11 October 2010

Genelec in Control at KZN

Musicians in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africano longer have to travel out of their area to record their music thanks to a brand new 15mRand recording facility. The KZN Music studio brings the best technology available to the huge talent pool in the province as well as providing a lure to other top South African and international talent. Designed by Steve Moss of MMPA and Richard Mitchell of RM Recording, to a specific brief by Mbongeni Ngema, the studio’s main control room incorporatesseveral Genelec active monitors – the one provision stipulated by Mbongeni.

During construction of the facility, every effort was made to ensure the demanding specifications of the MMPA acoustic designs were met. All the recording and control rooms are freestanding structures with floor slabs that are floated on acoustic isolating materials to meet the low noise thresholds required for modern digital recordings.

The studio complex comprises of 3 entities, the first of which is the main control roomStudio 1, an Icon empowered room with a Pro Tools HD3 system, Genelec 1039A stereo monitors and a full Genelec 8250A DSP 5.1 surround system. The recording area has 4m high ceilings and is a carefully tuned 80sqm acoustic space. A comprehensive microphone selection from all thetop brands caters for the most demanding recording requirements. The multi feed headphone system allows the musicians to balance their monitoring needs to perfection.

The 8250A is a powerful wideband bi-amplified monitoring system capable of producing peak SPL of over 120dB per pair, with a low frequency response extending down to 35Hz. Ideal for recording studios the sophisticated low level active crossover has versatile controls for matching the monitor to difficult acoustic environments. The gently curved sided and front MDE™ enclosure and advanced Genelec Directivity Control Waveguide™ (DCW™) provide exceptionally smooth on and off axis frequency responses, precise imaging and optimal directivity across the whole audio spectrum.

Mounting of the 8250A is easy using the included Iso-Pod™(Isolation Positioner/Decoupler™) which eliminates coloration of the sound by decoupling the monitor from its mounting surface. The monitor can be tilted on the Iso-Pod™ to point the acoustic axis directly at the listening position.

The Genelec 1039A is a very powerful monitor system, designed for large control rooms. The speakers are designed for flush mounting in the control room wall, although they may be used free standing and can produce peak sound pressure levels in excess of 126 dB. Bass, midrange and treble controls are included to allow the speakers to be matched to the acoustic conditions in different control rooms. The sensitivity of the system to its environment is minimized by the unique Directivity Control Waveguide™ (DCW™) Technology, which provides excellent stereo imaging and frequency balance even in difficult acoustic situations.

Studio 2 is a Pro Tools 003 configuration with a Cubase option and the cream of computer software, such as Komplete 5, needed to create the now sounds of the KZN youth. The intimate vocal booth has the latest in Neuman M49 tube microphone technology to ensure crystal clear vocal quality.

The DVD Suite is a multi faceted room with Video Edit, DVD and CD mastering capabilities. The suite comprising of Final Cut Studio allows for professional video editing of the highest standard.

Allied to the three studios is a duplication system which produces finished master quality CDs at the rate of 20 per hour for limited release and promo material.The whole complex is driven by the latest Mac Pro Computers linked through the latest Apple X Serve technology for ease of data flow and backup.To complement the studio facilities a lounge, meeting room and canteen area caters for the clients.

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Editors Notes:

Since the founding of Genelec in 1978, professional audio monitoring has been at the core of the business. An unrivalled commitment to research and development has resulted in a number of industry firsts and established Genelec as the industry leader in active monitors. Over 30 years later Genelec monitoring products remain true to the original philosophy, offering reliability, neutral sound reproduction regardless of size, as well as the ability to adapt frequency response to the listening environment. Genelec clients receive paramount support in all aspects of the field, from acoustical advice and calibration services to technical service and long product life span. Buying a Genelec product is the soundest investment in audio monitoring.

Terho Savolainenor John Houston

Marketing ManagerDirector

Genelec OyWildwood PR

Olvitie 5, FIN-74100The Stables , Meadow Court

Iisalmi, Finland Faygate Lane, Faygate, RH12 4SJ

T +358 17 83 881+44 (0)1293 851115

F +358 17 812267+44 (0)1293 852448