8341A SAM™ Studiomonitori

The Technische Hochschule Lübeck – University of Applied Sciences – has upgraded its recording studio from 5.1 and stereo recording to more object-based immersive mixing, thanks to Genelec Smart Active Monitoring. The facility has been upgraded to provide the university’s students with hands-on experience of the latest recording techniques.

Ralf-Ingo Koch, Information Technology and Design Lecturer, always puts focus on supporting students’ careers with the very latest production tools. “Today’s full-service agencies need experts and generalists who know all the production paths, possibilities and limits of the entire cross-media portfolio,” he explains. “That’s why we train students comprehensively – from photography and print to 3D animation, web programming and film, to stereographic fulldome productions with immersive 3D sound.”

After scanning the market for studio monitors and testing various systems, Genelec’s The Ones three-way monitors were selected for the project primarily for their coaxial design, compact size and impressive sound. The studio now boasts six workstations each with a Dolby Atmos Production Suite for mixing over headphones, plus one workstation with an Avid S6 console, Dolby Atmos Mastering Suite with RMU, and a Genelec monitoring system. This system comprises S360s in the LCR positions, 8351s and 8341s as surrounds and overheads, with 7380 subwoofers delivering low end support.

Genelec speakers have powerful performance, and we are thrilled with the sound!

“The Ones models allow for very good sonic imaging even in more difficult seating locations, thanks to their wide dispersion pattern,” says Arne Heyna, Lab Engineer at the university. “Genelec speakers have powerful performance, and we are thrilled with the sound!”

Additionally, GLM software played an important role in the new studio by efficiently configuring all the monitors. “There are only a few systems that can calibrate a sufficiently large number of monitors at the same time. We did not only plan for Dolby Atmos formats, but also equipped the studio with fulldome projects in mind, and here, GLM was very helpful in calibrating the different setups. This was a crucial point in choosing Genelec,” Koch explains.

“It’s very nice to make measurements and corrections easily and quickly without a lot of manual work,” Heyna adds. “We were surprised to see how well and easily this works with GLM, and by the possibilities there are for subsequent individual adjustments. It’s also great to be able to save the calibration settings directly to the monitors, so they can wake up with the same calibration over and over again. This is definitely a welcome relief in an already technically complex work environment.”

GLM was very helpful, and a crucial point in choosing Genelec.

The room’s entire signal routing and monitoring has been programmed and configured from stereo music production to 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos and 10.1.4+1 fulldome mixes – including backwards compatibility with previous technology set-ups – meaning that the upgraded space provides everything the university’s team was looking for. “It was quite an elaborate process, but also a very exciting and instructive one,” Heyna recalls.

“Another challenge was familiarising ourselves with Dolby’s technical and format-related specifications, since we wanted to implement as much as we could ourselves, to understand the whole background and context,” adds Koch. “We could have hired a planning office for that, of course, but instead we wanted to achieve as much as possible independently. So once again I designed the studio in advance, this time to scale in a 3D modelling software, for perfect speaker orientation.”

Heyna concludes: “Students’ feedback has been great so far – everyone is really excited about the studio’s new sound and look.”

Tenderdyn Arts is a facility where technology and content are interwoven. Located in the Denver suburb of Castle Rock, Tenderdyn Arts’ recording studio has made itself home to recordings and performances by world-renowned artists such as Akademia Music Award Jazz Artist of the Year Louis Colaiannia, and pianist Lara Downes (Classical Woman of the Year for 2022), while its InStudioNow series creates videos of interviews with those talented and committed artists for release with their music for a multi-media audience. In August 2020, the studio made the leap into immersive sound, and it chose Genelec as the foundation for its monitoring. After outfitting its video post-production and media studio with a small prototypical 7.1.4 speaker arrangement as proof of concept, Tenderdyn Arts founder and owner Tad Wheeler moved to upgrade the main studio’s control room to a full Dolby Atmos®-compatible system. Three Genelec 8341A speakers comprise the L-C-R array; four Genelec 8330A speakers are used for left and right rear and side surrounds and four more for the overhead array. A pair of Genelec 7360A subwoofers using the same LFE feed complete the monitoring array.

“I talked extensively with other studio owners in Los Angeles, New York, Nashville and elsewhere about implementing immersive sound, and it seemed like the way to go, especially for the work that we specialize in,” Wheeler explains. In fact, within months Tenderdyn Arts had developed a reputation as an immersive go-to destination. In October of that year, the first immersive recording and mix done there, Mark D’Ambrosio’s Bird of Paradise LP, was released. Tenderdyn Arts has continued to work in immersive music and video since then including working with Jorge Elbrecht on the immersive release of Japanese Breakfast’s Jubilee LP – nominated at this year’s GRAMMY® Awards. Most recently, Gerry "The Gov" Brown and Bobby Campbell have been working on John Legend's back catalog at Tenderdyn Arts and are excited to bring in more artists/projects moving forward.

Jorge Elbrecht remarked, "The acoustics at Tenderdyn Arts were so balanced, and the facility dialed in so well that the resulting mixes needed very little revising to get absolutely perfect--a seamless and enjoyable transition into Dolby Atmos mixing for me.”

Bobby Campbell noted, “Mixing in Dolby Atmos at Tenderdyn has been a great learning experience as well as proving to translate in other Dolby listening environments all the way down to the Binaural headphone rendering. Thanks to Tad's rock-solid room design, paired with the speaker calibration, we are able to have an enjoyable mixing process with extremely professional results.”

Wheeler credits Genelec Inc. Senior Technical Sales Manager Paul Stewart for helping refine the layout of his immersive monitoring array, using Genelec’s GLM loudspeaker calibration software. The new Genelec monitoring has been both effective and accurate. “I’ve been able to help other engineers in the area learn about immersive sound as a result of the having the Genelec system here, and Bobby Campbell, who is mixing the John Legend tracks, commented on how well they translated here,” he says. “Genelec speakers are amazing under any circumstances, but for immersive music they are unsurpassed.”

Wheeler is currently assisting Bobby Campbell in the creation of a new facility, an 1,800 square-foot studio in the Denver Tech Center that will house two Atmos-equipped studios modeled on his current control room’s dimensions, and which will also be used to train engineers and producers in the immersive arts. Wheeler says he’s looking forward to having Genelec monitoring in that facility as well, when it opens as planned later this year. “Putting the Genelecs in the current studio has already changed everything, and the reaction to them has been fantastic,” he says. “Artists come in to work, they hear it, and then they threaten not to leave!”

Can you tell us a little about how you ended up in audio?

The reason I got into engineering is because of my mom. She found out about Full Sail University in the April of 2008 and told me I should go there because I'll love it. I'd never heard of audio engineering until she told me about it, and she didn’t give me a choice if I wanted to go or not, so a month later I was a student there! These days, I mix mainly pop, hip hop and R&B songs at my studio, and I work on a lot of short films.

What kind of studio space do you have and what's the history of the place?

