On May 30th, 2024, the Austin Convention Center was transformed into a dynamic battleground for Karate Combat KC46, an event that redefined the boundaries of live sports entertainment. The event was hosted amidst the Coindesk Consensus conference, which took over the entirety of the Austin Convention Center.
Limitless Lights and Sound had the prestigious opportunity to deliver a comprehensive turnkey service, providing the entire lighting package, grip, grip truck, line arrays, FOH audio, video walls, and crew. This event was not just a spectacle of athletic prowess but a live production marvel, seamlessly integrating an immersive live event space with an augmented reality broadcast using Unreal Engine.
Karate Combat, a premier global full-contact striking league, captivated a global audience with its blend of elite martial arts and cutting-edge CGI environments. Featuring Olympic medalists and national champions from around the globe, the league continues to push the envelope, streaming to over 100 countries worldwide and showcasing the pinnacle of competitive Karate. This extraordinary production, owned by the Sensei Foundation, highlights the unparalleled capabilities of Limitless Lights and Sound in delivering world-class event experiences to their clients.
The comprehensive lighting setup was amplified by diffused side lighting to reach every corner of the mat, ensuring no shadowed areas during the broadcast.
To further enhance the environment, additional lighting included:
For control and power distribution, Limitless Lights and Sound provided:
This meticulous attention to detail underscored Limitless Lights and Sound’s capability to enhance the visual experience of world-class events, combining cutting-edge technology with artistic lighting design to create an unforgettable atmosphere for both live and virtual audiences.
Given the virtual environment of Karate Combat KC46, precise and calculated lighting was essential to ensure a flawless broadcast and immersive experience. Limitless Lights and Sound provided and meticulously executed the deployment of the lighting grid (designed by Attila Bilik, directed by Ricky Ruiz), featuring an array of high-end fixtures:
In addition to the meticulously designed lighting grid, Limitless Lights and Sound deployed their L’Acoustics line array to ensure optimal live sound coverage for Karate Combat KC46. Our lead audio technician and system designer, Robby Wall, calculated perfect 360-degree coverage for all seats in the house, from the front row to the top bleacher. Seamless stereophonic audio in full range could be heard in every corner of the audience.
The setup included:
To further enhance the audio experience, Limitless Lights and Sound provided:
Coordination of Shure Axient Wireless Systems: We utilized our local relationships to coordinate the production’s many channels of wireless, ensuring seamless integration with the many other productions happening on-site at the Coindesk Consensus event.
Our comprehensive audio setup and system design ensured that every attendee, from the front row to the top bleacher, enjoyed crystal-clear, full-range sound, enhancing the immersive experience of the event.
Limitless Lights and Sound provided high-resolution LED screens to enhance the live audience experience with IMAG (Image Magnification) and augmented reality (AR) elements. On the outer edge of the room, we installed two 16′ x 10′ video walls, each comprised of (60) P2.6 video panels
During the live event, the video team fed the program feed of the show into these screens, displaying the Unreal Engine augmented reality background behind the fighters. The high contrast and resolution of the screens provided much-needed visibility to the attendees while also making the experience more immersive.
For the Karate Combat KC46 event, Limitless Lights and Sound assembled a top-tier crew to ensure the production ran seamlessly. Our team included experienced professionals across various roles, demonstrating our comprehensive capabilities in live event production. The production was managed efficiently by our Production Manager, supported by master electricians and gaffers who oversaw lighting and electrical setups. Our audio systems were expertly handled by A1 Systems and RF specialists, ensuring flawless sound quality and wireless coordination across the entire Coindesk Consensus. The LED screens were maintained by skilled LED technicians, while our labor lead directed the setup and breakdown of equipment with our large stagehand calls. Additionally, our team included dedicated camera operators, hair and makeup artists, and a network specialist to manage the intricate technical requirements. This diverse and skilled team exemplified Limitless Lights and Sound’s commitment to excellence, ensuring that every aspect of the event, from lighting and audio to video and crew coordination, was executed to the high standards required.
The Karate Combat KC46 event at the Austin Convention Center showcased the pinnacle of what Limitless Lights and Sound can achieve. Through our meticulous planning, advanced technology, and dedicated team, we transformed the venue into an immersive arena that seamlessly blended live action with augmented reality and assisted in a broadcast that reached many networks and impressed multiple sponsors. From the precision lighting and impeccable audio coverage to the high-resolution LED screens and expert crew coordination, every element was designed to enhance the audience experience and elevate the production quality. As we continue to push the boundaries of live event production, we remain committed to delivering unparalleled service and innovation, ensuring that each event we support is nothing short of extraordinary.
Production Manager – Dash Speer
ME/Gaffer – Matt Letson
ME/Boom Op – Taylor Cremeens
L2 (Network) – Samantha Ward
L2 – Jensen Tidwell
L2 – Justin Estes
L2 – Douglas Martin
A1 Systems – Robby Wall
A1 RF – Jon Acord
A2 Wireless – Kenny Dryska
A2 Talent – Hernan ‘Tito’ Rovner
LED Technician – Zane Levy
Labor Lead – Tony Tocci
Hair & Makeup – Aime Pena
CAM3 – Nerei Padilla
CAM4 – Emanuel Bermudez
CAM5 – De Randle
CAM6 – Stephen Gutierrez
Producer (Karate Combat) – McKenzie McCulloch
Production Manager (Karate Combat) – Todd Ferrante
Lighting Designer – Attila Bilik
Lighting Programmer – Nickoli Ipsen
Lead Gaffer (Karate Combat) – Ricky Ruiz
Additional thanks to our outstanding crew:
Hawk Mendoza, Will Bermudez, Artemis Lesgaux, Adison Underhill, Caleb Brown, Neal Laubach, Olivia Wehmeyer, Wilmar Bermudez, Dillon Harger, Nico Escobar, Casey Lee, Xavier Granado, Jonathan Colon, Brock, Héctor Gutiérrez, Austin Pool, Andrew Smyers, Chris Diaz
Special thanks to Cinelease for their support on this production.
