Despite being established only six years ago, the Eikon Group has become a leading player in the digital audio mastering, versioning and localisation industry, with a client list that includes major studios and entertainment distribution companies. Eikon recently opened a new facility in Burbank, California, which features Alcons Audio pro-ribbon systems in four of its Dolby Atmos screening rooms.
With clients that include Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Disney, 20th Century, Netflix, CBS, Universal International Pictures and Warner Bros, Eikon maintains the highest audio standards. The new Burbank complex houses a range of postproduction suites, ranging in size from 12m2) to 112m2. These include two large and two mid-sized Dolby Atmos listening rooms, all using Alcons Audio pro-ribbon solutions.
The complex was designed by Hollywood-based Studio 440, with Eikon Group Chief Information Officer Jon Gardner choosing Alcons systems based solely on listening tests. ‘Jon wanted to be one of the first players in the Burbank postproduction market, because he was so confident that it will become a staple of the industry,’ says Alcons North America Sales Manager, David Rahn.
The larger two rooms each feature three CR3 medium-format pro-ribbon screen systems, four 12-inch CRS12 large-format reference surround, two CB362 high-output double 18-inch subwoofer systems and two CB211FVsl shallow 21-inch subwoofer systems.
The medium-sized rooms each have three CRMS MkII Cinema Reference Monitor System (CRMS), four CRS8 medium-format 8-inch reference surround and four CB181FVsl shallow single 18-inch subwoofer systems. A total of 92 CCS8 medium-format 8-inch surrounds are installed across the four rooms, with 12 Sentinel3 and four Sentinel10 amplified loudspeaker controllers powering and managing the systems.
Installed by LA-based Audio Intervisual Design, the systems were commissioned by Rahn and Walter Fortmüller of Walter Fortmüller SAVO. ‘This cutting edge installation is a prime example of how a finely-tuned Alcons Audio system excels in providing a benchmark and reference point in aural truth throughout the production and postproduction cycles, from end-to-end,’ says Walter.
‘With its clean transparency uncovering the most delicate nuances, unmatched impulse response and dynamic range, the pro-ribbon technology is true to any source and any genre,’ Walter continues. ‘For any application in audio, Alcons systems are equally at home as a 24/7 working tool or delivering pure listening enjoyment and excitement, where they reveal the original intent of the artist in unsurpassed detail.’
‘All Eikon’s theatres are equipped with Alcons systems, both in our London-Soho facility and in Burbank,’ Gardner confirms. ‘It was an easy decision for us to make; the sonic performance and clarity that you get with Alcons allows us to maintain the highest possible quality output and listening experience for our customers and their content.’