My studio is in the city of Columbia, in a cabin connected to another building where bleacher seating for stadiums is manufactured. The company owned that building for 20 years before they made this cabin for the owner's son. The studio room's size is 15x23x16 ft, 16 in the middle of the room.

What are the key items of equipment in your studio?

My Apogee Symphony MK II interface, Avid Dock, Pro Tools, and Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM).

How did you become interested in immersive audio and start to equip your studio for it?

I first became interested early last year after a random studio tour popped up on YouTube showing a recently finished room - I was considering going 7.1 for films at the time. That studio tour video blew my mind, and when I saw that the music business was moving into immersive audio, I decided to get into it myself. I made a few calls to get some information, but generally people didn't seem to know much about it. I knew the number of speakers I wanted and where they'd be going, so I reached out to Genelec on Instagram, and the next thing I know, I’m on the phone with Paul Stewart (great guy, love him). Paul took me through everything step by step over about a week, and ensured I had everything working. Thanks, Paul.

How does it feel to mix in immersive, are there any new challenges?

When I first started mixing in immersive, it felt weird. I could spread everything out as I didn’t have to make room in the mix anymore. The challenge is that you think you should do something because of the increased possibilities, and that can blind you from doing what the song needs versus what you might want to do for it.

What Genelecs are you using and why did you choose them?

My left and right monitors are 8341s, the center monitor is 8331, LFE is 7350, and the rest are 8330s. When I chose to go immersive, I looked at three big brands including Genelec and since I knew that a lot of film mixers use Genelec, I figured it had to be for a good reason. In my opinion, that reason is GLM. Personally, I don’t have the perfect room, so GLM tightens up my low end nicely, and the delay and level adjustments make a big difference.

What are you working on right now and how's business so far with your new setup?

I’m working on two albums right now, one that's pop and the other R&B. I only finished my room last week, so I'm yet to see how things will turn out for me business-wise in immersive audio. I do believe however, that it was an excellent decision to make the jump. I think immersive audio is here to stay, and in 3 to 5 years it will be the main playback format for music. Of course, stereo will still be relevant.

To find out more about Orpheus Sounds, click here

Do you want to be featured in our ‘Immersive Talk’ series? If so, just post some pictures of your setup on Instagram using the #GenelecImmersive hashtag. We’ll be keeping a look out for the most interesting setups, so who knows? We may be in touch with you!

Olemme varmasti tottuneet kuulemaan, että Genelecin lippulaivan, SAM (Smart Active Monitor) -sarjan The Ones -aktiivikaiuttimet ovat suosittuja huippuluokan tuotantostudioissa. Tiedämme pitkän luettelon tuottajia ja muusikoita ympäri maailmaa, jotka arvostavat laadukkaiden ja kompaktien kolmitiestudiomonitorien toiston laatua, tarkkuutta ja läpinäkyvyyttä. Ei kuitenkaan ole mitään syytä, miksi kotona ei voisi hyödyntää samaa suorituskykyä kuin ammattistudiossa – ja juuri tämän joensuulainen Jarno Vihonen päätti toteuttaa omaan asuntoonsa.

Audiofiiliksi tunnustautuva Jarno tiesi Genelecin jo entuudestaan, sillä hän on käyttänyt heidän tuotteita olohuoneessaan vuosien ajan parantaakseen elokuvien katselu- ja pelaamiskokemustaan. "Lukuisat luovan alan tekijät muusikoista videopelien äänisuunnittelijoihin luottavat Genelecin kaiuttimiin työvälineinään", hän selittää. "Ennen kaikkea haluan luoda kotiini ääniympäristön, jossa kuulen ammattilaisten työn juuri sellaisena kuin he ovat tarkoittaneet sen kuultavan. Genelecin GLM-kalibrointiohjelmisto korjaa taajuusvasteen pahimmat korostumat ja vaimentumat jotka tämä erikoisen muotoinen kuuntelutila muuten aiheuttaisi."

"Alkuperäinen settini oli 5.1 -järjestelmä, joka toteutettiin kompakteilla 8020B-kaiuttimilla ja 7050B-subwooferilla", hän jatkaa. "Kun tuo olohuoneen setti asennettiin, se oli jo aika edistyksellinen... Mutta kun The Ones:it julkaistiin, ei ollut kysymystäkään siitä, ettenkö investoisi niihin. Hankin ensimmäisen Ones-settini lisäämällä kolme 8351A:ta eturiviin sekä 8340A-parin takariviin. Kokonsa puolesta se toimi täydellisesti olohuoneeni tilaan ja äänentoistonkin kannalta se oli ensiluokkainen. Kuitenkin, kun tapasin Genelecin Pasi Pönkän yhden heidän kalibrointitapahtumansa kautta, hän sai sen kuulostamaan vieläkin paremmalta."

Ennen kaikkea haluan kuulla äänet kotonani täsmälleen niin kuin ne on tarkoitettu kuultavan

Genelec tarjoaa Suomessa säännöllisesti kalibrointikiertueita, joihin asiakkaat voivat rekisteröityä verkossa ja kertoa millainen Genelecin SAM-setti heillä on. Genelecin asiantuntijat järjestävät sen jälkeen ajan vieraillakseen jokaisen asiakkaan luona, jolloin he voivat keskustella kaiuttimien sijoittelusta ja huoneen akustiikasta. Tämän jälkeen kokeneen asiantuntijan on helppo auttaa asiakasta hienosäätämään asetukset täydellisiksi. "Huomasin, että asetuksista keskustelu Pasin ja muiden asiakkaiden kanssa oli erittäin antoisaa", muistelee Jarno. "Hänellä oli selvästi todella paljon kokemusta siitä, kuinka asiakkaita autetaan saamaan paras mahdollinen lopputulos erilaisissa tiloissa, olipa kyseessä The Ones -aktiivikaiuttimia kotonaan käyttävä asiakas tai ammattilaisstudio, jossa äänitetään huippuartisteille."

"Pasin manuaalinen hienosäätö järjestelmän GLM-kalibrointiasetuksiin tuotti vielä parempia tuloksia kuin oma puhtaasti automaattinen kalibrointini. Sain myös vinkkejä siitä, kuinka voisin korjata joitain epäsymmetrisen tilan asettamia haasteita."

"Jarnon epätavallisen muotoinen tila ansaitsi ehdottomasti erityistä huomiota kalibroinnissa", sanoo myös Pasi. ”GLM:n AutoCal, automaattinen kalibrointialgoritmi on loistava työkalu useimmissa tilanteissa, mutta kun on korjattava tiettyjä poikkeavuuksia, kuten tässä tapauksessa, niin pieni manuaalinen säätö voi vaikuttaa todella paljon. On myös tilanteita, että jotkut asiakkaat haluavat kotiympäristössä mieluummin hieman enemmän "ilmaa" tai "maustetta" äänensävyyn, kuin täysin tasaista kalibrointia, jolloin pieni manuaalinen hienosäätö voi auttaa. Uusi GLM 4.1 -päivitys, joka sisältää uuden sukupolven AutoCal 2 -algoritmin, tekee kuitenkin suurimman osan työstä automaattisesti, joten asiakkaiden kannattaa huomioida, että hienosäätöä tarvitaan nykyään paljon vähemmän kuin alkuperäisen AutoCal-kalibroinnin jälkeen.”

