Speakers in Movie Theaters

[CB22]

I saw the Avengers movie in the newly renovated local theater. The sound with the atmos mix was awesome. A+. At the end of the movie all the speakers lit up red and acted as lights. I though this was pretty cool. Any idea on how they did this?

Just out of curiosity, any idea on what sub-woofers are generally used in movie theaters?

 

[panteragstk]

I saw the Avengers movie in the newly renovated local theater. The sound with the atmos mix was awesome. A+. At the end of the movie all the speakers lit up red and acted as lights. I though this was pretty cool. Any idea on how they did this?

Just out of curiosity, any idea on what sub-woofers are generally used in movie theaters?

Depends on the theater. Some will tell you what equipment they use on their site.

I know that most of the theaters I have been to use QSC processing and amps with JBL speakers/subs. Which ones, no idea.

 

[Montucky]

My old local cinema used QSC everything and the theater owners had that thing DIALED. Sounded great.

What's also cool is that some of the Salt Lake City area theaters use RBH speakers, an Audioholics favorite of course. RBH was making some REALLY nice cinema speakers for a while, but I'm not sure how many theaters out there have them.

 

[Verdinut]

Depends on the theater. Some will tell you what equipment they use on their site.

I know that most of the theaters I have been to use QSC processing and amps with JBL speakers/subs. Which ones, no idea.

Are you sure they are using JBL speakers? QSC now sell more speakers and subs for theaters than JBL. They have replaced Altec Lansing as being the line of products most used in theaters and other public venues around the World.
Did you know that, as of January of this year, they had sold 1 Million of their K Family speakers?

By the way, I've just posted my listening impressions on the DCA 1222 amps which are used to actively bi-amp the 3 front channels of my HT.
Also, I've just posted a thread with photos of my system in the "Pros & Joes System Gallery" section.
Cheers,

 

[CB22]

My old local cinema used QSC everything and the theater owners had that thing DIALED. Sounded great.

What's also cool is that some of the Salt Lake City area theaters use RBH speakers, an Audioholics favorite of course. RBH was making some REALLY nice cinema speakers for a while, but I'm not sure how many theaters out there have them.

What happens when movie theaters upgrade their speakers, what happens to all those old RBH’s? Can you get them used/ B stock?

 

[Verdinut]

I saw the Avengers movie in the newly renovated local theater. The sound with the atmos mix was awesome. A+. At the end of the movie all the speakers lit up red and acted as lights. I though this was pretty cool. Any idea on how they did this?

Just out of curiosity, any idea on what sub-woofers are generally used in movie theaters?

@CB22

Thanks for the nice comments on my equipment.

For the subwoofers used in theaters, have a look at the ones QSC install in cinemas, as well as their other products:

http://www.brucesentertainment.com/QSC_Cinema_Catalog.pdf

Another important subwoofer manufacturer is Danley Sound Labs:

https://www.danleysoundlabs.com/products/subwoofers/

 

[speakerman39]

My local theater uses JBL from what I can see. Not sure how they are being powered. Will ask the next time I catch a matinee. Hopefully something good will be coming out soon. Have not been too impressed lately with the offerings. BTW, I always go to matinees b/c it is cheaper and I am am el cheapo.


Cheers,

Phil

 

[CB22]

My local theater uses JBL from what I can see. Not sure how they are being powered. Will ask the next time I catch a matinee. Hopefully something good will be coming out soon. Have not been too impressed lately with the offerings. BTW, I always go to matinees b/c it is cheaper and I am am el cheapo.


Cheers,

Phil

Yes, I know what you mean about the movie offerings. I figured, I dropped all this cash on my HT so I might as well try use it as much as possible. When I was at the movie I noticed how tamed the bass was. Then I realized, oh wait, I just have my sub cranked up all the time for movies. Since I got it in February I've been happy shaking the house and making picture frames rattle.

Since your Mr. El Cheapo Phil, I assume your running a pair of these fine speakers?

http://a.co/csmkQaq

 

[speakerman39]

Yes, I know what you mean about the movie offerings. I figured, I dropped all this cash on my HT so I might as well try use it as much as possible. When I was at the movie I noticed how tamed the bass was. Then I realized, oh wait, I just have my sub cranked up all the time for movies. Since I got it in February I've been happy shaking the house and making picture frames rattle.

Since your Mr. El Cheapo Phil, I assume your running a pair of these fine speakers?

http://a.co/csmkQaq

No, not running anything at the moment. My JBL 305's are at my Philippine Sister's house b/c I will be having neck (C-spine) surgery very soon. I will be at her house for a good while afterwards and will need some music. It will help with my healing.

Have to wear a neck collar for 3-weeks or so and can NOT drive at all for 4-5 weeks. To make matters worse, I am on the verge of being diagnosed w/narcolepsy which is absolutely no joke. If that happens, I will not be able to drive at all. My health is creating a lot of problems and interfering w/my music sessions. Glad you are enjoying your setup. Very happy to hear that!


Cheers,

Phil

 

[speakerman39]

BTW, I emailed my local theater and inquired what they are using audio wise. Inside I could see JBL for the rears/surrounds, but not sure about the rest. My guess it is all JBL all around including amplification. But, as always I could be wrong. Will get back to you once I hear back from them. Very curious myself.


Cheers,

Phil

 

[CB22]

No, not running anything at the moment. My JBL 305's are at my Philippine Sister's house b/c I will be having neck (C-spine) surgery very soon. I will be at her house for a good while afterwards and will need some music. It will help my healing.

