A 30,000-square-foot expansion at The Mint Gaming Hall at Kentucky Downs in Franklin, KY is outfitted with AV systems by integrator TriStar Digital Connections (based in Goodlettsville, TN), including announcement capabilities via the building’s distributed sound system that can be done wirelessly due to an RF Venue 4 ZONE active antenna combiner as well as DISTRO4 and DISTRO9 antenna distribution systems that manage 14 CX22 ceiling-mounted antennas.
“This was a case of RF Venue in both the original and the new parts of the same facility,” says Robert Kilmarx, service manager at TriStar Digital Connections. “We designed and installed mirrored systems, using the same RF Venue components in both phases, so we have consistency throughout the structure.”
Kilmarx adds the original construction had deployed wired microphones utilizing input plates in various locations around the building. However, a wireless offered a more operational flexibility to support promotions, events, and entertainment throughout the entire facility. As a result, the wired system was upgraded to wireless with antennas and antenna management from RF Venue.
The two DISTRO4 antenna distribution systems are split between the first and second phases of the expanded Mint Gaming Hall, with six CX22 ceiling-mounted antennas installed in the first phase and eight more deployed for the second. These support three Shure QLX wireless microphone systems and comprehensively cover the entire facility.
“Anytime anyone hits a big jackpot, they can have a microphone there in minutes to announce it,” Kilmarx explains. “There are never any dropouts; coverage is complete. The two sides of the hall have different ceiling heights, which could have caused some interference, but the RF Venue equipment is very forgiving. It got us around every challenge.”
He notes that the same RF Venue components are part of the design of a soon-to-open Mint-branded satellite gaming hall nearing completion in nearby Bowling Green, KY that TriStar Digital Connections is the integrator for, as well as possible future sites.
“RF Venue has been the go-to solution for us in the past for wireless audio and will continue to be in the future,” he concludes. “Their systems work great and are very cost-effective. It’s simply the way to go for wireless.”