GLM:n päivitetty, uuden sukupolven AutoCal 2 -algoritmi on vaikuttanut valtavasti lopputulokseen

Kun Genelec laajensi Ones-valikoimaa uusilla malleilla sekä 8351A:n päivityksellä 8351B:ksi, Jarnoa houkutteli uusia oman settinsä 8351A-kaiuttimet. ”Olin alun perin harkinnut päivittämistä samankokoisiin kaiuttimiin, siirtymällä 8351A:sta 8351B:hen, jotka tarjoaisivat paremman äänenpaineen, laajemman bassotoiston ja monipuolisemmat akustiset säädöt. Lopulta päädyin kuitenkin isompaan ja tehokkaampaan lippulaivatuotteeseen: 8361A:han, joka lupasi ylivoimaisen kuuntelukokemuksen. Tavoitteeni oli myös varmistaa settini tulevaisuuden varalta, jos minulla on joskus mahdollisuus rakentaa räätälöity tila immersiiviselle Dolby Atmos tms. -järjestelmälle.”

Hankkiessaan 8361A:t Jarno päätti pureutua myös joihinkin akustisiin haasteisiin, jotka liittyvät hänen epätavallisen muotoiseen kuuntelutilaansa, jonka korkeus on osassa huonetta kaksinkertainen. Kaikki kaiuttimet sijoiteltiin uudelleen, mukaan lukien äskettäin päivitetyt surround-kaiuttimet (nyt 8341A:t) ja 7380A-subwoofer. Hän asensi laskostetut verhot vaimentamaan äänen heijastumista olohuoneen paljaista pinnoista sekä muutamia taitavasti piilotettuja akustointipaneeleja vaimentamaan kaiuntaa.

Nyt kun uusi kokoonpano on valmis, kiinnostaa tietää, mitä mieltä Jarno on lopputuloksesta? "Ensi silmäyksellä ajattelin, että 8361A:t ovat koomisen suuret, sillä kuvien perusteella on vaikea hahmottaa niiden oikeaa kokoa", hän sanoo hymyillen. "Nyt olen kuitenkin jo tottunut niihin, joten se ei ole enää shokki!”

”Mitä tulee kuuntelukokemukseen, niin nautin siitä todella! Uudet kaiuttimet lisäävät merkittävän kerroksen vivahteita, etenkin alemmilla taajuuksilla. Vertaisin eroa siihen, että 8351A:ta käytetään kalibroimattomana ja kalibroituna – bassotaajuudet olivat aina kuultavissa, mutta kalibroimattomana ne saattoivat kuulostaa tilassani dominoivalta. Luulen, että laitteistopäivityksen lisäksi (samoin kuin kaiuttimien fyysinen koko aiempaan verrattuna), 8361A-mallin laajempi kalibrointisäätimien valikoima ja GLM:n uusi AutoCal 2 -kalibrointialgoritmi ovat vaikuttaneet valtavasti lopputulokseen.

"Vaihdettaessa isompiin kaiuttimiin olen myös huomannut, että subwooferini tekee paljon vähemmän töitä, koska siitä lähtien en ole ohjannut pääkaiuttimien alempia taajuuksia siihen. Näin ollen se voi nyt käsitellä yksinomaan bassoa, kun toistetaan surround-mediaa, kuten elokuvia tai pelejä, mikä tekee myös merkittävän eron. Rakastan todella sitä, mitä olemme saaneet aikaan, se on paljon enemmän kuin olisin osannut toivoa.”

Vaikka Jarno on innoissaan nykyisestä setistään, hänen kunnianhimoiset suunnitelmansa eivät lopu tähän – tavoitteena on laajentaa kokoonpanoa immersiiviseksi lisäämällä siihen yläkaiuttimet. ”Videopelien kehittäjät siirtyvät hitaasti mutta varmasti pois perinteisestä surround-äänestä ja ottavat Dolby Atmosin käyttöön seuraavien sukupolvien peleihin. Se on myös minun tavoitteeni tulevissa päivityksissä – vaikkakin luultavasti joudun lykkämään sitä, kunnes minulla on uusi tila jota työstää!"

It completely fixes every last detail in the room and is therefore at the heart of our mastering process.

“We had never had this type of combined system in the studio before and at first we were a bit unsure about the idea,” admits Axelsson. “But once it was installed, we were completely blown away! The concept of combining the W371 woofer system with ‘The Ones’ coaxial design of the 8351 allowed a free-standing full range system for us, and we are planning to install that type of hybrid more in the future – it completely fixes every last detail in the room and is therefore at the heart of our mastering process.”

The 8351s in Studio 3.

The combined Genelec system created directivity for Axelsson as well as total freedom from negative room influences. “We originally had the Genelec 1038ACs as mains in the mastering room, and this was a great monitor to use for this. We loved the sound of these three-way centre speakers in a stereo setup and we were really happy with them, but then we had a problem with the bass that we couldn’t really fix,” he explains. “So, we decided to get in the W371s, not really thinking it would be the final solution, but after the second calibration was set up and combined with the back wall reflections, it managed to take care of exactly what we needed it to – we had never seen that type of installation work before. We are not disappointed, we love the system!”

The new mastering setup in Studio 2.

To get the best out of the new setup, Axelsson chose to use GLM loudspeaker manager software for both the studio’s final configuration as well as for its day-to-day operation. “I always use the GLM setup,” he explains. “It’s more than a good speaker calibration system, it’s great for comparing levels while we’re mastering as well as finalising little details. We also use it as a monitor controller, especially with the new GLM 4 version, and we always have the reference mic and GLM connected which creates a nice flow.”

The technology surpasses all of our expectations every time, and we are working with an amazing set up.

This new mastering suite is just one example of where Axelsson’s passion for Genelec can be seen. But away from the mastering suite, Genelec monitoring is also seen everywhere throughout the building. In Studio 1, which is primarily used for EdTech’s e-learning projects, 8341 and 1037 three-way studio monitors combine with a 7071 subwoofer. While in Studio 3, PAMA’s music studios, Axelsson has opted for 8010, 8351 and 1234 monitoring solutions.

The Genelec collection in Studio 3.

“Genelec is the standard that we are happy to work around,” says Axelsson. “It is our reference wherever we go. The technology surpasses all of our expectations every time, and we are working with an amazing set up at the moment which is by far the perfect solution for us.”

Grammy-palkittu Morten Lindberg on todellinen edelläkävijä korkealaatuisten immersiivisten musiikkitallenteiden tuotannossa. Perustettuaan vuonna 1992 oman tuotantoyhtiönsä Lindberg Lyd:n, Lindberg aloitti myös 2L-levy-yhtiönsä. Tarkoitus oli erikoistua korkeatasoisten tallenteiden tuottamiseen kansainvälisestä ohjelmistosta norjalaisten säveltäjien ja muusikoiden kanssa. Äänitteiden laadun parantamiseksi Lindberg on uusinut jälkituotantostudionsa monitorijärjestelmän 7.1.4 -kanavaiseen formaattiin Genelecin SAM (Smart Active Monitor) sarjan kolmitiekaiuttimilla ja bassokaiuttimilla.

