Category: TiMax

Ontario’s Scotiabank Arena, home to the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and NBA’s Toronto Raptors, is hailed as one of Canada’s premier sports and entertainment venue. The commitment to providing a best-in-class fan experience with top rated technology is a central component of the stadium’s multi-award-winning value.

A testament to this commitment is the recent refit and audio redesign of the arena’s original 68 open-fronted executive suites by creating 43 engaging multi-channel rooms driven by the powerful spatial audio capabilities of TiMax SoundHub. The vision to bring directional sound from the court, ice and other high energy areas of the arena into the suites was fostered by MLSE’s Venue Technology leadership team, led by their Head of Sound, Courtney Ross. The project saw significant design and integration contributions from BranchAV’s Steve Svensson and WJHW’s Scott Bray. Fans in these suites, distributed around the full perimeter of the arena just above the 100-level seating, now benefit from an immersive audio sound field that delivers a similar level of excitement and connection with the action in the arena as enjoyed by those in the seats outside the suites. The versatile TiMax SoundHub spatialisation platform is configured to capture and reproduce an accurate and detailed encapsulation of a complete soundscape for each suite which matches its specific location and orientation relative to the playing surface; essentially delivering the ability to hear in context what is seen, not only in terms of left to right panorama but also near to far depth.

Recreating the multiple unique but shared sound perspectives to be experienced by all of the 43 suites, plus a large lounge area, presented a significant challenge which nevertheless was able to be solved with the powerful spatial audio capabilities of TiMax SoundHub. An initial fundamental TiMax spatial design concept was proposed by Dave Haydon of TiMax UK developers OutBoard, who subsequently visited the site during early commissioning to support integrator BranchAV’s specialist Steve Svensson with implementing and refining of the concept, based on his long standing involvement and experience with Scotiabank Arena and its audio systems.

Steve commented “The time it would take to manually program this in any other product would cost more than the price of the TiMax SoundHub and leave you with none of the operational features that have been optimised over the products 20-plus year development. It’s the only device on the planet that can accomplish the real technical requirement.” Output from the strategically placed, digitally steerable microphone arrays are fed to TiMax where different spatialisation configurations are rendered to create selective immersive setups to match hockey and basketball, which could then be quickly swapped to cater for changeovers between the varied event programming in Scotiabank Arena’s busy roster.

Scotiabank Arena’s spatial rendering within the highly adaptable TiMax PanSpace workflow environment uniquely enables live audio captured from the multiple play zones to be recreated as an accurately localised soundscape within each suite, regardless of its position around the bowl perimeter. Additional effects sources are combined and/or discretely delivered to TiMax SoundHub via Dante, which then spatially matrixes them across strategic suite groupings with independent amplifiers. Mounted 4m/13ft in front of each suite, just under the balcony overhang, is a single high-powered passive Renkus-Heinz dual 6″ CX62 enclosure that provides a main centre channel for the suite immersive system as well as delay reinforcement of the main bowl PA system’s audio playback content and announcements.

Left and right audio is delivered through a pair of compact coaxial speakers mounted just inside the front walls of each suite. A pair of ceiling speakers at the rear of each suite acts as a rear channel to complete the spatialisation. To rationalise channel count and TiMax spatial rendering, adjacent suites in groups of three receive parallels of their location’s four TiMax stem feeds, which works due to their spatial and temporal relationships to the arena being closely matched.

To help further emulate the crowd immersion experienced outside the suite, various microphones located around the bowl pick up different crowd ambience zones, which are then selectively spatially aligned in the object-based TIMax Panspace to create a subtle immersive crowd sound field using all four speaker channels in each suite. EQ tuning was fairly common to all suites due to their identical sound systems and similar dimensions, however the critical multiple spatial time-alignments specific to their varied locations were programmed quickly within the TiMax SoundHub Panspace object-based workflow. TiMax delay matrix Image Definition objects were automatically and instantly calculated to feed all suites simultaneously, even including applying tactical negative delay offsets to compensate for the approximately 40-50ms sonic time-of-flight from the playing surface lobe zones to the mic arrays hanging in the central scoreboard.

MLSE recognises that they’ve only scratched the surface of possibilities for automated performance localisation, and are excited to push the limits of this technology. Scott Bray of WJHW concluded:. “The absolute science behind what has been created here is a ‘first in the world’ innovative solution that to our knowledge no other sports venue in the world has matched. It has wowed everyone that’s experienced the suites since the season’s commenced, and it is now planned as a central facet of similar future WJHW arena projects. “

Focusrite plc has announced the acquisition of UK-based Innovate Audio, the company behind the popular panLab spatial audio solutions. This follows the earlier acquisition of TiMax and builds upon Focusrite Group’s commitment to immersive sound.

