HHB Communications has provided Dolby’s UK headquarters with an Avid Pro Tools S6 modular control surface for a multi-use theatre that is used to demonstrate the latest in Dolby technology and also for technical training, internal and external content creation and QCing Digital Cinema Packages.

With all the different uses and different people working in the theatre, it was important that all the equipment integrates correctly and the room is easy to change configuration. The S6 is used to demonstrate a full Dolby Atmos mixing set-up based around entirely in-the-box Pro Tools HD 12 systems. The backbone of the system is a BSS Audio Soundweb London installation, which gives the flexibility to switch between theatrical replay and content creation environments.

Previously Dolby was using an eight-fader Avid D-Command. ‘We need to be highly flexible in our workflows – receiving/sharing mix sessions with other facilities, etc – so we were drawn to a control surface over a more traditional mixing desk,’ says Dolby Manager of Produced Content, Content Services Group UK, Richard Stockdale. ‘The modular design of the S6 meant that we were able to create a control surface that would exactly suit our needs, both in terms of its physical form-factor and workflows,’ Stockdale says.

‘The great thing about the S6 is the flexibility of what it can control within Pro Tools. This flexibility allows us to demonstrate almost all the varieties of different mixing workflows with Dolby Atmos,’ Stockdale says. ‘With all the different ways in which the S6 can be configured, it means that when different mixers work in the theatre, they are able to work in a manner which they are accustomed to.’

Dolby and HHB have a very long-standing working relationship. ‘HHB is a dealer for Dolby Professional audio products so the flow of knowledge and support goes both ways between the two companies,’ adds HHB Manager of Professional Audio Sales, Greg Wheeler.

More: www.hhb.co.uk