Lindberg kertoo: “Kun olet kuullut immersiivistä äänitettä, paluu stereoon on todella vaikeaa. Kun aloitin äänitteiden tuotannon 90-luvun alussa, stereo asetti ne rajat joiden sisällä työtä tehtiin. Ei ollut muutakaan. Sitten 2000-luvun alussa tuli surround ja avasi uuden, laajemman äänikuvan. Kun aloimme kokeilla immersiivistä ääniformaattia, odotimme että korkeusulottuvuuden lisääminen vain parantaisi yksityiskohtien erottumista ja resoluutiota. Instrumenteille, musiikin linjoille ja soinnuille käytettävissä olevan tilan lisääntymistä ja niin edelleen. Mutta ei se mennyt niin. Saimmekin tunteisiin vetoavan ulottuvuuden. Kolmannen ulottuvuuden lisääminen äänikuvaan tuotti kymmenkertaisesti voimakkaamman tunnevaikutuksen.”

Lindbergin uudistettu jälkituotantostudio on suunniteltu immersiivisten äänitteiden muokkaamiseen, miksaamiseen ja masterointiin. Sekä Dolby Atmos-, että Auro-3D -yhteensopiva monitorointijärjestelmä käsittää pääasiassa Genelecin “The Ones” -sarjan aktiivikaiuttimia: seitsemän 8351B koaksiaalista kolmitiekaiutinta ja W371A adaptiivista bassokaiutinta normaalikorkeudella, neljä pienempää 8341A -mallia ylhäällä ja 7380A -subwoofer toistamassa LFE-kanavan. Lisäksi yksi 8320A on sijoitettu subwooferin päälle toistamaan mahdolliset yli 120 hertsin taajuudet LFE-signaalista. Näin voidaan varmistua ettei LFE-kanavan sisällöstä jää mitään kuulematta.

“Huomasin että The Ones -malliston koaksiaalinen rakenne tuottaa ällistyttävän hyvän äänikuvan ei vain surround-kanavissa vaan kokonaisuutena, myös korkeussuunnassa, ja toistaa uskollisesti kaikki äänitteen yksityiskohdat. Kaikki käyttämämme The Ones -sarjan kaiuttimet pystyvät toistamaan koko äänialueen, joten W371A-bassokaiuttimien varsinainen tehtävä on ulottua matalille taajuuksille, tuntoaistin alueelle missä koemme äänen enemmän värähtelynä kuin kuuloaistimuksena.”

Lindberg jatkaa: “Koko kehomme on itse asiassa hyvin pitkälle kehittynyt aistikokonaisuus ja kehon kautta välittyvä musiikkikokemus on paljon laajempi kuin perinteinen käsitys äänestä ja kuuloaistista. W371A tarjoaa useita erilaisia suuntaavuusvaihtoehtoja, joista voi olla hyötyä pienemmissä tai akustisesti hankalissa huoneissa, mutta tällaisessa tilavassa ja akustiikaltaan hyvässä huoneessa totesin W371A:n pääkaiuttimien taajuusvastetta mahdollisimman tasaisesti jatkavan ”complementary”-asetuksen tuottavan avoimimman ja luonnollisimman toiston jatkumisen sille alueelle, jossa ääniaallot alkavat tuntua vatsan pohjassa.”

Lindberg käyttää Genelecin GLM-ohjelmistoa kaiutinjärjestelmän kytkemiseen, kalibrointiin ja hallintaan. “Mittaamalla toiston eri kuuntelupisteissä ja eri paikoissa työalueella pystymme optimoimaan kaiutinjärjestelmän varsin näppärästi tässä huoneessa. Erityisen käyttökelpoiseksi huomasin GLM:n joustavuuden kaiuttimien määrän, sijoituksen ja konfiguroinnin kannalta. Lisäksi GLM hallitsee koko kaiutinjärjestelmää. Sen kautta pääsee käsiksi jokaisen kaiuttimen asetuksiin.”

Vaikka kokemus, ammattitaito ja hienoin teknologia ovat tärkeitä työkaluja Lindbergin luovassa työssä, hän ei ole unohtanut todellista tavoitettaan musiikin alalla: “Meille täydellinen äänite on sellainen, joka voi saada sinut itkemään...tai nauramaan. Herättää tunteita.”

The Berlinbased seven piece band previously used Genelec monitors in hired studios and their own editing bay, leaving them eager to find out what the brand could do for their mix room.

The BossHoss formed in 2004, and the self-proclaimed Country Trash Punk Rockers have released 10 studio albums to date and show no signs of slowing down. When heading into the recording sessions for their slated 2021 release, they turned to German audio supplier SMM for advice on how to improve the sessions.

The stereo image is second to none – really precise, accurate and exactly what we needed.

“When working on a new album, we always like to try out new equipment to drive creativity,” explains BossHoss guitarist, songwriter and producer Sascha Vollmer. “A friend of mine from SMM recommended I give Genelec a try and sure enough, when I was introduced to the 8341s, I was instantly hooked.”

The band are now using a single pair of 8341s in a stereo configuration. “Since we have installed the 8341s, we don’t use our midfield speakers anymore,” Vollmer explains. “The stereo image is second to none – really precise, accurate and exactly what we needed.”

One of the major benefits of this new monitoring system has been the use of GLM (Genelec Loudspeaker Manager) software. Vollmer has been particularly impressed with GLM and the ability to auto-calibrate the 8341 setup to suit the band’s ever-changing recording environment. “Having the freedom to adapt with the GLM application was ideal for us as we are often having to change furniture as well as instruments hanging on the walls,” Vollmer continues. “GLM gave us flexibility as well as quick and easy configuration if we wanted to switch rooms.”

The new album was mixed with the Genelec system and I realised that’s the mix I’m most proud of.

Part of ‘The Ones’ range of three-way coaxial, ultimate point source monitors, the 8341s deliver precision reference performance. The Ones’ design provides extraordinary imaging, extended frequency response, controlled directivity and fatigue-free listening – even on long sessions.

Vollmer also appreciates the heightened level of detail in his mixes: “Sometimes when we’re listening back to each song, we realise that we have to add extra elements. We probably wouldn’t have picked up on that type of detail with any previous monitor. That’s why we want to continue to use Genelec for future recordings and mixing sessions – we don’t want to miss anything else.”

He concludes: “Just recently, I had a long car ride and listened through our last three to four albums. The new album was mixed with the Genelec system and I realised that’s the mix I’m most proud of – it just translated so perfectly. Genelec has become an essential part of our studio.”

The multi-room project - which includes both immersive and 5.1 surround studios as well as a host of video edit suites - was handled by SES-Audio, and all 15 rooms feature Genelec Smart Active Monitoring.

