The professional audio landscape never stands still. One area currently attracting increased attention is audio clip playout systems, which are used to trigger sound effects, cues, and program elements in environments ranging from theaters to large sports venues. Historically, these functions were handled by purpose-built hardware devices, and with good reason: they’re simple, easy to use, and serve as an all-in-one solution for rapid audio triggering.
However, modern software-based platforms are increasingly entering the conversation.
Why Change?
There are options on the market that take the same concept as legacy hardware units to greater levels of power, flexibility, and futureproofing - and not with the costs or setup concerns you may think they have.
Ovation by Merging Technologies
Originally conceived as a playout service for theme parks, Ovation may (quietly) be one of the most powerful audio platforms you’ve never heard of. It’s found its way into mission-critical uses in theater, on-air broadcast, immersive installed exhibits, and much more.
It also leverages Merging Technologies’ well-established reputation for high-quality audio, adding DSD quality, integration with their Pyramix DAW platform, and compatibility with 3D encoders or video players.
More information on Ovation can be found HERE.
HotShot by ENCO Systems
HotShot comes from ENCO Systems’ wheelhouse: radio. Designed as a replacement for traditional radio carts, HotShot lets you access a near-unlimited amount of clips or SFX for rapid playout. It’s most often sold as a turnkey hardware/software package (with a server and a USB control surface), but it can also be configured on your own infrastructure. You can also set up an iPad as a control surface.
More information on HotShot can be found HERE.
Use Cases
Broadcast
Broadcasters have always relied upon playback devices for many reasons, and there’s never been a more exciting time to expand your facility and prepare it for the future.
HotShot: As mentioned above, this platform was originally developed for radio stations, so it’s no surprise that it’d be useful for on-air applications. While its core design is for live manual triggering (such as reaction SFX during a morning talk show), ENCO also offers optional software automation.
Ovation: In addition to the above, Ovation includes features that take things a step further. Its show templates can be configured to offer redundancy and fail-safes. It can create broadcast-ready mixes and mix-minuses. And, best of all, as broadcast environments continue to virtualize via IP, you can pair it with Merging hardware for ST-2110 compatibility.
Stadiums and Sports Venues
Did a foul ball land in the seats to the sound of breaking glass? Did your favorite slugger come to bat accompanied by his walk-up music? Did you just hear a closing jail cell door or “sad trombone” effect when that hockey player was sent to the penalty box? Then you’ve heard rapid playout in action.
HotShot: This platform is ideal for the above settings and more, thanks to its ease of use and ability to access thousands of clips in a flash. Sounds can be easily organized in banks and pages for logical arrangement, keeping your tech on top of the game action.
Ovation: As well as handling these same manual “on the fly” sounds, you can also take advantage of its show automation to handle programming for the pregame/postgame/halftime content in the venue.
Immersive Audio
Another emerging use for playout is in immersive applications - especially the exciting frontier of installations such as museum exhibits and interactive theater. Major broadcast networks are already taking advantage of these platforms’ multichannel outputs, setting a great example for other uses. Combine that with the programs’ respective automation options for a powerful and comprehensive solution.
HotShot: You can configure up to a 7.1 surround output for your playback.
Ovation: Recent additions to this software include support for up to 30.2, complete with ambisonics up to 7th order. By utilizing Merging’s MassCore option, you can get up to 384 outputs in total!
