Jacksonville State Boosts Division I Broadcasts With Dante-Based Studio Technologies Backbone

Jacksonville State University (Jax State), a proud NCAA Division I member of Conference USA, has revamped its athletics broadcast operation with a comprehensive Dante audio-over-IP communications backbone from Studio Technologies. The deployment features the Model 5422A Dante Audio Engine, Model 348 Intercom Station, Model 216A Announcer's Consoles, Model 372A Intercom Beltpacks, and Model 381 On-Air Beltpacks, delivering the resilience, clarity and performance expected of a top-tier programme.

Guided by Bill "Bubba" Bussey, Assistant Athletic Director and Director of Broadcasting, the university rebuilt its end-to-end comms infrastructure to support football, men's and women's basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball and softball. Most productions air on ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, with selected fixtures carried nationally by CBS.

"When I arrived at Jax State, one of my primary objectives was to upgrade our broadcast infrastructure so we could truly operate like a Division I program," says Bussey. "The biggest issue we faced was communication. It was an antiquated analog system on copper that simply didn't work consistently. We spent more time trying to hear each other than actually producing great broadcasts."

Before the upgrade, directors had difficulty coordinating with camera crews and on-air talent, with fluctuating audio levels and frequent dropouts undermining production values. "We weren't able to focus on creativity or production value because we were constantly troubleshooting communication issues," adds Bussey. "Talent couldn't hear. Directors were shouting. There was popping and noise. Everyone left exhausted."

Bussey began exploring alternatives after seeing network crews rely on Studio Technologies during national broadcasts. "Whenever ESPN or CBS came in, I noticed they were using Studio Technologies gear. Everyone raved about how well it performed," says Bussey. "So, we connected with Gordon at Studio Technologies and began designing a completely new communications backbone."

Working closely with the university's IT department, Jax State implemented a dedicated virtual LAN, isolated from the main campus network, and wired its football stadium, basketball arena, soccer field, and baseball and softball complexes to support the Dante-based system.

According to Bussey, "I understood what Dante was, but I didn't have a working knowledge of it. Gordon and the Studio Technologies team walked us through the process. Our IT staff really took off with it, and the results have been outstanding. It just works. That's the best compliment I can give it."

The upgrade has been especially valuable for student crews gaining hands-on experience across live productions. "We incorporate students heavily, especially as camera operators," adds Bussey. "They're learning, and clear communication from the director is essential. With Studio Technologies, our directors can communicate clearly and consistently. That's been a game-changer. With communications no longer a daily hurdle, the production team can now focus on quality, creativity, and consistency. Our president recently told me he thought our broadcasts were better than ever. And I told him it all started with the backbone. Now we concentrate on delivering a high-quality broadcast instead of hoping and praying we can get it on the air."

Bussey's experience with the company also extended beyond the control room. During a personal trip to Chicago, he realised Studio Technologies' headquarters was nearby and dropped in. "I spent a morning visiting their facility and meeting the team," says Bussey. "They couldn't have been nicer or more accommodating. It's great equipment, but it's also great people."

Since going live, the solution has proven highly dependable. Bussey has also adopted Dante and Studio Technologies gear in his own podcast setup, "Bubba on the Lake," underscoring his confidence in the platform's flexibility for both broadcast and production environments.

As Jax State continues to rise in Division I athletics, including three Bowl appearances since moving to the top tier, its broadcast output now mirrors the standard set on the field. "We're proud of where our athletic program is headed," adds Bussey. "Studio Technologies has allowed us to operate with the professionalism and consistency expected at this level. It's made our jobs easier, improved our broadcasts, and helped us better serve our fans."

The university is continuing to scale the system as needs evolve. Recently, a second Model 381 On-Air Beltpack was added to enable in-game communications with baseball managers from the dugout. For Jacksonville State, the initiative has been about more than new hardware — it has created a foundation for long-term broadcast excellence.

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