Sonoblok, one of the main companies of reference of south Europe, has built an imm sound studio. This studio is to be found in Room 1 of the Sonoblok dubbing studios and is equipped with the best available technology. Equipped with a 5.1 monitor system with JBL, this room was easily adapted to imm’s monitor configuration of 23.1. It took just a few days to update the studio to the new system, with minimal interruption to the professional activities of the studio.
At the heart of the imm sound system, we find the IAW (Immersive Audio Workstation), a piece of hardware that allows the engineer to create 3D panning and generate imm files as well as current standard versions within the market. This unit is an indispensable tool for creating imm soundtracks and has other functions for, amongst other things, room equalization and reproducing the imm soundtrack for final checks at the completion end of the project.
A 32 channel DFC-NEVE Gemini has been incorporated as the mixing console. This console is one of the world market standards in film mixing, acting as a bridge between Pro Tools and IAW reproduction systems through its plentiful MADI connections. imm sound is compatible with all available consoles and offers potential for development with the implementation of an imm sound monitor system.
This studio has been installed in compliance with current acoustic regulations and is totally compatible and functional with mixes in other formats. The studio has been classified as “imm-certified” and the team of engineers has completed exhaustive and accurate equalization tasks in compliance with imm’s strict regulations. This has ensured that the room has superior construction and acoustic quality and the first engineers to visit it were clearly impressed.
Several international producers have already shown an interest in creating the mix for their films in imm format and this April will see mixing begin for two new films.
Dean Humphreys, who recently visited this imm sound studio stated:
“My feeling when hearing imm sound for the first time was similar to when I first heard 5.1. Before 5.1 came along we were all working in a matrixed 2 track, but when 5.1 arrived it was a significant improvement and you couldn't wait to mix a film in this new format. I feel exactly the same now with imm sound."
Dean Humphreys, “The Pianist” re-recording mixer
The mission of this studio is to serve as a reference point for future studios; establishing protocol for the planning, execution and finalization of studio building. The transformation of an already existing studio to imm format is a simple, very low impact process.
Along the same lines, studios will be opening new imm sound stages in Los Angeles and Beijing. As an essential element of the company’s strategy, content is carefully managed down to the smallest detail. With filming beginning this year, it has been agreed that imm sound systems are to be used for post-production of several films. As such, with the cinema chain in exponential growth, a solid content distribution and with studios already in operation for post-production, imm sound is a strong competitor in the world’s 3D film industry.
