Japan’s Asahi Broadcasting Corp. has upgraded the sound system of its 202 OB truck with Genelec speakers in order to “futureproof” it. The arrangement is now an “immersive” 5.1.4 configuration.
That translates into the familiar 5.1 surround, with five main speakers and a subwoofer, plus there are four additional speakers. Specifically, the five main speakers are arrayed with three 8341s in front of the console and main screen in an L/C/R configuration with two rear 8331 speakers, L/R, plus a 7360 subwoofer. The four additional 8331 speakers are set into the ceiling, on the L/R corners front and behind.
Of course, kitting out an OB truck always presents problem due to limited space and structural obstacles. In addition, there is the need for a large screen monitor, which further complicates audio monitor placement. Genelec’s GLM software made some magic available to optimize the audio mix playout.
Sadanari Iwahashi of ABC’s production engineering department said ABC was looking at possible standards for next-generation broadcasting and three-dimensional audio and thought about a broadcasting van to be used 15 years in the future. “We concluded that it’s necessary to support immersive sound,” he added.
For those who really get into the details there is a case study available.