Studio 1 - which has been awarded Dolby Atmos HE certification – features a 7.1.4 system based entirely on the 8341 coaxial monitors from The Ones series. Eleven 8341s handle the LCR, surround and height positions, complemented by a 7380 subwoofer.

Studio 2 is also a 7.1.4 immersive room, again with 8341s in all positions supported by two 7360 subwoofers, and has complete compatibility with Studio 1 for maximum flexibility in optimising workflows.

Studio 3 is a 5.1 space powered by five 8320 nearfield two-way monitors and a 7350 subwoofer, while a separate Quality Control room has been equipped with eleven 8330 two-way nearfield models and a 7360 subwoofer. This room is designed to guarantee sound quality throughout the post-production chain, to meet the highest standards required by cinema and OTT platforms, and is capable of playing back content in all formats.

Finally, there are a total of 11 video editing rooms, each one equipped with 8330 monitors.

Charly Schmukler, head of Drago's Sound Post Production department, comments that “The Dolby Atmos certification allows us to adapt to the latest trends in the audiovisual industry with the certainty that we are working in an environment that meets the highest quality. This in turn guarantees a perfect transcription of our work to the domestic environment.”

Sebastian recently acquired the award-winning point source nearfield monitors from Genelec’s Australian distribution partner, Studio Connections, and they now take pride of place alongside his existing pair of 1034B main monitors.

Sebastian first came to prominence in 2003 as the first winner of Australian Idol. Since then, his career has gone from strength-to-strength with platinum records in the US and Australia, and sell-out tours around the world. This success has enabled him to create a purpose-built recording space in his new home, giving him the ability to work on new projects as soon as inspiration strikes.

The architectural design for the studio was handled by acoustic designer John Sayers, with Sebastian taking responsibility for the interior. “This house is like a concrete bunker,” explains Sebastian. “It’s concrete and black steel and really tough, so I wanted the studio to have a bit more of a modern sort of vibe. I wanted to keep it pretty monochrome, and really minimal and clean looking.”

With Sebastian being a self-confessed gear-junkie, owning a vintage mic collection that would be the envy of anyone, the studio is filled with some of the finest historic recording equipment including a fully restored Siemens Sitral console. Juxtaposing all this classic equipment are the pair of distinctly modern white Genelec 8341As.

“They are beautiful,” says Sebastian, who also took advantage of Genelec’s GLM calibration software to help tune the speakers to the space. “It was great to be able to use the Genelec GLM technology to get them tuned perfectly. It didn’t do a lot to the monitors, just a few little frequency fixes, but it was good.”

By contrast, Sebastian’s 1034B main monitors were acquired a number of years ago. “I’ve had them for a while from Los Angeles, and they were sitting in storage while this place was getting built,” he explains. “They cause me to not crank the speakers. When you are listening to big monitors, unless you’re listening loud it’s hard to get the punch. These are super-punchy and still clear, even at low levels.”

Reflecting on the decision to create the space, Sebastian is clearly satisfied with the results. “The studio was an investment for me, but it’s sort of already paid off in the amount of time I’ve spent here and the amount I’ve used it on the road and in my recordings,” he explains. “I’m the Musical Director in my band, so I’ll put all the tracks together and other elements for live. I do a lot of pre-production in the studio and I rehearse in here because everything is where you need it.”

The decision he has made with regards to his monitoring solution equally appears to have paid off. “You need good monitors – and it doesn’t get better than Genelec!” he concludes.

Audio Lisbon had been working in 5.1 for a long time, so the ability to handle fully immersive content was a natural progression. “Being a new facility designed from scratch, it seemed logical to plan and install this format early, to avoid making changes in the future,” explains Pedro Carvalho, Partner at Audio Lisbon. “It is also a way for us to be able to offer other solutions to regular customers, as well as attracting new clients from other markets.”

Having made this decision, the next challenge was to find the right tools to enhance the studio’s workflow. “We considered several brands and systems for immersive audio monitoring,” recalls Carvalho. “We wanted auto-calibrated nearfield active monitors with an SPL that suited the room volume, and had AES/EBU connectivity so as to integrate with our Avid MTRX interface. Of course, they also had to sound good.”

It was at this point that Genelec’s local distribution partner Garrett Audiovisuais became involved in the project. “Ever since Genelec launched The Ones series of coaxial three–way monitors, we had been curious to hear what they could do,” says Carvalho. “After a visit to hear the 8351s at Garrett’s listening room, which happens to be nearby, all of our doubts were dispelled.”

It is a huge advantage to have a system that corrects minor anomalies in room acoustics.

Working with Marcelo Tavares from Audiodesigner for the acoustic design and Paulo Mendes for the technical design and installation, Audio Lisbon ultimately opted for an all–Genelec 7.1.4 Smart Active Monitoring solution. 8341A coaxial monitors have been installed in the LCR positions, while 8340A two-way monitors have been used for side and rear surrounds, and 8330A two-way monitors handle the ceiling channels. Two subwoofers have also been employed, to handle the LF content and provide bass management for the system. A 7370A subwoofer is coupled with the front and surround monitors, while the more compact 7360A model was chosen to partner the ceiling monitors.

Following the installation of the system, Carvalho describes the fine tuning possible with the GLM calibration software as “the icing on the cake”. “Although I had absolute confidence in Marcelo's work acoustically, it is a huge advantage to have a system that corrects minor anomalies in room acoustics, and makes it possible to store different calibration settings from 2.0 to 7.1.4 in a practical and effective way,” he reflects.

I'm a fan of these coaxial models. The quality and sound detail is impressive and the size/power ratio is amazing.

With the new post facility now fully operational, Carvalho is certainly happy with the results it has achieved and the new monitors in particular. “I'm a fan of these coaxial models. The quality and sound detail is impressive and the size/power ratio is amazing. Even though we have chosen a mixture of coaxial and conventional two–way models for our system, the balance obtained is really good. They also have a good dynamic range and good transient response. This investment represents an opportunity for expansion into other markets at both national and international level.”

The Lennon Bus, which is a state-of-the-art mobile audio and HD video recording and production facility, regularly provides free digital media production workshops to schools across the US and Canada - enabling students to learn how to write, record, and produce original songs, music videos, documentaries, and live multi-camera video productions. To ensure that students experience the best possible audio quality, the monitoring systems in the Bus’s two onboard studios have recently been upgraded to Genelec’s ‘The Ones’ coaxial three-way point source models.

“We go to a lot of under-served schools and a lot of communities that are under-resourced, so bringing something that really represents the best of the industry is eye-opening and can be life-changing for kids and communities,” explains Brian Rothschild, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Lennon Bus. “Having the new studio monitors onboard continues that trajectory for us.”

Genelec has been a long-term sponsor of the Lennon Bus with the two-way 8240A Smart Active Monitors and 7260A subwoofer having originally been installed in each of the Bus’s 5.1 studios. “When we installed those Genelecs, the difference in the sound was just readily apparent and really impressive, and we thought that it had to be as good as it could get,” recalls Jeff Sobel, Creative Technology Director for the Lennon Bus. “Then when The Ones came out and we had the opportunity to use the 8341s, we thought we would give it a try. I think we were all expecting there to be a subtle difference in the sound, and we didn’t really see how it could be too much better. But it was remarkable. The first time that we played some music through them after installing them, it was really eye-opening how much clearer they sounded and how much better the imaging was.”

