🎛️ What is DiGiCo Optocore?

DiGiCo Optocore is a robust fibre‑optic audio networking system that professionals use for large-scale live sound and broadcast setups. It transports hundreds of channels of audio, along with word‑clock, sync, video, and data — all simultaneously over a dual‑fibre ring, ensuring rock‑solid connectivity with ultra-low latency.

🔄 How the Loop (Redundant Ring) Works

✨ Basic Concept

  • Devices are connected in a ring topology: Mixer → Rack → I/O unit → back to Mixer.
  • Two fibres create a redundant loop, allowing audio to be rerouted instantly if one path fails.
  • Latency is minimal (~41 µs per link), which is essentially inaudible.

⚙️ Sync and Word Clock

  • One device—usually the lowest ID node—becomes the word‑clock master and distributes clock to all others.
  • If the master fails, the next-lowest ID automatically takes over to prevent audio issues.

🔌 Devices on the Loop: FX vs TP

FX Devices (Fibre Nodes)

  • Examples: DD32R‑FX, DD4MR‑FX, X6R‑FX
  • Rack units with direct fibre connections for routing audio, MADI, video, and data.
  • Support for redundant fibre ports and high sample rates (up to 192 kHz).

TP Devices (Cat5 via SANE)

  • Examples: X6R‑TP, V3R‑TP
  • Connect via Cat5 to FX units using SANE protocol, sending up to 64 audio channels + Ethernet.
  • Great for local stage boxes without needing fibre extensions.

Bridging FX + TP

  • TP units expand FX capacity, clocked and managed over the main fibre loop.

⚡ Use‑Case Example: Live Concert Rig

  1. Layout: FOH mixer → FOH rack (DD32R‑FX) → Stage rack (X6R‑FX + X6R‑TP) → back to FOH mixer.
  2. Assign node IDs and fibre speeds using Optocore Control software.
  3. Patch mics, instruments, or backups into the system using the loop.
  4. Enable redundancy using an AutoRouter (e.g., BroaMan Route66) to maintain loop closure automatically.
  5. Test by disconnecting fibre — the system reroutes and continues without issue.

💡 On Coldplay tours, techs use Route66 AutoRouter to hot‑plug devices in any order without causing interruptions.

🛠️ Why You Want Optocore

  • Scalable I/O: Up to 1,024 channels over a dual-fibre loop.
  • Redundant & reliable: Fibre + power redundancy means no single point of failure.
  • Flexible topology: Daisy-chain, local split, Cat5 extension, or remote loop.
  • Perfect sync: Distributed clocking with auto-master failover.
  • Multi‑signal transport: Carry audio, word clock, video, MADI, Ethernet & DMX all in one loop.