Tech Focus: Audio Monitoring, Part 3 - Correcting for the Room New software products are designed to fix the monitoring environment By Dan Daley, Audio Editor
Thursday, August 9, 2018 - 12:29 pm
Print This Story
Story Highlights
When it comes to audio monitoring, the quality - or lack thereof - of the speakers themselves has always been the focus of listener compliments or complaints. However, over the past several years, the environments in which those speakers function have increasingly been considered in sonic evaluations.
A great speaker - based on reasonably objective criteria found in its spec sheet - can quickly become a mediocre one when placed in an especially challenging space. The audio compartment of a remote-production vehicle or trailer is the ultimate Petrie dish for this phenomenon, which becomes even more complex when audio mixes have to move among different spaces and through an assortment of speakers.
I'm glad that people are finally starting to acknowledge that the speaker and the room it's in are not disconnected from one another, observes Peter Chaikin, director, recording and retail solutions, JBL brand, Harman Professional.
Blue Sky's Audio Management Controller
In response, speaker manufacturers have been developing and refining so-called room-correction systems: software that can aurally analyze a particular space's metrics, such as its size and reflectivity, and adjust the performance of the speakers to that environment. JBL, Blue Sky, Genelec - all regularly present in broadcast-sports remote-production facilities - and other brands have developed these room-correction products.
Some began by focusing on LFE correction. For example, JBL's Intonato 24 system works solely below 500 Hz, and Blue Sky's Audio Management Controller (AMC) traces its beginnings to the company's now discontinued Bass Management Controller. However, all are intended to optimize frequency response to the spaces they're used in.
A Growing Product Class
Blue Sky's eight-channel DSP-based AMC system provides control over levels, balance, mute, selection of house curves, and various other settings and will support configurations up to 7.1. Any input can be routed to any output, and multiple inputs can be mixed and routed to any outputs. Each channel features 1/3 octave EQ, eight bands of parametric EQ and filters, and variable delay for time alignment. Other features include eight system presets (EQ curves, etc.), lip-sync delay, 7.1 bass management with variable cutoff frequency per channel, and an externally accessible mute input. LFE management comes through a 10-band parametric equalizer. Digital inputs have a built-in sample-rate converter, which can be bypassed in Pure-Digital mode for 48-kHz/96-kHz operation.
According to Chris Fichera, VP, audio, Group One Ltd., which markets Blue Sky speakers, AMC can be configured for up to 16 channels via specially written software that combines two complete systems into a single array, and those configurations, he notes, are already in use for Dolby Atmos monitoring in some broadcast-studio environments. A 5.1+4 configuration for remote-production applications is also available and has been implemented in at least one truck under construction.
There are still some spacing and positioning issues for the overhead speakers, he cautions. But it can be done using our existing [speaker] products. The real question has to do with demand from viewers. Are soundbars going to be enough to jump-start this market for consumers?
JBL's Intonato 24 Monitor Management Tuning System
Housed in a 2RU enclosure, JBL's Intonato 24 Monitor Management Tuning System calibrates and controls up to 24 speakers configured as stereo, surround, or immersive audio systems. Although it's intended to be used with JBL's 7 Series Master Reference Monitors, Intonato 24 is also is compatible with other monitors; additionally, Harman's BLUlink network protocol allows Intonato 24 to be digitally networked with Crown power amplifiers. It features internal routing and a mixer to provide monitoring flexibility for combination of up to 24 analog and digital sources, which can be patched, routed, and selectively monitored via any of the connected speaker or headphone systems. Up to four subwoofers can be assigned as bass-management subs with selectable crossover settings, and the same or different subwoofers can be used to reproduce the LFE channel. Complete configurations -speaker setup parameters, EQ, subwoofer settings, input-source patching, downmix preferences - can be stored as profiles and scenes and instantly recalled, even mid-session.
The room really doesn't create problems for monitors above 500 Hz, asserts Chaikin, noting that Intonato 24 was deployed by NBC Sports for its 2018 PyeongChang Olympics coverage. Low frequencies are where the room tends to be in control. If you can solve the low-frequency-management issues, then you've resolved most of your room-correction problems. That's what Intonato 24 does.
Genelec Loudspeaker Manager
The Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM) software manages connectivity to up to 30 Genelec SAM studio monitors and subwoofers on the Genelec network. The complete GLM control system comprises a Genelec measurement microphone and universal microphone holder, a network adapter unit, and the GLM software. Available for both Windows and Mac, the GLM software features level adjustment, distance delays, and flexible room-response compensation equalization using Genelec's proprietary AutoCal automated calibration system. All parameters and settings are stored in system-setup files or are saved in each individual studio monitor or subwoofer in case the GLM network needs to be disconnected.
The Next Generation
Another class of monitoring-environment-manageme
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
01/06/2026
January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026
Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...
02/05/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
01/05/2026
January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...
01/04/2026
January 4 2026, 18:00 (PST) DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION
Douyin Users Can Now Create And Share Videos With Stun...
26/03/2026
Extron and Audio-Technica have announced that their Design Solutions devices, Ce...
26/03/2026
SPORTEL Asia took place March 24-25 at the Orchard Hotel Singapore, drawing 370 participants representing more than 220 companies from 35 countries. Approximate...