The upgrade has seen the US Lennon Bus move to the same technical setup as its European counterpart, with all 10 of the original 8240As having been directly replaced by 8341A coaxial studio monitors, with the 7260A subwoofers being retained.

Genelec’s Smart Active Monitoring technology has been particularly important for this project, since this has enabled the Lennon Bus’s technical team to create specific calibration presets for different configurations of the Bus, using Genelec’s GLM software. “The ability to tune the speakers to the room and the fact that it is a really simple, easy process is fantastic,” says Sobel. “The Bus is a configurable space. It has sliding glass doors that can partition off the rooms from each other and that changes the acoustics of the space as well. Using the Genelec Smart Active Monitoring technology, we can have different calibration presets for ‘doors open’ and ‘doors closed’, to suit various ways we work. Our Bus is designed to be as flexible as possible and the Genelec monitors are perfectly suited to that.”

With the new monitoring system in place, the Bus is ideally positioned to keep inspiring the next generation of recording musicians. “What we really like to do on the Lennon Bus is to demonstrate industry-standard, professional quality systems,” explains Sobel. “When students or artists come in, they are impressed. It’s the same things that they’ll find in the best recording studios in the world. It just has that credentialled atmosphere to it, which puts people in the ‘We can do anything here’ mindset.”

“For me it’s also about the self-esteem that the Lennon Bus is often responsible for with the visitors,” adds Rothschild. “The fact that folks care enough to actually bring something that represents the top of what the industry has to offer, and to bring it to under-served communities makes a big impact. The Bus is a living legacy of John and Yoko’s work and everything we do is ultimately to set the conditions and encourage people to imagine, work for and spread peace.”

The recordings, which relied heavily on Genelec monitors throughout, were debuted at the recent Inter BEE show in Japan and will form a key part of Genelec’s critical listening sessions at global shows and events in the future.

Sibelius Hall in Lahti, Finland.

Sawaguchi recalls how the project came about thanks to conversations that took place at last year’s AES spatial audio conference in Tokyo. “I gave a lecture about immersive music recording and demonstrated various recordings from the UNAMAS label in the Genelec demo room. At the event I had discussions with Genelec’s MD Siamäk Naghian about working together on an immersive recording that could become a reference disc for the company.”

A year later and the project had developed further with professional double bassist and Genelec brand artist, Juho Martikainen, working closely with Sawaguchi on the concept. The pair worked to select the music for the recording and the classical musicians for the performance.

“It was a very natural process and there was a lot of freedom for me to decide with whom I would like to play and which type of repertoire we would record,” says Martikainen. “Mick really loves the sound of the double bass and wanted classical performances, because he felt this type of music really suits the immersive audio format.

“I went through many options when choosing the pieces but decided to play it safe and go with Franz Schubert’s Trout Quintet for the first piece as it is an all-time favourite for me,” continues Martikainen. “We then chose Jean-Baptiste Barriere’s Sonate No:10 which is a Baroque piece, originally composed for two cellos, but we played an arrangement for a double bass and cello instead. And then of course I had to play one piece composed by Giovanni Bottesini as I think he was a true master of the instrument. So I chose maybe his most famous piece, Elegy.”

“We wanted to use the latest equipment but keep the mic’ing as simple as possible,” adds Sawaguchi. “We opted for a spider tree setup with the artists placed around the main mic, with other microphones placed to capture the rich sound of the hall. This is what I call ‘Subjective Immersive’, as we are using microphones as tools to capture the art.”

L-R Mick Sawaguchi and Juho Martikainen.

The monitoring solution comprised a pair of Genelec’s 8341 coaxial point source monitors located within a lobby space of Lahti’s Sibelius Hall, which operated as a monitoring room for the immersive recording before the final mix by Sawaguchi at his recording studio back in Japan. In this type of adhoc monitoring environment, Genelec’s GLM calibration software was invaluable in optimising the 8341s for the space and minimising any unwanted acoustic influences.

“With this kind of on-location recording, monitoring situations can be challenging - very rarely do you find a recording location where there is a dedicated monitor room with good acoustics,” observes Martikainen. “But the 8341s were the perfect solution as we were all able to hear what we had played, and how it really sounded – which is ideal for musicians.

L-R Mick Sawaguchi and Juho Martikainen.

“I think in general nowadays, many recordings are too polished and end up losing the vibe and the atmosphere of the actual moment,” reflects Martikainen. “For us at Genelec, it’s all about the music and this is the point we were trying to make. It’s about the creativity and to be there to help inspire the best possible level of musical ability. I was very happy when I heard the tracks and I think the system has captured this vibe brilliantly!”

After its first very successful public performance at Inter BEE, the recordings will be used to help showcase Genelec immersive systems at events globally, and Genelec is also researching what other type of platforms it can use for immersive material. “I think there’s been a big rise in the popularity of immersive music and I’m certain it will be the new format that customers will use and enjoy,” states Martikainen.

L-R Juho Martikainen and Mick Sawaguchi at Inter BEE.

Looking back fondly on the experience, Martikainen concludes: “Working with Mick Sawaguchi on this project was a once in a lifetime opportunity. As a musician, it was a great thing to be a part of, and I feel incredibly lucky to have played with great colleagues in a great hall with great equipment - it doesn’t get any better than that!”

Anchored by a 2,200-square-foot, three-studio complex, it offers a main recording space with variable acoustics, a drum room with a removable floor to reveal six Foley pits, four isolation booths, and a machine room enabling interconnectivity through the entire studio complex. What it also has now are monitors from Genelec, the leader in active monitoring technology for four decades, in the two main control rooms, installed there this past spring.

The main control room now has a 5.1 monitoring array comprising Genelec 8351A Smart Active Monitors™ as the L-C-R front array, a pair of 8341A Smart Active Monitors as the rear-surround array — all part of Genelec’s “The Ones” series of products — and a 7380A Smart Active Subwoofer™. The second control room now has a Genelec 8020.LSE Espresso 5.1 monitor system with five 8350A Smart Active Monitors around the room and a 7050B Studio Subwoofer. The systems’ Smart Active Monitor technology allows them to make the most of all modern acoustic environments.

“It was time to update our monitoring, and we wanted a speaker that would be consistent throughout the studio complex,” explains Michael Harvey, Program Director, Audio Technology, Dept. of Performing Arts, at American University. “We wanted the mixes to be able to translate seamlessly between the two main control rooms. But just as importantly, we wanted our mixes and recordings to translate accurately everywhere else, too. We wanted speakers that would let our students become familiar with what leading engineers and producers use every day. That is Genelec.” Harvey says the two Genelec-equipped studios are of different sizes, but the two different Genelec speaker series they bought are both perfectly suited to each room’s dimensions and acoustics, yet also provide the brand and response consistency that they sought, so that as mixes and recordings move from studio to studio, students always hear a familiar tonality.

