Sennheiser Brings Transcendent Audio to Public Television For Front and Center Entertainment s Speakeasy
26/02/2015
Speakeasy is produced by Front and Center Entertainment's Don Maggi and Denis Gallagher and directed by Pierre and Fran ois Lamoureux of FogoLabs. It is new public television interview series that casts Rock n Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Grammy Award winners and some of the worlds most iconic musicians in an unrestrained and pure light, delivering the most authentic possible experience to living rooms across North America. Behind the scenes, the program is supported by an uncompromising technical platform consisting of an array of Sennheiser MKH 20 omni-directional microphones and Sennheisers renowned G3 wireless system for the recording phase, and a fully equipped 5.1 surround system with Neumann KH 120 nearfield monitors for mixing and post-production.
The program is regularly taped in the McKittrick Hotel, originally built in the 1930s as one of Manhattans most lavish and luxurious temporary residences. The recent renovation of the landmark building, which is also home of the theatrical production Sleep No More, served to create the ultimate, prohibition period backdrop for each of the interviews, which are stylish, intimate and rich in creativity.
At the end of the day, our job is to stay out of the way of the content and deliver programming in the purest sense, says Producer David Belafonte. Staying out of the way is a gift that should be left to only the best technical professionals and equipment. This is one reason he is pleased to be collaborating with Sennheiser, he explains. Over the years, this is a brand that has always delivered a consistent, qualitative value add for the artist. His own relationship with Sennheiser began in the 1970s, helping set up his fathers stage shows.
Making viewers feel like they were there
Pierre and Fran ois Lamoureux, both music graduates from Montreals McGill University who have extensive experience in audio for video, were responsible for creating the ultra-realisitc 5.1 audio experience that has become such an integral component of each Speakeasy production. To create such a sonically rich and detailed viewer experience, the pair relied on a combination of wireless lavaliers on the talent, in addition to an array of seven MKH 20 omnidirectional condenser microphones, which were placed around the perimeter of the room in a standard ITU specification to capture every nuance of the audiences reaction.
We tried to develop something unique with this series, where it really looks and sounds different than most talk shows, explains Fran ois Lamoureux. I wanted to have the option of having an omni and a supercardioid mic on the talent, and the other thing is that I knew I wanted to mic the entire room for surround. For the room mics, I had no hesitation choosing the Sennheiser MKH 20s I knew it had the gain I needed, as well as an exceptionally low noise floor so it would be quiet during passages where no one was speaking. I also knew it would deliver the most realistic experience for the viewers, making them feel like they were there.
Making a smooth translation with Neumann monitorsBefore mixing the shows, which included such illustrious and diverse guests as Roger Waters, John Mellencamp, Geddy Lee, Nile Rodgers, Carlos Santana and equally illustrious hosts of the guests own choosing, Fran ois acquired a 7.1 monitoring system, consisting of seven Neumann KH 120 near field monitors, set up to faithfully recreate the recording environment at the McKittrick Hotel as accurately as possible. Though the program is currently mixed in 5.1, Lamoureux intends to mix next season in 7.1 The Neumann KH 120s were unbelievable, he exclaims. As soon as I started mixing these shows, my mixes started translating extremely well, everywhere I played them.
During the taping of Speakeasy, Lamoureux monitors on Sennheiser HD 650 and HD 280 headphones before bringing the audio files to mix on his 7.1 Neumann monitoring set up at FogoLabs. When mixing, Lamoureux is looking for an authentic translation of what actually occurred in the room during the interview. I dont do any tricks, I just work with depth, he says. Since this is an interview show, my goal is to recreate the space so that the audience at home feels like they are in that room with me. I want it so when I shut my eyes, I can actually see the talent and the audience.
Ever since Lamoureux has been using the Neumann KH 120s, he has not had to compensate for any speaker limitations. These speakers have a very linear frequency response, he observes. While testing them, I realized I could mix according to what sounded good to me the only EQ I was doing was EQ that was needed. When I mix these shows, I very rarely have to make any changes. I attribute this in large part to having the right equipment.
A program still in its infancy, Speakeasy aims to continue bringing out the individual perspectives of a diverse range of artists. For David Belafonte, one of the more poignant moments was when Carlos Santana chose to be interviewed by his father, Harry Belafonte. When that came to pass, it made for a very interesting interview on both a spiritual level and a socio-political level, since both Carlos and my dad are very well versed in these topics.
For both Lamoureux and Belafonte, having Sennheiser at their side is critical. If you consider that the au
LINK: | http://www.live-production.tv/news/products/sennheiser-brings-transcen... |
See more stories from liveproduction |
Europe Stories
04/08/2024
Dalet Appoints Santiago Solanas as CEO to Lead Next Era of Growth and Innovation
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, is excited to announce Santiago Solanas as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO)....
03/06/2024
Dalet and Veritone Reach Agreement to Distribute, Transact and Monetize Media Archives
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, a...
