Genelec speakers chosen by BBC for 2012 Olympics coverage

The BBC used Genelec 5.1 DSP loudspeaker systems to monitor the broadcast audio in its three main sound galleries during the London Olympics.

The speakers were chosen to monitor the audio for BBC channels 1, 2 and 3, which were broadcasting a combination of 5.1, stereo, HD, SD and 3D transmissions. Located at the International Broadcast Centre within the Olympic Park, the galleries functioned as the mixing centre for virtually all of the broadcaster’s sport TV output during the Games.

The setup in each room was a 5.1 system comprised of Genelec speakers used as satellites with a matching sub bass component, while the fourth gallery featured two full-range Genelec speakers.

BBC Studios and Post Production Ltd sound supervisor Peter Bridges revealed that DSP was used to line up the speakers in a challenging monitoring environment: “There is often compromise in setting up temporary control rooms, but soon after the Genelecs were set up and aligned we were able to start mixing.

“In temporary setups like these we normally have to make the best with what is provided. HHB (Genelec’s UK supplier) arranged a demo of the Genelecs and then aligned them on-site for us. Previously we’ve put together a speaker control and management system ourselves, which can be challenging, so it was essential that we had properly aligned systems for London 2012.”

Genelec’s DSP systems are built around the company’s 8000 series technology, with the addition of a digital networking system, onboard DSP and AutoCal, an automated loudspeaker system calibration.

HHB sales director Martin O’Donnell commented: “The Genelec AutoCal feature is unique and enables the best possible loudspeaker reproduction in the most challenging of sound environments. Peter and his team did a fantastic job on the Olympics; we are very pleased that the Genelecs performed so well and delivered when it counted.”

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