With the acquisition it has been agreed that panLab solutions will join the TiMax brand, meaning TiMax can now offer the most comprehensive range of immersive sound solutions on the market, with everything from entry-level panning software through to full delay-matrix spatial processors and performer stagetracking. Innovate Audio founder, Dan Higgott, will also join TiMax as a Senior Product Developer.

Both panLab 3 and panLab Console have proved popular with sound designers the world over with over 10,000 downloads achieved and the solutions being used in iconic venues from Sydney Opera House to the National Theatre. With panLab 3 users enjoy a spatial audio mixing solution, built to work seamless with QLab that is typically up and running in 5 minutes. With panLab Console, users can achieve an object-based audio workflow, whilst utilising the console they already own. The macOS app adds spatial audio capabilities to a range of digital mixing consoles with mixer Input and Output Channels becoming objects on the panner.

By extending the Focusrite Group’s business into new products and markets, which complement its existing offerings within the Audio Reproduction business, the acquisition is strategically aligned with the Group’s previously communicated aims of growing the core customer base, expanding into new markets, and increasing lifetime value for customers.

Tim Carroll, CEO of Focusrite commented:

“The acquisition of Innovate Audio represents another strategic expansion within our Audio Reproduction business, enhancing our product range and building a customer journey into Immersive Audio. From cost effective simple panning to the most advanced TiMax solutions, we now have the most complete line up in the sector. We are an immersive sound powerhouse of comprehensive solutions, and this aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver exceptional audio experiences within live and installed environments. I’m also delighted to welcome Dan Higgott to the fold, who I know will make a significant contribution to the TiMax team moving forward.

Dan Higgott, founder of Innovate Audio, commented:

“I am absolutely thrilled that Innovate Audio is joining the Focusrite Group. This opportunity marks an exciting new chapter for both Innovate Audio and me personally. Our spatial audio products panLab and panLab Console now have an exciting new home, where they can thrive and integrate with world class brands. I am delighted to be joining the brilliant Dave Haydon and Robin Whittaker, as we deliver an extremely exciting roadmap of new products to the TiMax family.”

For more information

https://focusriteplc.com/

https://innovateaudio.co.uk/

https://www.timaxspatial.com/

About Focusrite plc

Focusrite plc is a global audio products group that develops and markets proprietary hardware and software products. Used by audio professionals and musicians, its solutions facilitate the high-quality production of recorded and live sound. The Focusrite Group trades under thirteen established brands: Focusrite, Focusrite Pro, Novation, Ampify, ADAM Audio, Martin Audio, Optimal Audio, Linea Research, Sequential, Oberheim, Sonnox, OutBoard and TiMax.

Press Contact:

Focusrite plc

James King

TiMax – pioneering manufacturers of immersive and object-based audio technology and show management solutions – introduces two TiMax product integrations at InfoComm 2024 (June 11 – 14, 2024 – Las Vegas Convention Center), being debuted at their Stand C9241.

The unequalled power and spatial audio prowess of TiMax will be demonstrated live at the show in Martin Audio’s demonstration room, N112. A part of the Focusrite Group, the powerful immersive and spatial audio capabilities of TiMax will form a part of sister pro audio brand, Martin Audio’s presentation at the show. Martin Audio loudspeakers are one of the loudspeaker brands in the ‘TiMax Recommends’ family of manufacturers proposing TiMax as their recommended immersive spatial processing solution.

What the pro-audio world really needs is yet another reverb plug-in – NOT.  This is why TiMax has not made one. Instead, TiMax has created a new concept in configurable automated reverb platforms for spatial audio productions and system integration.  This powerful new plug-in option, available to all existing FPGA-equipped TiMax SoundHub spatial processors, adds no less than four individual 1-in / 16-out ultra-high-quality reverb engines which give sound designers full control of all parameters as well as access to an advanced 3D room reverb-builder application.  Aux sends to each reverb engine can be driven by the TiMax TimeLine automation, TiMax TrackerD4 stagetracking so that performers’ mics or effects can be cross-faded between different reverb effects or just similar presets spatially configured to be consistent with their localisation on stage.  A unique parameter “morphing” function facilitates the rapid selection, and adjustment, of desired reverb styles under high-pressure tech rehearsal conditions.

