing flexibility, ease of use, superior audio quality, and small footprint," states Owen McClain, Emerald Downs' chief audio mixing engineer. "The console handles various announcer mics and multiple video feeds that are distributed across different parts of the track. In addition to the various house mixes, we also send mixes to live uplinks that are broadcast to sports bars across the Seattle area. Mix minus busses are used for OB comms, and other audio mixes are created for broadcast feeds that are supplied to OB trucks and national TV stations. Everything works together beautifully!"

Walter Lucas from Seattle Pro Audio presided over the installation. He commented: "iLive's compression, de-essing, and A&H's great EQ on each input and output enables Emerald Downs' engineers to provide high quality and intelligible audio from the commentary and announcer mics, greatly improving the spectators' experience. The console is incredibly flexible but what really sold Emerald Downs on the iLive was just how easy it is to use. No other digital console that I have seen provides the engineer with this much control from such a short learning curve. The engineers really love it." Emerald Downs' racing season runs from April to October, and the venue's most prestigious event is the Longacres Mile, held annually in August. www.allen-heath.com www.ilive-digital.com www.emeralddowns.com

Photo: Walter Lucas from Seattle Pro Audio (L) and Emerald Downs' chief audio mixing engineer, Owen McClain (R), with A&H iLive console in the main control room