Since opening as Tokyo’s first multiplex cinema and THX-certified theatre in 1994, Cinema City has gained further popularity for hosting diverse projects that go beyond those of conventional cinemas, including Premium Sound Screenings and Premium Explosive Sound Screenings.
Continuing this mission, Cinema City has upgraded its sound management system by adopting an Allen & Heath AHM-64 matrix processor as the core loudspeaker management system for k studio in Cinema One. This installation by Be Free Inc, represents a significant step forward in delivering high-definition audio to moviegoers.
The k studio seats 175 and is been noted for its lively acoustics. ‘The unique shape and materials of k studio create an incredible sound, which has garnered it a dedicated fan base,’ says Koji Amemiya, head of Cinema City’s projection department.
As the theatre frequently hosts special events, it requires a flexible and high-performing audio system that is able to accommodate complex sound configurations. The AHM-64 manages the 7+1 channel output from the cinema processor, using its 64x64 processing matrix and 12x12 local I/O to direct audio specifically to each loudspeaker. This replaces a system whose lower sampling rate and dynamic range betrayed its age.
‘Because of the nature of cinema operations, all equipment replacement must be completed during overnight hours,’ says Koji Iwashita of Be Free Inc. ‘Then, from the day after the equipment is replaced, operations resume with the new equipment. Because the same movie was played, I was able to clearly hear difference in the sound.’
Cinema City has also installed an Allen & Heath IP8 remote controller, allowing staff to readily adjust settings such as microphone levels for live events via simple fader control. ‘I’ve worked with Allen & Heath digital mixers like the GLD and dLive before, and I was consistently impressed by their sound quality, user interface, and low latency,’ Iwashita says. ‘When it came to renovating Cinema City’s audio system, I knew the AHM-64 had the potential to deliver exceptional results.’
Although the AHM series is frequently used in commercial audio applications, its high-end audio capabilities – including 96kHz processing, advanced EQ, and I/O scalability – also makes it well suited to cinema sound management. ‘The AHM-64 offered more inputs and outputs than other models, which was crucial for the maintenance and inspection needs of a cinema,’ Amemiya says.
With the AHM-64 now in place, Cinema City is ready to explore new possibilities for its sound, with Amemiya looking to master Allen & Heath’s System Manager software for more advanced applications: ‘The interface is intuitive and easy to use,’ he says. ‘We’re excited about the potential to configure Dolby Atmos with the AHM-64, bringing the next generation of immersive audio to our audience.’
More: www.allen-heath.com