New for the award-winning TiMax TrackerD4 precision stagetracking solution is TiMax TrackerSP, a software add-on option for integrated lighting and media control. Developed in collaboration with virtual production showcontrol specialists, Stage Precision GmbH, TiMax TrackerSP enables TiMax TrackerD4 to intelligently direct and focus groups of moving-head light fixtures using ArtNet and sACN networked DMX.  TiMax TrackerSP operates seamlessly for synchronised groups of fixtures across multiple tracked objects and opens the door for further Stage Precision integration with videomapping and camera control, as well as Unreal and Notch control and beyond.

With R&D firmly at the heart of our business, TiMax SoundHub and TiMax TrackerD4 products benefit from additional and ongoing enhancements that cement their status as the leading real-time immersive audio spatialisation on premium live shows and events.  

TiMax, the most recent addition to the Focusrite Group, will make its debut appearance at the first set of this year’s Martin Audio Open Days that’s running from March 12 to 14 at High Wycombe, UK and will be highlighting the unique capabilities of the SoundHub spatial audio engine and the TrackerD4 stagetracking platform, including new product offerings introduced earlier in the year.

The presentations, by TiMax director Robin Whittaker with applications specialist Dan Roncoroni and new Martin Audio colleagues, will also highlight the synergies between the product offerings of the group. In addition, the event presents the opportunity to hear previews of the new multi-channel live production spatial reverb feature for SoundHub that was featured at the 2024 ISE Show. The plugin option, available to all existing HARDCore FPGA-equipped SoundHub units, adds up to four individual 1-input/16-output high-quality reverb engines that give sound designers control of all parameters as well as access to an advanced 3D room reverb-builder application.

The TrackerD4 stagetracking platform will be in use to automatically localize presenter microphones in real-time and follow them with moving-head light fixtures driven by TrackerD4’s PosiStageNet protocol, in parallel with OSC into the TiMax SoundHub. In addition, OutBoard’s LV Motor Control will also play a role during the Open Days, handling all the PA systems heavy lifting, alongside a display of the RCX SMART Remote digital handset rigging controller.

Commercial director Dave Haydon says, “It is a great pleasure to be involved with the Martin Audio Open Days and demonstrate both the new TiMax involvement with their premium loudspeaker systems as well as reinforcing its robust market position as the leading independent spatial audio platform.”

Marketing director James King concludes, “I’m delighted that these Open Days are now very much a multi-brand affair, with the opportunity to demonstrate everyone’s respective disciplines, as well as synergies across the group. This is our most ambitious content program ever so that anyone in the pro audio industry has more reason to come along and enjoy their day.”

The latest Treetop Golf venue, newly arrived in the town of Gateshead, England on the River Tyne and offering two 18-hole family-focused golf courses — one a Tropical Trail and the other an Ancient Explorer Trail — is equipped with a spatialized sound environment centered around a TiMax SoundHub processor in a project by sound designer RavenAV with installation by Reading-based Full Production Ltd.

Specifically, one TiMax SoundHub-S32 with Dante networked I/O manages the three holes per course where the themed appeal is brought to life with lighting and animated immersive audio. On the Tropical Trail area, the scene is set with localized audio objects such as birdsong which travels from shrubbery up to tree level and down to another area of low shrubbery and back again – as well as placed insect and animal noises and actions that are enhanced with tree shakers.

Dan Roncoroni of RavenAV explains, “We used TiMax just to make it special and believable: when you shut your eyes you are in the middle of a jungle. You can hear the content localized accurately anywhere you are in that space, as TiMax does a really good job at handling audio objects. It’s more immersive, the loudspeakers disappear, and you just hear the content. You don’t hear where it’s coming from.”

Themed characters, such as Baron Von Batwing (a vampire bat) in the Ancient Explorer area, have a selection of comments to make about golfing performances. The AV content – 80 percent of which is new for the Gateshead site produced in 4K for spatial audio by sound designer Dave Shepherd – is executed in randomized loops scripted in QLab on this occasion rather than in TiMax to help keep the content fresh for customers and staff.

Roncoroni’s involvement with Treetop Golf started when Full Production managing director Steve Richardson approached him for assistance with audio improvements at an existing venue in Birmingham. Full Production had already taken the lighting and visual elements at the Midlands attraction to a new level in order to provide a enhanced experience, and pushed for audio quality to match.

