Since early this year I've been working with the team at Screen Vistas to ensure that the audio for their national advertising is delivered to cinemas in the correct format and specifications.
Sometimes this simply involves checking that a provided 5.1 surround mix is error free and delivered at the correct loudness level (82dB Leq).
For other jobs audio is delivered as stems (eg Dialogue, Music and Effects) which I can then mix into 5.1 surround sound and export at correct loudness.
It's a real privilege working with the team at Screen Vistas, and fantastic to be regularly using my newly updated Genelec Smart Active 5.1 surround monitoring system.
Studio Upgrade: 5.1 Surround Mixing and Monitoring
One of my plans for the new studio here in Napier was to set up for 5.1 surround mixing and monitoring. This year I've achieved that, and have been putting the system to good use working with Screen Vistas re mixing and ensuring quality control across their national cinema advertising.
I already had two Genelec 8240A monitors so for the upgrade the logical step was to carry on with Genelec for the rest of the system. I now have an 8340 (the same as an 8240A but the newer model) for the Centre channel and 2 8330 monitors for the L and R surrounds. The subwoofer is a 7360A Smart Active Subwoofer.
This isn't exactly my system but gives you the idea of what they look like!
Because of the additional channels needed for 5.1 mixing I also had to upgrade my interface, and chose to go with the Universal Audio Apollo 8. My basic reasoning for this was that I already have the Apollo Twin and love the sound and usability of UA's software and plugins. You can link the two units together via a Thunderbolt cable, which allows you to use the great wee Twin interface as a master monitor controller, and also adds their DSP chips together to give greater processing power for the UAD plugins.
Universal Audio Apollo 8
But wait! There was one more upgrade I needed. Since the start of my business I had always used the standard version of Pro Tools, without the need for the additional multichannel mixing capabilities or other nice features that HD has. But once you get into surround then you have to use Pro Tools HD, so I now run PT HD 12, which has been great - some super useful features like VCA's and Clip Effects just make mixing so much easier and faster!
I'm very happy with how the system sounds and performs - the only downside is that I won't be getting Xmas or Birthday presents for the next few years! Ouch! :)
Monitoring System Upgrade
I recently upgraded my monitoring system to Genelec 8240 Smart Active Monitors, and wow am I happy that I did.
For people reading this that aren't familiar with studio loudspeakers, Genelec make some of the finest available, and they can be found in most top recording studios and audio post facilities around the world.
Recently they also introduced the SAM series (Smart Active Monitors), which have the ability to adjust the sound they reproduce depending on the room they are in. Very cool. Basically you pair them up with the GLM kit, which includes an interface and microphone. The speakers perform a filter sweep from low to high frequencies and the room's frequency response is captured by the microphone. The the speakers can then compensate for any room resonances or abnormalities so that what you are listening to is not coloured by the room you are in.
What all this means is that you are hearing a flat response - and that allows you to make good decisions when mixing. Ultimately the goal is for your mix to sound great in any room, under any circumstances, and these monitors help get that result.
Studio Upgrade
To start the new year off on the right foot I've invested in a very nice new toy! aahh... I mean piece of studio equipment... ahem...
The Universal Audio Apollo Twin is a very high quality audio interface - which is basically the central hub that everything plugs into: Microphones, speakers, computer etc. So improving this part of the studio makes a big difference to the whole system.
The unit also incorporates internal DSP to run UA's own plugins, which are effects and processors I use when mixing. These are considered to be some of the best plugins available.
All in all I'm very excited :) not only because gear is what people like me LOVE, but because I'll be able to improve the quality of sound I can bring to my clients.
For more info on the Apollo Twin and other Universal Audio products you can go to their website to feed your own inner audio geek.