MediaCorp upgrades TV theatre with dampb
Published: ASIA
SINGAPORE: A d&b audiotechnik sound reinforcement system was selected for Singaporean broadcaster MediaCorp’s multi-function TV theatre. Electronics and Engineering Pte Ltd installed the system with assistance from supervising engineer Soon Chee Boon, whilst d&b audiotechnik SE Asia defined the loudspeaker configuration and signal routing, and completed all tuning and commissioning for the project.
MediaCorp’s senior sound manager Sherman Lee stated that the 800-seat TV theatre required a new FOH PA system that would be able to cater for the wide range of shows that are filmed at the studio – which range from music competitions, variety shows, to festival celebrations.
Approaching Kenny Chng of d&b audiotechnik SE Asia, Mr Lee was presented with two demo systems comprising d&b T10 loudspeakers with ground stacked Q-subs and as an alternative, Q10 speakers with ground stacked Q-subs. The studio's primary sound technician Peter Tan worked alongside Mr Lee to conduct live listening tests with the two systems over a number of shows.
‘As we set up our demo PA systems at the studio, we were able to build a more permanent system design that addressed the TV theatre's applications, as well as the audio engineer's concerns regarding coverage and SPL,’ explained Mr Chng.
‘After listening to the d&b Q and T Series systems demonstrated in the studio, we found that the Q Series system design proposed by Kenny Chng was best suited our specific needs,’ added Mr Tan.
Qi10 install speakers were selected for left and right coverage, the centre array, and left and right fills. The studio out-fills comprise Qi7 installation loudspeakers whilst Qi-subs now reside in the studio as floor-standing speakers. The whole system is driven by d&b D12 amplifiers and configured (wirelessly) using a d&b R70 Ethernet to CAN interface.
‘Putting a “front on” rather than an “overhead” PA system into a studio demands very precise positioning and excellent pattern control behavior across the full frequency range,’ Mr Tan continued. ‘Delivery also needed to be at sound levels remarkably higher than is normal for a TV studio. All of these things have been achieved without compromising the broadcast sound, so we are very pleased.’
‘MediaCorp has upgraded its sound system in this TV theatre to a d&b sound system that delivers an “in-studio” experience to the audience, similar to that of a theatre or concert hall, yet without interfering with the capture of the sound for TV broadcast,’ explained Mr Lee. ‘That requires a delicate balance which was achieved through the great cooperation between the broadcaster's production resource team and the teams from d&b audiotechnik SE Asia and E&E.’