With audio spills between holes cleared up and the themed characters’ speech made more clear and intelligible, Roncoroni was brought in again to up the game with spatial audio for the new Gateshead venue, before the venue’s design was actually finalized. With only rough architect course outlines to go on and no contractor drawings, he planned out the first audio design using educated guesswork.

The inaugural exhibition of “India in Fashion: The Impact of Indian Dress and Textiles on the Fashionable Imagination” at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai was supported by an array of immersive soundscapes that segued from zone to zone in an audio designed utilizing the TiMax SoundHub platform.

Kapil Thirwani, director of Munro Acoustics, fulfilled the audio brief, calling upon the expertise of distributor, Alphatec, which recommended SoundHub for the project.

The exhibition is curated by Vogue global editor Hamish Bowles and presents a multi-zone exploration into the impact of India on global fashion and vice versa. Thirwani was contacted to deliver the audio approach in a very tight timeframe. On advice from Alphatec, and he had just enough time to fly to ISE in Barcelona to discuss the project in detail with Out Board.

Out Board director Dave Haydon explains, “Alphatec showed Kapil various ways TiMax could handle this project, which involved playing spatial music and effects across 15 different zones, starting and stopping it all automatically without anybody having to touch it. He worked out that TiMax was the only thing that could do it all at once.”

Thirwani’s final saw two 64 i/o TiMax SoundHub-S64s, each handling half of the exhibition, playing out a mix of stereo and multi-stem spatial music as well as soundscape tracks to 128 Genelec 4430 IP loudspeakers across 15 zones. The Genelec 4430, like TiMax, connects to a Dante network and supports external control via third-party hardware or software. Each running on a single Cat-5 cable, the self-powered Genelec units were not only discreet but avoided the use of more than 20 Km of hard-to-conceal copper wiring.

The soundscapes for the individual exhibition zones were originated by Goa-based musicians Sandunes. With some multi-channel spatial audio advice from Haydon in hand, the duo created audio content in the same key which served to prevent musical clashes from one zone to another. Various show content stems were sent to the UK where Haydon could begin programming the showfiles, and he subsequently visited Mumbai to help Sandunes bed in the immersive content on-site.

Without walls between the exhibits, overlap was unavoidable but once the audio installation was complete, the team started auditioning the soundscapes over the various zones of loudspeakers, walking from zone to zone with a Mac to fine-tune them.

Following this process all the settings were saved and the SoundHubs locked. Set to fade up at 10 am and then slowly fade out at the end of the day, it simplified client control for the TiMax-controlled system provided via a TouchOSC iPad for each SoundHub. Changes could be made to master level and individual zone levels for out-of-hours VIP visits, press and TV interviews without impacting the saved setup.

Arriving at the completed project shortly before it opened to the public, Haydon says, “The integration and design were amazing, and all the equipment was up and running to provide totally automated, hands-free, fully integrated show-in-a-box operation.”

Now in its 15th year, Sound Kitchen, held at the Prague Quadrennial international festival that celebrates theatre arts in an interactive way in providing an opportunity for the “audio-curious” to perform their work and exchange ideas, featured a system incorporating KV2 Audio loudspeakers and amplification in a sound design centered upon a 64-channel TiMax SoundHub spatial audio matrix with Dante.

The collaborative exploration project is organized and co-curated by sound designer, Peter Rice, and Out Board’s Robin Whitaker, with support from a selected team of international sound designers, engineers and artists, as well as manufacturers, committed to the high-quality audio reproduction.

Specifically, analog output from TiMax supplied six KV2 Audio ESP1000 amplifiers driving 16 KV2 Audio ESD Cube full-range loudspeakers and six EX1.5 subwoofers. KV2’s ESD Cubes were distributed through the length of the venue, five per side and five overhead, with subs positioned in pairs at the front, middle and end of the room.

Out Board/TiMax director Robin Whittaker sates, “SoundKitchen is a very special event and an important, safe and fun space for budding and established sound artists and designers to come together. Every year it’s enlightening. We were honored that KV2 Audio accepted our invitation to join us at SoundKitchen. I have the highest respect for KV2 loudspeakers and have been continually impressed with their excellent sound quality. Many thanks to them: their guys were amazing, the ESD Cube loudspeakers sounded fabulous, and the subs were very musical.

”KV2 Audio CEO George Krampera adds, “It’s great to be part of an event like Sound Kitchen that encourages experimentation and pushing the boundaries in audio and performance–ideas that very definitely resonate with us at KV2–and especially here in Prague on our home turf. We were also happy to note how good the system sounded with the TiMax analogue outputs. We hope to be able to collaborate again soon.”