SoundField recording surround from a single point in space Pieter Schillebeeckx
A little history. It all began in 1933 with Alan Blumlein. In the 70 s two mathematicians M. Gerzon and P. Craven expanded on Blumlein s theory and came up with the SoundField concept. In the late 70 s concept turned into reality and the first SoundField microphone was developed by Calrec under the guidance of Ken Farrar.
The microphone. All our microphone systems are based on our patented multi-capsule array Each of the four capsules in the array pick up sound from a different direction. It is this information which is used to capture a soundfield. The four signals from the capsules are collectively named A-Format.
The microphone system. Each SoundField microphone is supplied with its own calibrated control unit which accepts the four A-Format microphone signals and converts them into SoundField B- Format.
SoundField B-Format SoundField Technology is based on the principle that all acoustic events can be represented by four basic elements: X,Y and Z represent depth, width and height respectively. W represents the central point from which the above three elements are referenced.
SoundField B-Format The SoundField control units perform the conversion of the four A-Format microphone signals into B- Format. Once the SoundField B-Format is recorded onto four tracks, this information can be decoded into any required audio format: mono, stereo, M/S, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 or any custom multi-speaker playback system.
SoundField in post-production. Complete post production control over the delivery format stereo, 5.1, 6.1 and beyond. Ability to change microphone parameters after the performance has occurred.
The hardware way W X Y Z SP451 B-Format Inputs SP451 Surround Sound Processor. 5.1 Surround Outputs L C R LS RS SUB BASS
The software way The Surround Zone is the latest addition to the SoundField product range and is a plug-in available for ProTools, Nuendo and SADIE. Access to a wide range of surroun sound formats, including 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 from a single mouse click. Unrivalled 3D manipulation of the surround recording at postproduction stages.
A mic for any occasion Live Performance Film & Location Broadcast Studio
Challenges in recording 5.1 for HD broadcast. Recording 5.1 environments rather than creating them movie style. Mixdown from 5.1 to stereo and mono: HD production will also need to satisfy SD broadcasts. Automated mixdown at the consumer end. Logistics: Microphone placement and cabling.
Challenges in recording 5.1 for HD broadcast. Transforming a stereo environment into a 5.1 capable environment studios, trucks, transmission, etc. Same budget higher expectations after the initial investment the running costs are to be the same. Create an enhancing experience not an annoying one, surround sound is to add to the excitement not to detract from the event itself.
Some major events using SoundField? World Cup Japan/Korea 2002 Host Broadcaster Olympic games 2004 NBC Confederation Cup Host Broadcaster Premiership Football SKY Sports Helsinki Athletic Championship YLE World Cup Germany 2006 Host Broadcaster
SD consume VDT Surround Sound Symposium 2005 SoundField in a broadcast environment. Commentators Venue Effects Truck HD consumers B-Format Ambience Satellite Connection HD Transmission Broadcast Centre SD Transmission
ST350 SoundField Portable Pocket Size Solution for Professional Surround and Stereo Recording.
For more in depth information and Surround sound demonstrations visit our demo room S1. Thank you for your attention