Have to wear a neck collar for 3-weeks or so and can NOT drive at all for 4-5 weeks. To make matters worse, I am on the verge of being diagnosed w/narcolepsy which is absolutely no joke. If that happens, I will not be able to drive at all. My health is creating a lot of problems and interfering w/my music sessions. Glad you are enjoying your setup. Very happy to hear that!


Cheers,

Phil

That sucks, good luck. Worst major health problem so far was my a gun shot going off and I lost about 2db in my right ear. Can't ever recover from that one.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Here is a listing from a complete movie theater that recently shut down:
http://rasmuscatalog.com/cgi-bin/mmlist.cgi?rasmus1642/category/ALL

Besides the projector, it was a JBL setup with Crown amps and Soundweb DSPs.

Doesn't surprise me that QSC is coming up more. I've used quite a few of their products and we are seeing a lot more use with their Q-SYS DSPs.

 

[speakerman39]

That sucks, good luck. Worst major health problem so far was my a gun shot going off and I lost about 2db in my right ear. Can't ever recover from that one.

Thanks man! Will be moving to a bit bigger and better place very soon. Had to push my surgery back a bit b/c of the move. Just so much going on here that I am a bit overwhelmed to be honest. But, I take it one day at a time. Sorry to hear about your hearing as we all need to be mindful of that. Noticed my hearing is not as good as it used to be as well. Appreciate your kind words!


Cheers,

Phil

 

[speakerman39]

Just heard back from my local theater via email. They no longer use JBL and use all QSC amps and speakers. It has been a while since I been to a matinee. Hopefully, I will go when the pickings are a bit better. Otherwise, I will just save my $6....LOL!!!!


Cheers,

Phil

 

[Verdinut]

Just heard back from my local theater via email. They no longer use JBL and use all QSC amps and speakers. It has been a while since I been to a matinee. Hopefully, I will go when the pickings are a bit better. Otherwise, I will just save my $6....LOL!!!!


Cheers,

Phil

Hi Phil,
Sorry to hear about the possibility of narcolepsy.

QSC has replaced Altec Lansing in cinemas and public venues around the World. It's a serious and dependable company founded 51 years ago. All Cineplex theaters across North America are equipped with QSC amps, DSPs and loudspeakers. They had manufactured their 1 millionth K Family Series speakers last January.

I'm happy to own 3 QSC DCA 1222s and one DCA 1824 power amps for my HT system. Those are the same amps as the ones used in their theaters. They do a fantastic job of amplifying without any modification of the source. They are as acoustically transparent as any audiophile amp on the market no matter the price.

I have just posted a thread with photos of my equipment in the "Pros & Joes System Gallery" forum.

Cheers,

André

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Here is a listing from a complete movie theater that recently shut down:
http://rasmuscatalog.com/cgi-bin/mmlist.cgi?rasmus1642/category/ALL

Besides the projector, it was a JBL setup with Crown amps and Soundweb DSPs.

Doesn't surprise me that QSC is coming up more. I've used quite a few of their products and we are seeing a lot more use with their Q-SYS DSPs.

Darn, that site is definitely not a fleebay. Even simple placing a bit requires 30 clicks.
Definitely made for dealers and wholesale buyers.

 

[Verdinut]

A lot of shopping centers are doomed to close because of increased online shopping which is the future for most shopping. The same situation arises for some cinemas in those centres and in other areas as well, because there are a lot of DVD and Blu-ray films purchased for a price that competes favorably with the price of two tickets as an example.
The advantage with the disc is that you can view the movie at home when you want while relaxing on a couch, watch it again later for free afterwards or even sell it on freebay if you didn't like it.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

A lot of shopping centers are doomed to close because of increased online shopping which is the future for most shopping. The same situation arises for some cinemas in those centres and in other areas as well, because there are a lot of DVD and Blu-ray films purchased for a price that competes favorably with the price of two tickets as an example.
The advantage with the disc is that you can view the movie at home when you want while relaxing on a couch, watch it again later for free afterwards or even sell it on freebay if you didn't like it.

You've forgotten to mention one most crucial functionality of HT. Ability to pause on pee breaks

 

[speakerman39]

Hi Phil,
Sorry to hear about the possibility of narcolepsy.

QSC has replaced Altec Lansing in cinemas and public venues around the World. It's a serious and dependable company founded 51 years ago. All Cineplex theaters across North America are equipped with QSC amps, DSPs and loudspeakers. They had manufactured their 1 millionth K Family Series speakers last January.

I'm happy to own 3 QSC DCA 1222s and one DCA 1824 power amps for my HT system. Those are the same amps as the ones used in their theaters. They do a fantastic job of amplifying without any modification of the source. They are as acoustically transparent as any audiophile amp on the market no matter the price.

I have just posted a thread with photos of my equipment in the "Pros & Joes System Gallery" forum.

Cheers,

André

Thanks Andre for the info. I will read up on QSC next chance that I get. Sad to see JBL going down like they are. Still own the 305's and have owned the 530's/520C. I also use my Everest 700 headphones every single day. I will also go check out the pics you posted. Appreciate your kind words!


Cheers,

Phil

 

[panteragstk]

Are you sure they are using JBL speakers? QSC now sell more speakers and subs for theaters than JBL. They have replaced Altec Lansing as being the line of products most used in theaters and other public venues around the World.
Did you know that, as of January of this year, they had sold 1 Million of their K Family speakers?

By the way, I've just posted my listening impressions on the DCA 1222 amps which are used to actively bi-amp the 3 front channels of my HT.
Also, I've just posted a thread with photos of my system in the "Pros & Joes System Gallery" section.
Cheers,

Oh it totally depends on the theater. I haven't bothered to look in years since I have a home theater. I don't really like the movie experience anymore. For certain things it's cool, but not for the most part.