One thing that sets cinema sound apart from almost all other types of professional audio is that the goal for cinema playback is to be heard as much like the original recording as possible. This is significant, and not trivial. Filmmakers quite literally want you to experience their work as they saw it and heard … Read More
Before sound is heard through the loudspeakers, a cinema sound system must accomplish three primary functions – all which are typically performed by one, two or three individual components. A cinema processor takes digital content from the server and handles format selection, volume control, EQ, and typically outputs analog signals to drive amplifiers directly, or … Read More
How are cinema subwoofers different from professional audio subwoofers? Superficially, subwoofers for cinema and for professional audio applications may seem quite similar. While both are often big black boxes with dual 18” subwoofers, there are many differences due to the specific needs of each application. Let’s look at some of the differences between a cinema subwoofers, like … Read More
We are often asked to design “the best sound system” by a cinema owner. While we appreciate the opportunity to provide audio gear with outstanding performance, great sound requires more than just great equipment. Getting it right requires that you pay attention to each of these Six Steps. Skipping even ONE, will not get you … Read More
The Cinema industry has been hit hard by the COVID 19 shutdown. While we are optimistic about an eventual recovery, the industry will be changed by all that has occurred. Studio release patterns and theatrical windows are changing. Cinemas need other income streams that don’t rely so completely on major studio releases. Cinemas also need … Read More
Most conventional cinema “screen channel” loudspeakers are designed to sit on a platform behind the cinema screen. The low frequency (LF) enclosure is made of heavy MDF panels to offer the best low frequency performance for the lowest cost. The horn section is supported by metal brackets and is mounted to the top of the LF … Read More
In a previous blog about loudspeaker sensitivity, we looked at two readily available woofers to see how different specifications and construction techniques resulted in different amounts of low frequency output capability. For this discussion, we will take a single woofer design and see how using 1, 2 or 4 woofers affects total output capability. Doubling … Read More
Cinema dealers and customers often ask us which QSC speakers they could use to make a home cinema sound amazing. Many home cinema systems include an Audio Video Receiver (AVR). The AVR is the control center and power amplifier for typical 5.1 or 7.1 home theater sound systems with surround sound. The AVR contains 5 … Read More
Have you ever wondered which is a better method for wiring your surround speakers, and why?Some installers use Series-Parallel wiring schemes to conserve amp channels and raise load impedance on inferior amps. But at QSC, we have always recommended parallel wiring for all surround speakers when multiple speakers are combined on an amp channel. Parallel … Read More
In our previous blog post, Sensitivity Sensationalism, we looked at some incorrect assumptions often made around loudspeaker sensitivity and power ratings. We discussed the dangerous practice of publishing inflated specifications, including frequency range, power handling, impedance, and unspecified boundary loading conditions. And we promised a deep dive into the design of a Screen Channel Low … Read More