28/04/2024
Mediahaus delivers the first SRT live-streaming sports production over 5G with URSA Broadcast G2
Mediahaus delivers the first SRT live-streaming sports production over 5G with U...
19/04/2024
RT NEWS ANNOUNCES SAMANTHA LIBRERI AS NEW EASTERN CORRESPONDENT
RT News is pleased to announce the appointment of RT journalist, Samantha Libreri, as Eastern Correspondent. Samantha will be reporting and providing analysis...
19/04/2024
Documentary Murder of a GAA Chairman' sheds light on the unanswered questions of the family of Sean Brown
Documentary Murder of a GAA Chairman sheds light on the unanswered questions of ...
18/04/2024
First Look: Tom Durant Pritchard joins the cast of crime drama Miss Scarlet for its fifth series
Tom Durant Pritchard as Alexander Blake Thursday 18 April 2024 Tom Durant Prit...
18/04/2024
How today's storage and memory decisions underpin future creativity
Ann Keefe, Regional Director - UK and Ireland at Kingston Technology, explains how storage and memory decisions made now are underpinning creativity in the futu...
18/04/2024
Escape Studios obtains UKVI licence to support international students
The newly acquired UKVI licence enables Escape Studios to recruit and retain international students By Matthew Corrigan Published: April 18, 2024 The newl...
18/04/2024
NAB 2024 popular among first time visitors
Attendees from more than 163 countries were present, including 34 delegation buying groups from around the world By Matthew Corrigan Published: April 18, 202...
18/04/2024
2024-04-18
Apple has reduced its overall greenhouse gas emissions by more than 55 percent since 2015, the company shared today in its 2024 Environmental Progress Report. T...
18/04/2024
Thales secures three major contracts to modernize the Portuguese railway infrastructure
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Thales alongside partners SISINT and CONECTICABO...
18/04/2024
RT Prime Time experiment reveals disturbing content recommended to 13 year old TikTok users in Ireland
In response to growing concerns raised regarding the adverse impact of TikTok co...
18/04/2024
Remembering Alf McCarthy and Larry Masterson
We were saddened to learn this morning of the passing of our friend and former colleague, Alf McCarthy who died yesterday. We remember Alf as a popular present...
17/04/2024
Spotify's Michael Krause Talks Industry Trends Ahead of Our Music and Podcasting Summits in Germany
On April 18 and 19, experts from across the audio industry-including artists, pu...
17/04/2024
Spotify Brings Entrepreneurs and Trailblazers Together to Talk the Future of Tech in the UK
With its particular combination of talent, ambition, culture, and, of course, wo...
17/04/2024
NextGen Partners With Howard University Professor Nikole Hannah-Jones on Student Podcasting Course
At Spotify, we want to equip student creators with the tools and resources neede...
17/04/2024
Colorfront showcases upgrades across product range
Colorfront has introduced AI vision-analysis tools to assist master QC operations with detecting framing anomalies, dead pixels, bright titles and sparkles By ...
17/04/2024
Meet the Founder and director
By TVBEurope Staff Published: April 17, 2024 Updated: April 18, 2024 Rory Springthorpe, founder and director at outside broadcasting company Vivid Broadc...
17/04/2024
HMS Networks completes a placement of 3,500,000 shares, raising proceeds of SEK 1,400 million
To read about the placement of shares, please confirm your location...
17/04/2024
Putting the spotlight on Global Shading Day
Posted on 17 Apr 2024 Creating traction and momentum around Global Shading Day was a key objective for the British Blind and Shutter Association in 2024. The ...
17/04/2024
HMS Networks explores the conditions to carry out a directed share issue of approximately SEK 1,400 million
To read about the directed share issue, please verify your country...
17/04/2024
ASTRA Media Factory has won Best of Show 2024 Award at NAB!
ASTRA Media Factory has won Best of Show 2024 Award at NAB! We are pleased to announce that our product ASTRA Media Factory has won in this year's Best of...
17/04/2024
2024-04-17
Apple today announced new progress to expand clean energy around the world and advance momentum toward Apple 2030, the company's bold goal to be carbon neut...
16/04/2024
A Spirit Between Worlds
Directed by H l na Klotz, La V nus dargent (aka Spirit of Ecstasy) presents the tale of Jeanne Francoeur (played by Claire Pommet), a young woman striving to es...
16/04/2024
Adobe previews generative AI tools to streamline professional video workflows
New generative AI tools will enable users of Adobe Premiere Pro to streamline editing all videos, including adding or removing objects in a scene or extending a...
16/04/2024
Atomos appoints Daniel Moore as new chief technical officer
Moore has led the development effort for over 20 products in the AV space By Matthew Corrigan Published: April 16, 2024 Moore has led the development effo...
16/04/2024
UNIT deliver picture post and colour grade for new BBC1 drama series
Coles enhanced colour separation, adding shape and depth to the characters through the use of a soft highlight and shadow roll off, and embracing the natural te...
