ATK Returns to RedNet for Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome

For the tenth year in a row, ATK Audiotek, a Clair Global company, employed Focusrite RedNet for Dante® networked audio systems at Super Bowl LIX

Super Bowl LIX had it all, from a much-anticipated rematch between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, to halftime headliner Kendrick Lamar, fresh off multiple Grammy Award wins from the previous week. On 9th February 2025, the two teams faced off at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. This highly anticipated rematch of Super Bowl LVII drew a viewership of 113 million as it aired live on the Fox network starting at 6:30 p.m. EST.

ATK Audiotek, a Clair Global company, has been the live-sound provider for the Super Bowl for nearly 30 years. In 2025, they continued their tradition of world-class audio for the Super Bowl utilising a digital audio signal path, employing an extensive Dante® networked audio infrastructure. This setup featured nearly 100 components from Focusrite’s RedNet range of Dante-networked audio converters and interfaces, including models such as the RedNet D16R MkII, A16R MkII, and D64R. This comprehensive system ensured seamless and high-quality audio throughout the event. Led by Kirk Powell, Engineer-in-Charge for ATK/Clair Global, the team faced unique challenges at the Caesars Superdome, including a significantly higher roof height requiring a bottom trim of over 150 feet for the PA system.

This year, ATK employed an L-Acoustics System for the PA, ensuring powerful and precise sound coverage throughout the stadium. However, the real innovation lies in the extensive deployment of RedNet devices, making this one of the most complex and expansive audio distributions ATK has ever undertaken. ATK is responsible for all “In-bowl audio,” including pre-game, halftime, and in-game sound. Their work also extends to distributing signals for key partners such as NFL Films, NFL Network, and Westwood One Radio.

“The Super Bowl presents a massive logistical challenge every year, requiring the coordination of a vast number of diverse audio sources and ensuring they are routed accurately to their respective destinations,” said Powell. “Managing this complex network of audio signals demands reliable and flexible technology, which is why Focusrite RedNet components are a crucial part of our operations. We’ve thrown in all our spare equipment to meet the demands of this event, and the result is an incredibly sophisticated and reliable system. RedNet’s seamless connectivity and adaptability allow us to efficiently handle the intricate demands of the event, ensuring everything runs smoothly and meets the high standards expected for such a large-scale production.”

RedNet takes centre stage including the halftime and pre-show entertainment segments

Kicking off the event during the pre-game segment was Lady Gaga, who performed an emotional rendition of “Hold My Hand” on Bourbon Street as a tribute to the victims of the New Year’s attack that claimed 14 lives. Several artists who call Louisiana home also performed to honour the legendary music scene of New Orleans. Jon Batiste brought his soulful artistry to the national anthem. Christian recording artist Lauren Daigle and renowned jazz musician Trombone Shorty collaborated on a stirring rendition of “America the Beautiful.” Additionally, R&B vocalist Ledisi delivered a moving performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” ensuring a dynamic and unforgettable musical experience.

This year's Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show featured an impressive lineup of GRAMMY®-winning artists who delivered powerful performances. Kendrick Lamar, the acclaimed rapper and songwriter, headlined taking centre stage for the halftime show, joined by fellow GRAMMY winner SZA for an electrifying performance. Alongside SZA, actor Samuel L. Jackson, dressed as Uncle Sam, took the stage at the beginning of the halftime show and made multiple appearances throughout Lamar’s performance. Tennis legend Serena Williams also joined the stage, dancing, while Mustard performed with Lamar.

With 96 RedNet devices in use, ATK has leveraged this technology for PA distribution, field audio, production trucks, and front-of-house and monitor positions, included:

• 26 RedNet D64R 64-channel MADI bridges: Serving as MADI bridges between entities to ensure seamless clock synchronisation and inter-system audio transfer and sharing without relying on a common master reference clock.

• 20 RedNet D16R MkII 16-channel AES3 I/O’s: Managing digital signal transport with AES for smaller channel counts.

• 32 RedNet A16R MkII 16-channel analogue I/O interfaces: Providing analogue backup for the PA system, which now runs AVB (Audio Video Bridging) instead of Dante.

• 12 RedNet MP8R 8-channel remote-controlled mic pre with dual PSUs: Capturing audience reaction and Atmos microphones for Apple Music’s Atmos halftime mix.

• 6 RedNet AM2 stereo audio monitoring units: Further supporting audio signal distribution.

Of note was how Powell once again employed RedNet D64R MADI bridge units, which were used to interface with consoles and broadcast trucks. Proper clock management is essential for the Super Bowl. RedNet D64R offers high channel capacity and the ability to convert sample rates between different audio systems at a multitrack level, enabling smooth audio transfer and sharing without requiring a shared master reference clock. Powell noted that while the front of house and stage monitors could sync to the same clock, the production truck operates differently, particularly as they conclude halftime. “The production truck runs on a separate clock since it isn't in use all day,” stated Powell. “The D64R allows me to keep my system’s clock separate from the production truck’s, particularly when they finish up after halftime. As they start packing up, I prefer not to stay synced to their clock to prevent any premature shutdowns.”

The “A” Team

A highly skilled team is behind the Super Bowl’s audio success, both at ATK’s Valencia, California facilities and on-site in New Orleans at the Super Bowl. The team includes renowned mixers Dave Natale and Alex Guessard as front of house for entertainment, Jack Bowling as front of house for the game, Tom Pesa and Chris Daniels as monitor engineers for entertainment, and Cameron Stuckey from Professional Wireless handling wireless audio.

PA design and implementation were overseen by system tech Johnny Keirle from Clair Global. As in previous years, ATK prepped the system in the home office in Valencia, testing the system before shipment. However, due to tight scheduling constraints following the Beyoncé show in Houston, the team had just five days in the shop before heading to New Orleans for the Super Bowl.

When asked if he had any final thoughts, Powell replied, “Focusrite equipment has been key in helping ATK/Clair hit their stride for this annual event. Although the venue’s routing may change, we’ve maintained a consistent setup, with RedNet being a crucial component. In an event of this scale, reliability is essential, and RedNet guarantees the seamless operation of our network.”

With extensive planning, cutting-edge technology, and an experienced team, ATK Audiotek ensures that the world’s biggest sporting event sounded as spectacular as ever.