Project for Rotterdam Ahoy

The project for Rotterdam Ahoy utilized Splitter Pro equipment for stage lighting. Rotterdam Ahoy is one of the largest exhibition and event centers in the Netherlands, offering spacious and technically advanced halls for conferences, exhibitions, and concerts.

The Ahoy Theater, which has hosted large-scale events such as the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, requires highly flexible, scalable, and fail-safe solutions for lighting control. With a capacity of over 16,000 people, the venue must be ready for a wide variety of events, from concerts and shows to sporting championships. The Splitter Pro units were supplied through our partner Lumen Solution, who confirmed that the units provided the optimal price-quality ratio for this ambitious project.

Equipment Used: Splitter Pro

Splitter Pro is a versatile DMX splitter used to expand a DMX network and control lighting on stage. It allows a single DMX signal to be divided into multiple output ports, simplifying lighting control in large venues like Rotterdam Ahoy.

The operation of the Splitter Pro is simple. The DMX signal enters the splitter's input port and is then distributed to multiple output ports, each of which can control separate lighting fixtures. This gives the lighting designer more flexibility in managing the stage lighting while simultaneously reducing the number of cables and equipment needed for lighting control.

Splitter Pro:

● In the single-channel version, it splits one DMX signal.

● In the dual-channel mode, it combines or splits two DMX signals.

● Thanks to its sectional architecture, it is possible to control some fixtures via DMX-1 and the rest via DMX-2.

● The Splitter Pro distributes the signal from 1 or 3 inputs to 5, 8, or 10 outputs, using XLR (3/5 pin) or EtherCON connectors.

● If more DMX lines are needed, another device can be quickly added to the chain using the DMX Thru port, regardless of the Splitter Pro's configuration.

● At each output, the signal is regenerated and amplified, allowing it to be transmitted over long distances without quality loss.

● RDM support allows for remote configuration and diagnostics of devices. As a result, the Splitter Pro is a comprehensive solution for a professional, demanding DMX network.

● The device is powered by a 110/220 V mains supply and is designed for installation in a 19-inch rack, occupying 1U of space.

● With a weight of 1.2 kg and a depth of 11 cm, it is incredibly compact and convenient for integration into any indoor stage setup.

Achieved Benefits

Splitter Pro at Rotterdam Ahoy:

● Simplifies cable management by reducing the number of cables and devices with redundant functionality, which is critically important for frequent and rapid scenery changes at a large venue.

● Increases the reliability of the lighting control system by optically isolating each DMX network branch from the main line.

● Provides fault tolerance through 100% input data redundancy. If the DMX signal is lost, the splitter automatically switches to the backup line.

● Prevents accidental power disconnection with a PowerCON connector.

Conclusion

The implementation of Splitter Pro at Rotterdam Ahoy has significantly improved the quality of event lighting and simplified the work of the lighting designer. Furthermore, it helped reduce equipment costs and lighting setup time on stage, which is very important for organizing a wide range of events at Rotterdam Ahoy.