16/04/2024
MAGYAR TELEKOM (THE COMPANY) HELD ITS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (GENERAL MEETING) ON APRIL 16, 2024.
MAGYAR TELEKOM (THE COMPANY ) HELD ITS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ( GENERAL MEETING...
16/04/2024
IRALTA VR's New Immersive Experience: Dive into the Galapagos Islands with Mistika VR
Published On: April 16th, 2024 data-orig-src=https://www.sgo.es/wp-content/upl...
16/04/2024
Interim report 2024, January - March
First quarter Net sales for the first quarter reached SEK 616 m (773), corresponding to a decrease of 20%. Currency translations had a negative effect of SEK 3...
16/04/2024
HMS Networks realizes immediate cost synergies and launches cost saving program to streamline the organization
Following the closing of the acquisition of Red Lion Controls ( Red Lion ) on Ap...
16/04/2024
Rodeo FX expands into colour grading with new Baselight suite
Article courtesy of Post Read the article Toronto's Rodeo FX has expanded its offerings into colour grading with the recent opening of a new Baselight gra...
16/04/2024
FilmLight's Nara connects creative teams
Article courtesy of Digital Media World Read the article FilmLight's Nara gives post-production facilities, VFX houses and other media professionals immed...
16/04/2024
Jigsaw24 partners FilmLight on its media tool Nara
Article courtesy of Televisual Read the article FilmLight has chosen Jigsaw24 Media as the first global and exclusive UK partner for its new content managemen...
16/04/2024
La Gran Carpa Catedral reaches new audiences across Europe and MENA thanks to Eutelsat Group satellite coverage
Photo credit: GETTY IMAGES Press release - 16 April 2024 10:45 La Gran Carpa...
16/04/2024
Operation and Further Development of the AOK Website
Arvato Systems Takes over Operation and Further Development of the AOK Website Digital Transformation in the Healthcare Sector Arvato Systems wins tender fro...
16/04/2024
2024-02-29
Apple today announced an expansion of Self Service Repair for MacBook Pro and iMac models powered by M3, with support available today. Since April 2022, Self Se...
16/04/2024
2024-04-16
Today Apple announced it will open Indonesia's fourth Apple Developer Academy in Bali, expanding on its investment to increase opportunities for developers,...
16/04/2024
Bots Now Make Up Nearly Half of All Internet Traffic Globally
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Automated and malicious traffic rises for a fifth consecutive year Bad bots account for 32% of all internet traffic 44% of all...
15/04/2024
SiliconCore adds to XR range with new 1.2mm XR LED Display
SiliconCores patented Common Cathode driver chip delivers frame rates of 240 Hz and a refresh rate of 7680Hz, enabling slow motion, multi-camera view and multip...
15/04/2024
Naphtali Cave joins MOOV
The UK-based virtual studio, sports and events graphics company has appointed Naphtali Cave into a newly created role to drive technical innovation and creativi...
15/04/2024
Finalists Confirmed for 2024 RT All Ireland Drama Festival, as RT Celebrates 20 years as title sponsor
Three plays never-before performed will feature in the finals of the 2024 RT Al...
15/04/2024
Change of CFO in Telenor Group
1 minute read Share alt=Alternative descriptive text class=lazyload main main-lazyloaded responsive-image data-v-1a5ebb10> Tone Hegland Bachke, Executi...
15/04/2024
Video confidence at a glance with 360 Live Mosaic
We are delighted to launch the new 360 Live Mosaic application on the Agama Enterprise platform, our central umbrella system. This capability allows for the ea...
15/04/2024
Thales to supply seven additional Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission Compact radars for the Dutch Ministry of Defence
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn COMMIT (Command Materiel and IT), the Dutch mili...
14/04/2024
DPA MICROPHONES UNVEILS AIR1 UNIVERSAL MINIATURE FUR WINDSCREEN AT NAB 2024
A Professional Windscreen Designed for Lavalier and Headset Microphones That Guarantees Highly Efficient Wind Protection and Unrivaled Acoustic Transparency DP...
13/04/2024
Lighting a Horror Scene With LEE Filters
In this video, gaffer Elena Armellini takes viewers behind the scenes as she lights a horror scene. She and her crew black-out the locations windows to give the...
13/04/2024
Blackmagic Design unveils game-changer' URSA Cine 12K
The company has also unveiled DaVinci Resolve 19, which adds new AI tools, as well as over 100 feature upgrades By Jenny Priestley Published: April 13, 2024 ...
13/04/2024
Fellowship Church Drastically Elevates Reliability and Quality With Riedel Communications
Wuppertal April 13, 2024 Fellowship Church Drastically Elevates Reliability an...
13/04/2024
ATK Versacom Excels With Riedel Communications at High-Profile Broadcast Events
Wuppertal April 13, 2024 ATK Versacom Excels With Riedel Communications at High-Profile Broadcast EventsRiedel Communications today announced that it showcase...