PNW AES May 20, 1998

New Surround Sound Technology in a New Student Audio Production Facility

May 20, 1998

Report by Gary Louie

The PNW Section met May 20, 1998 in the recently completed Bellevue High School Radio/TV production facilities. More than 45 attendees came to see the facility and hear about a new surround sound encoding technique from SAIL (Seattle Audio Imaging Lab).

Section Chair David Scheirman opened the meeting and had everyone briefly introduce themselves. Committeeman Barry James introduced architects George Hallowell and Brenda Ross, acoustician Michael Yantis, and Bellevue High faculty member Juris Jansons. Mr. Jansons described how the former woodshop area was declared a seismic hazard and its subsequent remodelling and conversion into a facility for technology programs: computer labs and the radio/TV production program. The architects and acoustician described the design aspects of the construction such as NC ratings, mechanical isolation, sound panels and teaching/security concerns. A big challenge was designing for constant equipment changes.

Mr. Jansons introduced high school students Scott Champion and Dustin Maclean, who described their experiences in the radio/TV program.

During the refreshment break, attendees toured the facility. It was very extensive for a high school, with much equipment donated.

The second half of the meeting was a demonstration of a new surround sound encoding technique from Seattle Audio Imaging Labs (SAIL). Bob Reams worked on the system for SAIL, and described how Dolby Pro Logic has become relatively widespread in the consumer market. One big problem though, is compatibility of surround encoded material with stereo playback - the image ususally collapses. Producers must have perfect stereo imaging and will be unlikely to use any surround encoding that destroys that mix. The SAIL process allows excellent compatibility with stereo and Pro-Logic playback. It doesn't encode mono, ORTF or spaced omni (chaotic) type material. Attendees received a CD of the latest YES album encoded in the SAIL process, and could audition material for the remainder of the evening on a 5.1 channel Pro Logic system set up by the Section.

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