26/03/2026
LTN will demonstrate satellite-to-IP migration solutions for broadcasters, cable networks, MVPDs, and station groups at NAB Show 2026 (Booth W2100).
The C-Ban...
26/03/2026
The Seattle Mariners have partnered with Daktronics to install an upgraded outfi...
26/03/2026
The Esports Foundation (EF) has awarded National Team Partner status to organizations and individuals across more than 100 countries and territories for the Esp...
26/03/2026
Telestream has announced expanded integration between its Vantage workflow platf...
26/03/2026
FOR-A Corporation has announced a partnership with Nippon TV and NVIDIA to distr...
26/03/2026
CBS Sports and the WNBA have expanded their partnership through a new long-term, multiplatform rights agreement. CBS Sports will feature up to 20 regular-season...
26/03/2026
Zac Brown Band will star in the Sunday Night Baseball show open on NBC and Peacock, NBC Sports announced. The open was filmed at American Family Field, home of ...
26/03/2026
Major League Baseball opens the 2026 season with nationally televised games across multiple media partners. Fans can visit MLB.com/Watch for a complete schedule...
26/03/2026
DIRECTV has announced an agreement to carry nine new MLB-operated team channels, covering the Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers (Detroit SportsNet), Kansas City R...
26/03/2026
Nationals.TV, the Washington Nationals' local broadcast channel, is now avai...
26/03/2026
Starting Thursday, March 26, MLB.TV will be available on the ESPN App, giving fans access to more than 2,000 out-of-market regular season games. Fans can also r...
26/03/2026
Spotify's partnership with NAVER, Korea's leading digital platform, is built around one simple goal: making it easier for listeners in Korea to discover...
26/03/2026
Exclusive to ComposerCloud for first month
Sample library and virtual instrument gurus EastWest have announced the upcoming release of a new virtual drum i...
26/03/2026
Friday 27 March
Friday 27 March will mark Dynamic Range Day 2026, the annual day of online activity that was started in 2010 by mastering engineer Ian Sheph...
26/03/2026
Includes four separate instruments
Max Richter's SRM Sounds venture have just announced their fifth release, ASMR Choir. Captured at the main live room ...
26/03/2026
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), has been tasked with administering the Sixth Presi...
26/03/2026
By Matt Klein
Hello to everyone reading this - whether you're a current YEP, HPA member, or just YEP-curious. I'm Matt Klein, one of the co-chairs of t...
26/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
26/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
26/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
26/03/2026
28 participating companies, from start-ups to blue-chips, lead the UK Group as part of the GREAT Britain and Northern Ireland presence across all the Halls at N...
26/03/2026
Arkona Unveils BLADE//planner and Major Usability Enhancements at NAB 2026
Brie Clayton March 26, 2026
0 Comments
New graphical configuration tool and...
26/03/2026
Bitfocus showcases complete control at NAB Show 2026
Brie Clayton March 26, 2026
0 Comments
Continuing development drives advances in security, availa...
26/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
26/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
26/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
26/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
26/03/2026
Nevion introduces powerful new Panel Builder to enhance VideoIPath broadcast con...
26/03/2026
2026 Oscar Nominated Films Powered by Blackmagic Design
Brie Clayton March 25, 2026
0 Comments
DaVinci Resolve Studio used on 27 of this year's no...
26/03/2026
Leader to present full suite of advanced Test & Measurement solutions at NAB Sho...
26/03/2026
Boston Conservatory to Present New England and Collegiate Premiere of Groundbrea...
26/03/2026
Thursday 26 March 2026
HBO Max included for Sky and NOW customers from 26 March...
26/03/2026
Thursday 26 March 2026
Sky Sets Iconic Costumes Dancing Together Like Never Before' in Brand CampaignTurn on cookies to view this content. Go to Privacy o...
26/03/2026
Wuppertal March 26, 2026
CS live Builds Future-Ready OB Van With Riedel MediorNet and hi Control SystemRiedel Communications today announced that Czech-based ...
26/03/2026
Back to All News
Have a Wish Worth Dying For? Netflix's First Korean YA Hor...
26/03/2026
Back to All News
The Truthers, Starring Jose Coronado and St phanie Magnin, Pre...
26/03/2026
Enhancements to Harmonic's Sports Streaming Solution Introduce Server-Side Multiview, Contextual Metadata-Driven Advertising, Dynamic In-Stream Ads and Robu...
26/03/2026
Open the report
Our 2025 report brings together results from 79 business magazine titles across 22 market sectors, published by 49 media owners. Over the year,...
26/03/2026
Editor's note: This post is part of Into the Omniverse, a series focused on ...
26/03/2026
RT Commercial today announced Fiat as sponsor of The Louise Duffy Show on RT Radio 1, Weekdays 3pm 4pm.
The Louise Duffy Show is the home of daytime music...
26/03/2026
That gaming backlog won't clear itself - GeForce NOW is here to help. Stream the latest titles straight from the cloud across a variety of devices.
This we...
26/03/2026
Wayne, N.J., March 26, 2026 Phantom High-Speed announces the latest product li...
Tech Focus: Audio Monitoring, Part 3 - Correcting for the Room New software products are designed to fix the monitoring environment By Dan Daley, Audio Editor 
