PMC Speakers and Auro-3D Demo Immersive Surround for UK Record Producers

Two ground-breaking technologies came together at London's Metropolis Studios last week to deliver a truly immersive 3D experience to some of the UK's most influential record producers.  Hosted by the MPG (Music Producers Guild), the Introduction to Auro-3D® event gave recording professionals an opportunity to learn more about Auro Technologies' 3D audio format, which envelopes audiences in a cocoon of life-like sound. 

The Auro-3D® experience was delivered via nine PMC twotwo.5 monitors and a twotwo sub1-woofer, which were specifically chosen for their high levels of clarity, transparency and accuracy. PMC, which has worked closely with Auro Technologies for many demos, sent technical staff to Metropolis Studios, London, to ensure that the monitors were aligned ideally.  Ian Downs, Pro Audio Sales Manager for PMC, says: "With Auro-3D, and specifically Auro 9.1, the monitors are placed in a traditional 5.1 surround configuration, but with four additional speakers positioned in each corner of the studio at above-head height to give an immersive 3D feel. We have worked with Auro Technologies on previous demos, particularly in the US, so we were delighted to be able to support them at this event in the UK."

Members of the MPG include many eminent producers, recording engineers and re-mixers who have been responsible for numerous international hits. Record producer and MPG Executive Director Mick Glossop says: "Introducing our members to new technologies is all part of the MPG remit. We hold regular technical seminars, as well as networking events that take place in various venues throughout the UK. We were delighted to host this event to introduce Auro-3D® – a technology that certainly captured the imagination of those attending."

The Auro-3D presentation and demo was delivered by David Walstra, Vice president, Auro-3D® Content, at Auro Technologies.

"Auro-3D is revolutionizing audio by immersing the listener in 540° of sound," Walstra says. "This exciting move from Stereo or two-dimensional Surround Sound formats (5.1/7.1) to Auro-3D is a breakthrough achieved by adding the missing and final third dimension of height in front and around the listener. Our unique vertical stereo field around the audience creates a totally new level of immersion and marks a major leap in the evolution of natural sound reproduction. Thanks to the addition of height channels, natural acoustic reflections reach you as they would in real life, originating not only from around but also from above you."  To accomplish this,  discrete speakers should be used for ALL channels; no bouncing reflective speakers.  The goal is accurate and enveloping sound reproduction suited for all listening seats instead of a single sweet spot.

Based in Belgium, Auro Technologies is a spin-off of the Galaxy Studios Group and owner of the Auro-3D® Technology Suite. The Auro-3D® system, which was launched in 2006, was designed by Wilfried Van Baelen, founder of Galaxy Studios – a recording facility that is internationally acclaimed for its state-of-the-art leadership in audio innovation for music and film sound. Aimed at digital cinema, home cinema and mobile, gaming and automotive applications, Auro Technologies also believes that Auro-3D® has huge potential for the music industry.

"Consumer 3D content is here already– for both music and movies," David Walstra adds. "Following on from cinema releases in Auro-3D®, the first Blu-ray films are now being released and we expect many more to be made available in future. There are also more than 100 music titles in production, covering all kind of genres, of which the first (Souvenir, Remote Galaxy and Magnificat from 2L, Mando Diao’s Aelita, the ambient Lichtmond 3, and Tiesto’s Elements of Life) are already available in Pure Audio Blu-Ray. Hearing is believing and getting the Auro-3D® message out to recording professionals is very important. That is why we were so keen to work with the Music Producers Guild to deliver this event."