Fried Music Helsingin Punavuoressa on Immosen sanoin jo 16 vuotta vaikuttanut “hyvien tyyppien ja musiikintekijöiden hub-tila.” Jukka Immonen perusti The Fried Music Oy:n rakentaakseen järkevää ympäristöä musiikin käsityöläisyyden ympärille. Nuorena hän vaikuttui suomalaisen säveltäjän, Kim Kuusen pyörittämän Musicmakers Oy:n tavasta tehdä hommia.

“Tajusin silloin, että yhteistyössä on voimaa, ja tämä on tapa jolla haluan työskennellä. Kun on paljon taitavia osaajia ympärillä, saman katon alla, tekijät saavat keskenään jubailla ja fiilistellä. On se aina kivempi kuin nököttää yksin autotallin nurkassa tai jossain kellarissa.”

Vuonna 2002 Immonen otti yhtiökumppaneidensa kanssa riskin ja investoi isoihin tiloihin keskustassa. Katseet tähtäsivät korkealle. Yritystä lähdettiin kasvattamaan hyvien tyyppien kautta.

Nyt Pursimiehenkadulla kahteen kerrokseen jakautuvat tilat kätkevät sisäänsä yhteensä 10 ammattistudiota, 11 tuottajaa, biisinkirjoittajia, musiikin tuotantoyhtiön ja kustantamon sekä EMI Capitol -labelin.

Samaa ajattelumallia haluttiin viedä Los Angelesiin, jotta voitaisiin tukea Fried Musicin yhtä ydinvisioista: kansainvälistä tekemistä. Keväällä 2017 Fried Music avasi studiotilan Los Angelesiin ja tarjoaa nyt eväitä suomalaisille tekijöille maailmanvalloitukseen.

Los Angelesin studiolla ja sen parissa ahkerasti työskennelleet Jukka Immonen, Teemu Brunila ja Jonas Karlsson kertoivat projektin taustoista sekä kokemuksiaan studion Genelec-kuuntelusta.

Omakotitalon mediahuoneesta studioksi

Jukka Immonen kertoo, että studion avaaminen Los Angelesiin lähti Fried Musicin tuottaja Jonas Karlssonin päätöksen myötä.

“Jonas löysi aivan mahtavan paikan ja yhdessä lähdimme rakentamaan pysyvämpää toimintaa Los Angelesiin. Nyt meillä on tila, johon saamme tuotua amerikkalaisia artisteja ja kirjoittajia.”

Ennen Fried Musicilla oli yksi studiosetti, joka haettiin ja pystytettiin jokaisella Losin reissulla aina johonkin Airbnb-asuntoon. Studiosettiä säilytettiin elokuvasäveltäjä Lasse Enersenin autotallissa. Nykyisin Enersen vaikuttaa myös Fried Musicin studioilla. Ainainen kamojen roudaus alkoi hiljalleen rasittaa tekijöitä ja ajatus vakiotitiloista kypsyi.

Nyt alle puolen tunnin ajomatkan päässä Sunset Boulevardilta, Mount Washingtonissa Fried Musicin vuokraaman omakotitalon mediahuone on muokattu studiokäyttöön. Talo mahdollistaa yhtä aikaa “talonmiehen” lisäksi kahden tekijän työskentelyn. Tiloista löytyy jokaiselle pieni hotellihuone, kaksi työskentelypistettä ja yksi iso studio.

Los Angelesin studio mahdollistaa amerikkalaisten artistien ja kirjoittajien kanssa työskentelyn paikan päällä sekä suomalaisille osaajille musiikin tekemisen.

Los Angelesissa ei tarvitse tehdä yksin

Immosen mielestä kansainvälinen tekeminen on Suomessa ollut aika yksin puurtamista.

“Jos apua saa, sitä kannattaa hyödyntää, yksin ei maailmalla pärjää. Haluamme mahdollistaa suomalaisille tekijöille järkivuokralla työskentelyn alustalla, jossa ei tarvitse tehdä yksin. Välittämättä siitä kenen kustantajan tai managementin alla on.”

Fried Musicilta Brunilan lisäksi esimerkiksi Hank Solo on viime aikoina työskennellyt Losista käsin.

Fried Musicilla tehdään niin Helsingissä kuin Los Angelesissakin paljon yhdessä.

“Nyt esimerkiksi kun Teemu Brunila on Losissa, hän tekee biisin kirjoittamisen kanssa töitä, tekee sessioita ja lähettää meille Helsinkiin materiaaleja ja demoja. Me täällä teemme kappaleita valmiiksi erilaisilla tiimeillä.”

Teemu Brunila ja JP Cooper ihastuivat 8341-kaiuttimiin

Suomalainen, The Crash-yhtyeestäkin tunnettu muusikko ja musiikintekijä Teemu Brunila on työskennellyt viime aikoina tiiviisti Los Angelesin studiolla. Hän on tehnyt paljon töitä esimerkiksi brittiartisti JP Cooperin kanssa. Artistin lähes kolmensadan miljoonan striimausluvuissa pyörivä September Song -kappale on Teemun tuottama.

Immosen hyvien kokemusten perusteella Los Angelesin studiolle päädyttiin hankkimaan Genelecin 8341-kaiuttimet sekä 7370-subwoofer. Studiolla 8341:t ovat hurmanneet sekä Brunilan että JP Cooperin.

"Tutustuin uusiin Geneleceihin Losin studiossa, kun meillä oli sessiot JP Cooperin kanssa, ja me molemmat ihastuimme näihin kaiuttimiin.”

Brunila korostaa studiomonitoreiden monipuolista kuuntelua, mikä helpottaa kirjoitussessioissa työskentelyä.

“Genelecit toimivat hienosti alhaisella volyymilla ja toisaalta myös kovempaa luukuttaessa. Jälkimmäinen on todella tärkeää kirjoitussessioissa, kun takarivi pitää saada tulille.”

Genelecien 8341-monitorit ja 7370-subwoofer asennettiin tilaan yhteistyössä Genelecin asiantuntijan kanssa. Losin studiolla lähdettiin tavoittelemaan samaa balanssia, joka oli toiminut Helsingissä Fried Musicin studiolla. Brunila on käyttäjänä ollut tyytyväinen lopputulokseen.

“Musiikki soi koko huoneessa eikä ainoastaan pöydän edessä, mikä vaivasi aiempien kaiuttimien kanssa. Nyt ne ovat poissa täältä ja Genelecit rokkaavat aamusta iltaan.”

Palaute myös muilta tekijöiltä ympäristöstä on ollut vaikuttavaa.

“Monien kirjoittajien kanssa tulee keskusteltua näistä kaiuttimista, soundin lisäksi designkin erottuu edukseen. Aivan loistavat kaiuttimet!”

Nuoria suomalaisia tekijöitä kaivataan

Tulevaisuudessa Immonen haluaa yhdessä Brunilan kanssa perustamansa Fried Publishing Oy -musiikkikustantamon kautta rakentaa kirjoittajille kotimaassa turvattua toimeentuloa, jotta voi lähteä kurkottamaan maailmalle.

