Solid State Logic (SSL) has enhanced the experience for live sound engineers at its demonstration facility by installing Reference Series loudspeakers from EM Acoustics.
The British console manufacturer chose EM Acoustics to create an acoustic environment where professionals can familiarise themselves with its Live Series consoles under conditions similar to those of a real live production.
SSL's demonstration area, located at its Oxford headquarters, is a purpose-built space where engineers can test the manufacturer's consoles in a familiar working environment. Whether it is a traditional setup with main and nearfield monitors for recording or immersive audio systems for broadcast, all rooms feature sound solutions tailored to their respective applications.
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This philosophy also extends to the room dedicated to Live consoles, where studio monitors have been replaced by a powerful yet portable EM Acoustics system.
We use this room so that visiting engineers can receive training on the consoles or prepare their show files. We want live sound engineers to come here and experience something similar to what they would encounter at a real event. That means not using studio monitors in this room, because that is not the type of system they will be mixing through when working on a live show, explains Tom Knowles, Director of Product Management at SSL.
For the past 12 years, the room had been equipped with a different portable solution. However, as that system approached the end of its service life, SSL began looking for a replacement, with EM Acoustics among its preferred options.
The new installation comprises two compact R8 precision point source loudspeakers, equipped with a narrow 80° × 50° rotatable waveguide, supported by an S-15 subwoofer. "They provide more than enough sound pressure level for this space, and even for larger applications, while remaining portable", says Ed Arnold, UK Support Team Leader for Large Format Consoles at SSL. "They are representative of what you might expect in a nearfield listening situation, such as working from a festival control tower".
Following listening tests and band rehearsals using the system, Arnold confirms that the loudspeakers match his listening preferences. "The high-frequency response is smooth, and the 1 to 2 kHz range doesn't have the aggressive harshness found in some systems. I also like 15-inch subwoofers because they generally deliver a punchier response than 18-inch models, and that seems to be the case here. That's why they work so well in this space".
Amplification and processing for the system are provided by a lightweight, four-channel DQ10 Class D amplifier with a switch-mode power supply, managed through System Engineer software.
System Engineer software is very intuitive and easy to use. I was able to familiarise myself with how it works without needing to consult the manual or request technical support, although that option was available. We quickly managed to configure the crossovers and delays, as well as create a graphical representation of the amplifier's four channels, Arnold explained.
In a project where the loudspeakers need to demonstrate the performance capabilities of the consoles, sound quality was one of the key criteria when selecting the system.
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"The system works very well, and that's exactly the point", says Knowles. "SSL is known for its audio quality, and one of the comments we hear most frequently about our Live consoles is that they sound really good. We need a system that can demonstrate that quality, and that's where our collaboration with EM Acoustics comes in".
For his part, Roger Harpum, Business Development Manager at EM Acoustics, highlights the importance of this collaboration.
We are delighted that SSL has chosen our loudspeakers and electronics to equip its live sound demonstration space. SSL consoles have always been recognised for their exceptional audio quality, so it is a great source of pride that they trust our Reference Series loudspeakers to showcase that performance, Harpum concludes.
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