Speaker layout in commercial theaters

johnlink · 26th July 2009

Two experiences of dreadful sound in theaters (http://www.gearslutz.com/board/4413784-post28.html) got me thinking about where the speakers are placed. I see speakers on the side walls but not on the front. Can anybody describe where the speakers are placed in a commercial theater, or direct me to an appropriate source for that information?

Thanks,
John Link

Boussani · 26th July 2009

There was an excellent PDF somewhere in the forum explaining that very well... But I can't remember where it was. I'm looking for it right now.
Maybe someone else can help me...?

Gohanto · 26th July 2009

Here's a Dolby link with a couple diagrams...

Dolby - History of Dolby Sound in the Movies

The front speakers are all hidden behind the screen though (which is acoustically transparent).

Rick Sanchez · 27th July 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnlink

I see speakers on the side walls but not on the front.

Thanks,
John Link

The front speakers are behind a perforated screen which is why you don't see the front speakers.

jimlongo · 27th July 2009

Before screenings at the local IMAX theater they run a presentation. Part of the presentation deals with speaker placement. THey turn on lights behind the screen so you can see the speakers . . . pretty enlightening . . . huge speakers on scaffolding . . . looks very lo-tech, yet powerful - something like a rock concert.

postprosound · 27th July 2009

Something to remember about theaters: although somewhat high fidelity, in the end they are just really fancy P.A. systems. Although it's a bit of a generalization, it's not all that far off. In the end, you are trying to give a large number of people good sound over a large area. Granted, it's in a controlled, consistent, and designable venue. I for one have no problem with this. It's all part of the romance of the silver screen

26th July 2009	#1
johnlink Gear addict Joined: Jun 2006 Location: New York, NY Posts: 310 Thread Starter	Speaker layout in commercial theaters Two experiences of dreadful sound in theaters (http://www.gearslutz.com/board/4413784-post28.html) got me thinking about where the speakers are placed. I see speakers on the side walls but not on the front. Can anybody describe where the speakers are placed in a commercial theater, or direct me to an appropriate source for that information? Thanks, John Link __________________ http://www.myspace.com/johnlinkproject http://www.cdbaby.com/all/johnlink

27th July 2009	#5
jimlongo Gear maniac Joined: Apr 2003 Location: Toronto Posts: 192	Before screenings at the local IMAX theater they run a presentation. Part of the presentation deals with speaker placement. THey turn on lights behind the screen so you can see the speakers . . . pretty enlightening . . . huge speakers on scaffolding . . . looks very lo-tech, yet powerful - something like a rock concert. __________________ jim longo rhythm division

27th July 2009	#6
postprosound Gear maniac Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 275	Something to remember about theaters: although somewhat high fidelity, in the end they are just really fancy P.A. systems. Although it's a bit of a generalization, it's not all that far off. In the end, you are trying to give a large number of people good sound over a large area. Granted, it's in a controlled, consistent, and designable venue. I for one have no problem with this. It's all part of the romance of the silver screen __________________ We, in post sound, are illusionists, not magicians.

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26th July 2009	#2
Boussani Gear Head Joined: Jun 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 68	There was an excellent PDF somewhere in the forum explaining that very well... But I can't remember where it was. I'm looking for it right now. Maybe someone else can help me...?

26th July 2009	#3
Gohanto Gear nut Joined: Mar 2009 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Posts: 97	Here's a Dolby link with a couple diagrams... Dolby - History of Dolby Sound in the Movies The front speakers are all hidden behind the screen though (which is acoustically transparent).