Mukaan halutaan myös yhä enemmän lahjakkaita nuoria, nousevia tekijöitä. Immosella ja Brunilalla on vuosien kokemus siitä, miten ja milloin ulkomaille kannattaa suunnata.

“Toki jokainen kaksikymppinen musan tekijä olisi lähtemässä maailmalle, jos sitä tarjotaan. Mutta tärkeintä on ajoittaa hetki oikein, kun on tarpeeksi osaamista ja pohjaa lähteä.”

Immonen korostaa, että on tärkeää saada tuoreilta tekijöiltä uusia ajatuksia ja toimintapoja työskentelyyn.

Immonen on ollut vaikuttamassa myös musiikinopetuksen tulevaisuuteen Suomessa. Hänen mielestään opetuksessa pitäisi painottaa enemmän luovaa tekemistä, kuten biisin kirjoittamista, sekä kannustaa tiimityöhön.

“Opetushallituksen työryhmässä rakensimme uuden, alkuvuodesta 2018 julkaistun musiikkituotannon ammattitutkinnon.”

Myös ympäristön visuaalisuudella on merkitystä. Teemu Brunila: “Monien kirjoittajien kanssa tulee keskusteltua näistä kaiuttimista, soundin lisäksi designkin erottuu edukseen.”

Ympäristö kuuluu tekemisessä – ja se on pelkästään positiivista

Immonen toteaa studioympäristön lisäksi paikallisella ympäristöllä olevan suuri merkitys luovaan työskentelyyn. On tiedettävä minne ja millaisille markkinoille musiikkia tehdään. On ymmärrettävä paikallista kulttuuria, tiedettävä mitä tapahtuu ja mitä siellä kuunnellaan.

“Kun ajaa Losissa ja kuuntelee paikallista radiota, katselee telkkaria ja tapaa ihmisiä, pääsee kulttuuriin ihan eri tavalla sisään. Kun meidän tekijät käyvät Tanskassa, Ruotsissa tai Losissa ja tulevat takaisin, kuulen uusia asioita, joita en ole kuullut heidän tekevän Suomessa. Ja se on pelkästään positiivista.“

Suomalaista muotoilua ja teknologiaa

Jonas Karlsson on yksi pisimpään Los Angelesin studiolla aikaa viettäneistä Fried Musicin tuottajista. Hän on päässyt myös työskentelemään Genelecin studiomonitoreilla ja kehuukin monitoreiden monipuolisuutta.

"Hyvin tasapainoinen äänensävy ja hämmentävän hieno stereokuva. Isona plussana myös futuristinen muotoilu.”

8341-monitorit ja 7370-subwoofer ovat tukeneet Karlssonin työskentelyä. Hän on saanut tarkkuutta erityisesti alataajuuksilla työskentelyyn.

“Erittäin tarkka ja todenmukainen alataajuuksien toisto, varsinkin kriittisellä 200-400 hertsin alueella. Ensimmäistä kertaa tuntuu, että pystyn tekemään alataajuuksilla hienon tarkkoja korjauksia.”

Genelec-kuuntelu on helpottanut ja nopeuttanut tekemistä.

“Kaiuttimet ovat nopeuttaneet huomattavasti työntekoani sekä mahdollistaneet pitkätkin sessiot ilman kuunteluväsymystä.”

Jukka Immonen mainitsee olevansa ylpeä siitä, että suomalaisten tekijöiden lisäksi saa viedä maailmalle suomalaista teknologiaa ja designia.

“Suomalaisuus ei missään nimessä ole itseisarvo, mutta kun homma toimii niin valehtelisin jos väittäisin, etten olisi fiiliksissä siitä, että meillä on Genelecit siellä”.

Valokuvat: Arttu Peljo

Lue myös, miten Jukka Immonen hyödyntää Genelecin 8351-studiomonitoreita Fried Musicin Helsingin studiolla:

www.genelec.fi/-/reference/tuottaja-jukka-immonen

Founded in 1995, Sixième Son strategically reinforces brand recognition and enhances the customer experience specifically through sound, music and voice. With a team of highly talented composers and sound designers, the company has tailor-made audio identities for over 400 clients, including global brands such as Krug, Samsung, Renault and Coca Cola.

Sixième Son has a deep relationship with Genelec, both as a long-term user and also the company behind Genelec’s own sonic identity. As such, when the agency decided to update its studio monitors, there was only one choice. “Although our equipment was high quality, we had some very technical requests which required state-of-the-art monitors,” recalls Ella Duda, International Strategy Director at Sixième Son. “We had been using older Genelec models, which have served us incredibly well, so it was only natural that we sought out new monitors from the same brand. Like Genelec, we’re always looking for the finest sound quality so there wasn't any doubt which brand we would go with.”

Their speaker technology is compact without compromising the sound.

The studio decided to make the move from a 2.1 solution to a 5.1 setup comprised of three 8341A coaxial three-way monitors as LCR, a pair of the more compact 8331A coaxial models for the surrounds, and a 7370A subwoofer handling the low frequencies. “The need for a state-of-the-art system was accelerated mainly by the increase in demand for broadcast mixing for films,” explains Studio Manager Romain Morlat. “As such, we naturally gravitated to Genelec products due to their technical excellence, as demonstrated in ‘The Ones’ coaxial models that we’ve chosen. Additionally, their technology is compact without compromising the sound, so we could easily integrate their monitors into our space.”

The project looked to be moving ahead at speed until it came up against the same challenges that just about every project has faced in 2020. The new monitors arrived in France just as the country went into a national lockdown. Morlat received special permission to test the new equipment to ensure everything was in order, but public safety came first and the installation itself had to wait until France emerged from its lockdown.

The GLM software was essential to the proper set up and calibration of the system.

As soon as the country began to get back on its feet, Morlat set to work with the installation and commissioning of the new system, with Genelec’s GLM calibration software playing an important role. “We found that GLM was essential to the proper set up and calibration of the system, both in stereo and multichannel formats,” states Morlat. “We're very confident that everything is optimised.”

With the new solution installed and people returning to a safe working environment, the team at Sixième Son are quickly getting to grips with their new monitoring setup. “It has been an instant hit,” says Duda. “The precision that the solution gives us in terms of frequency and depth, is incredible.”

“Now that we have our Genelec setup, we can improve the way we work on complex projects – like a VR apartment tour which we recently completed – and be more creative at the same time,” adds Morlat. “As a bonus, the experiences that we give our customers at the studio are more immersive than ever. Now, since we can do absolutely everything in house, there’s no need to outsource for surround mixes. It’s a great feeling and a milestone for us.”

Reflecting on the project as a whole, the entire team is clearly delighted to have the 5.1 setup and believes it will serve Sixième Son well through its continued growth. “We are beyond happy and so grateful to have the new monitors in our studios,” Duda concludes. “We always strive to have good, quality materials, of course, but our new Genelec monitors take us to the next level.”