Our Work in Action
Services Overview
The best way to understand what Optum Audio brings to a project is to see it in action. This page walks through a complete interface rig we designed and built for a working live band — from initial requirements through final delivery — and shows exactly how our full range of services came together to create something no off-the-shelf solution could match.
The Build
A Professional Live Performance Interface Rig
The brief for this project was demanding: a compact, cost-effective, road-ready rig capable of real-time audio processing through plugins, deep MIDI control over every element of a live set, and enough analog I/O to handle a full band's signal chain — vocals, keys, guitars, backing tracks, click, and cues — all without compromise. The client needed each song in their setlist to trigger its own custom configuration: vocal chains, guitar effects, and patch changes for keyboards and guitar modelers and electronic drums, all recalled instantly via a MIDI floor controller. Also, remote USB integration for MIDI keyboards and other USB devices.
Front
Back
The core of the rig is the MOTU UltraLite mk4, chosen for its cost-effective and remarkably capable I/O in a half-rack 1U footprint: 8 analog inputs, 10 analog outputs, onboard digital mixing and routing, and USB connectivity to the host computer running Ableton Live and Gig Performer. To expand that I/O to meet the full band's needs, an Aphex 141B 8-channel D-to-A converter was added via optical ADAT, contributing 8 more analog outputs, while a MOTU 8pre feeds 8 mic-preamp inputs through the optical ADAT input — bringing the combined system to 16 analog inputs (10 with mic pre-amps) and 18 analog outputs. Every input and output passes through the onboard digital mixer and can be routed to and from the computer for audio processing via audio plugins. The lead vocalist's mic, for instance, runs through a fully custom signal chain built in Gig Performer, processed in real time, returned to the mixer in stereo, and assigned to the appropriate output — all recallable with custom effects per-song via MIDI. A custom hardware MIDI multiplexer extends that control across 6 MIDI outputs, reaching every controllable device on stage. A Samson S-Patch 48-point patch bay and custom connector panel make the rig fast to set up and adaptable to any venue. A Furman M-8Dx power conditioner, custom Mean Well power and DC distribution board (eliminating individual ac power adapters), a powered USB 3.0 hub, and a 16-foot active USB 3.0 extension cable round out the system for reliable, clutter-free operation. Everything is integrated into a 3U SKB road case with custom vent fans to keep temperatures stable under load — a self-contained, ultra-powerful, stage-ready system ready to perform night after night.
Full Coverage
Where Every Service Area Came Together
When designing and building custom performance rigs, we often touch on all of our service categories — that's what makes Optum Audio unique. Not only do we design and build custom systems, we also have expertise in all areas that enhance the performance. The Interface Rig designed and built for this client is an example where we touched all of our service areas:
Systems & Rig Design
- Custom rack system design & integration
- Equipment selection & component sourcing
- Signal flow architecture (analog & digital)
- Power engineering - distribution/protection
- Fabrication, assembly, & cable management
- Testing & documentation
Control & Automation
- MIDI system design & per-song patch management
- Custom MIDI multiplexer design & fabrication
- MIDI floor controller integration
- Gig Performer configuration/programming
- Real-time MIDI recall & switching
Network & Infrastructure
- USB infrastructure & reliability design
- Custom connector panel design & fabrication
- 48-point patch bay integration & layout
- Internal & external connectivity planning
Playback Systems
- Computer interface design for planned Ableton Live integration
- Dedicated output routing for backing tracks, click, & cue channels
- I/O expansion to support multi-track playback (for rehersals & live cues)
- Signal path design for reliable, low-latency playback in a live context
Audio & Tone Design
- Real-time vocal chain design & processing
- Guitar FX loop integration & control
- Onboard digital mixer configuration (MOTU routing matrix)
- Per-song tone & effects design consulting
Custom Apps & Programming
- Real-time display of set list progress
- Specalized switching in Gig Performer (GP Script)
- Custom vocal chain monitoring & control
- FX switching & keyboard patches (MIDI programming)
- Harmony vocals programming (Waves Harmony & MIDI)
Epilogue
Custom App Development and Integration
To complement the finished rig, a custom web app was developed to bring the setlist directly to the hands of every performer on stage. The app reads Ableton Live's scene names in real time and broadcasts the current song and setlist position wirelessly to any phone or tablet connected to the band's local closed WiFi network — no dedicated hardware, no cables, no looking across the stage at a monitor or other band members. For a live band running an intro click/cue workflow, knowing exactly where you are in the set at a glance is a small detail that makes a significant difference in performance confidence and flow.
Application server running in terminal
Application running on tablet
Application in action
This app represents the kind of end-to-end thinking that goes into every Optum Audio system build — not just delivering a rig that works, but refining the workflow around it until everything feels effortless in a performance environment.
Ready to talk about your rig?
Every system we build starts with a conversation. Tell us about your band, your show, and your goals — and let's explore what we can build together.
Optum Audio is headquartered in Maryland and serves the greater Washington DC area with consulting and software services available nationally.