Audio Lisbon’s Audio Lisbon postproduction facility in Portugal aims to move into international markets, with a new studio and a Genelec 7.1.4 monitoring system selected to help it add further value to the services it already delivers.

Audio Lisbon had been operational in 5.1 for a long time, so the ability to handle fully immersive content with its new purpose-built studio is a natural progression: ‘Being a new facility designed from scratch, it seemed logical to plan and install this format early, to avoid making changes in the future,’ explains Audio Lisbon Partner, Pedro Carvalho. ‘It is also a way for us to be able to offer other solutions to regular customers, as well as attracting new clients from other markets.’

Having made this decision, the next challenge was to find the tools to enhance the studio’s workflow: ‘We considered several brands and systems for immersive audio monitoring,’ recalls Carvalho. ‘We wanted auto-calibrated close-field active monitors with an SPL that suited the room volume, and had AES/EBU connectivity so as to integrate with our Avid MTRX interface. Of course, they also had to sound good.’

It was at this point that Genelec’s local distribution partner Garrett Audiovisuais became involved in the project. ‘Ever since Genelec launched The Ones series of coaxial three–way monitors, we had been curious to hear what they could do,’ says Carvalho. ‘After a visit to hear the 8351s at Garrett’s listening room, which happens to be nearby, all of our doubts were dispelled.’

Working with Marcelo Tavares from Audiodesigner for the acoustic design and Paulo Mendes for the technical design and installation, Audio Lisbon opted for an all-Genelec 7.1.4 Smart Active Monitoring solution, with 8341A coaxial monitors installed in the LCR positions, and 8340A two-way monitors used for side and rear surrounds, and 8330A two-way monitors handle the ceiling channels. Two subwoofers have also been employed, to handle the LF content and provide bass management for the system. A 7370A subwoofer is coupled with the front and surround monitors, while the more compact 7360A model was chosen to partner the ceiling monitors.

Following the installation of the system, Carvalho describes the fine-tuning possible with the GLM calibration software as the icing on the cake: ‘Although I had absolute confidence in Marcelo’s work acoustically, it is a huge advantage to have a system that corrects minor anomalies in room acoustics, and makes it possible to store different calibration settings from 2.0 to 7.1.4 in a practical and effective way.’

With the new post facility now fully operational, Carvalho is happy with the results it has achieved and the new monitors in particular: ‘I’m a fan of these coaxial models,’ he confirms. ‘The quality and sound detail is impressive and the size-to-power ratio is amazing. Even though we have chosen a mixture of coaxial and conventional two-way models for our system, the balance obtained is really good. They also have a good dynamic range and good transient response. This investment represents an opportunity for expansion into other markets at both national and international level.’