HHB Communications, the UK’s leading supplier of pro-audio technology, has provided Dolby’s UK headquarters in Royal Wootton Basset with an Avid Pro Tools | S6 modular control surface.
A multi-use theatre is used for the S6, to demonstrate the latest in Dolby technology and also for technical training, internal and external content creation and QCing Digital Cinema Packages. With all the different uses and different people working in the theatre, it is important that all the equipment integrates correctly and the room is easy to change into different configurations.
The S6 is used to demonstrate a full Dolby Atmos® mixing setup based around entirely in the box Pro Tools | HD 12 systems. The backbone of the system is a BSS Audio Soundweb London installation, which gives Dolby the flexibility to easily switch between theatrical replay and content creation environments.
Previously Dolby was using an eight-fader Avid D-Command. When the company was looking for a larger mixing desk, time was spent looking at all the solutions available and how they integrated with Dolby Atmos, as stated by Richard Stockdale, Manager, Produced Content, Content Services Group UK, Dolby.
“We need to be highly flexible in our workflows (receiving/sharing mix sessions with other facilities etc) so we were naturally drawn to a control surface over a more traditional mixing desk. The modular design of the S6 meant that we were able to create a control surface that would exactly suit our needs, both in terms of its physical form-factor and workflows,” Stockdale said.
Dolby and HHB have a very long-standing working relationship. “HHB is a dealer for Dolby Professional audio products so the flow of knowledge and support goes both ways between the two companies,” said Greg Wheeler, HHB’s Manager, Professional Audio Sales.
“The great thing about the S6 is the flexibility of what it can control within Pro Tools. This flexibility allows us to demonstrate almost all the varieties of different mixing workflows with Dolby Atmos,” Stockdale said. “With all the different ways in which the S6 can be configured, it means that when different mixers work in the theatre, they are able to work in a manner which they are accustomed to.”