Sommer Cable has long been a trusted name in professional audio, video, and broadcast cabling, supplying high-performance solutions to live events, recording studios, and broadcasters worldwide. Known for reliability and precision, the company’s products are a fixture in large-scale productions where flawless transmission is essential.
That expertise was on full display when Showtime Sound LLC staged rapper T-Pain’s trackside performance at Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course following the 150th Preakness Stakes. The redesigned stage was visible from both the grandstand and the infield, making it one of the most prominent live setups of the year.
“The 150th Preakness Stakes is a milestone moment for Baltimore and in sports history,” said Belinda Stronach, chairman and CEO, 1/ST Racing and Gaming. “Preakness 150 is a celebration of racing, entertainment, culture and community, and is the kickoff to a new era for Maryland.”
To handle the complex audio, lighting, and video demands, Showtime Sound deployed Sommer’s SC-Mercator QUAD 4 x CAT.7 cable—a 2025 TEC Award finalist. “This was a huge and challenging show,” said Showtime’s Director of Technical Operations, Marc Chauvin. “When we built out and integrated our systems, we use Sommer's Mercator CAT7 line for multi-channel ethernet-based snake solutions. Using single, 2-channel, and 4-channel versions, we easily cover 300+ feet with advanced cabling that not only works for our day-to-day production needs and our touring clients, but also as the backbone for large-scale events like this Preakness T-Pain concert for all aspects of production.”
Showtime Sound’s ongoing reliance on Sommer Cable comes down to trust. “In planning transmission systems for audio, lighting, and video distribution we know that reliability and quality is a must for high level productions that we do,” Chauvin explained. “No single show for us is more or less important than any other—that’s why we continue to invest and rely on our partnership with Sommer Cable.”
T-Pain, known for pioneering the creative use of Auto-Tune in R&B and hip-hop, delivered a high-energy performance that capped off the historic racing day. While the artist provided the music, Sommer Cable ensured every note and visual effect reached the audience exactly as intended.
Watch the full performance:
Learn more about Sommer’s Mercator CAT7 cable here
