ABC updates its UM 202 with immersive sound 5.1 with Genelec

Asahi Television Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has updated its 202 mobile unit to create an immersive environment 5.1.4. The update was based on a combination of three -way coaxial monitors with the popular The You Genelec and the GLM calibration software.

Sadanari Iwahashi, from the ABC Production Engineering Department acknowledges that "when we think of a mobile unit that could be used within 15 years, we conclude that it is necessary to admit immersive sound."

"When you start broadcasting in immersive format 5.1.4, we can control the live sound from the place of broadcast and the recordings can be taken to the MA immersive room for subsequent processing," explains Iwahashi. "It makes sense to make a mobile unit prepared to record immersive sound for many reasons. For example, when we record a concert, we can approve the use of sound also in other events and programs. It is also important that we have four monitors installed on the roof from the beginning, in order to start the immersive monitoring without configuration complications."

Nihon Onkyo Engineering He was in charge of planning acoustics, while Keisei Motors, a company with extensive experience in mobile units, manufactured the vehicle.

L-C-R channels are managed by three coaxial study monitors 8341, and thanks to a production room of 2.2 meters high designed, ABC was able to mount four height monitors 8331 In roof holes. Being the smallest model of The Uones series, the 8331 are perfect for small rooms where the space is limited, and this unusually high ceiling allowed them to place them at the same distance from the listening position as the L-C-R monitors of the front. A 7360 subwoofer is responsible for the low frequencies.

"The objective was to guarantee as much distance as possible between the monitors," explains Iwahashi. "A particular challenge was the position of the left and right rear monitors 8331, which, due to the structure, would be closer than the L, C and R monitors." The ideal angle for rear channel monitors is 110 degrees +/- 10 degrees, but if we placed these and the l-l-r channels of the listener using that angle, they would overcome the width of the van! So we compare the sound giving priority to the angle and then to the distance many times, and in the end we decided to give priority to the angle. To maximize the distance, the rear monitors also settled slightly above the horizontal position, at an elevated angle. ”

GLM calibration

As smart active monitors such as The You are closely integrated with the software GLM, ABC was able to compensate for each monitor depending on the frequency response, the reproduction level and the distance delay. In fact, according to Iwahashi, GLM created the perfect environment for a precise immersive monitoring, despite the acoustic demands of space. "We adjust the angle of each monitor, set the reflections with acoustic absorption, calibrate them and then repeat the process of listening and fine adjustment," he explains. "The GLM software was very helpful to create an ideal monitoring environment. In addition, the visualizations of frequency drop points were easy to understand."

"We tried several study monitors during the installation process," continues Iwahashi. "The Uones stood out because they reproduced sounds of all kinds of sources clearly, throughout the frequency spectrum. In addition, in an OB unit, you have to place a TV monitor in front of the mixer, and the monitors must be placed so that they do not block it. This is easily achieved with the specific source design of The Uones, since they can be oriented vertically or horizontally without compromising the performance."