Canada - Simon Fraser University (SFU), consistently ranked among Canada's top research institutions, has taken a pioneering step into immersive communication and spatial acoustics processing. Thanks to a recent grant, SFU established an acoustics lab equipped with 128 Renkus-Heinz C Series loudspeakers to support its research in the field.
Located across British Columbia’s three largest cities – Burnaby, Surrey, and Vancouver – SFU offers diverse programmes ranging from anthropology to marine science. The university's drive to leverage technology for societal benefit led to the creation of a new lab focused on 3D multimedia applications, including surround sound, video, and spatial acoustics, commonly referred to as "immersive communication."
Senior professor Rodney Vaughan spearheaded the project and partnered with TiMax, Advanced Audio, DirectOut, Innosonix Technologies and Renkus-Heinz to bring his vision to life. "Rodney came to me over 10 years ago with a bold idea for an acoustic lab where we could push the boundaries of sound research," recalls Tim Bartoo, TiMax senior developer. "He talked about creating spaces where, for instance, you could have a bedroom on a noisy street that feels as quiet as the countryside."
The lab, now a reality, is centred around two TiMax spatial processors, which were selected for their exceptional spatial functionality and flexibility. In addition to the 128 Renkus-Heinz CX41 speakers, 128 Advanced Audio microphones were installed, all integrated via a Dante network to allow for seamless communication between components.
Fred Gilpin, a prominent acoustic consultant, was brought in early to help design the physical setup of the lab. "Fred handled the precision of the speaker placement," Bartoo explains. "We have about five miles of custom cabling in that room. His attention to detail was critical because every microphone and speaker needed to be precisely located to ensure accurate sound replication."
The Renkus-Heinz CX41 4” coaxial two-way loudspeakers were an appropriate choice for the lab, given their compact size and sonic performance. "I had worked with Renkus-Heinz before, and I knew the CX41s would be perfect for this project," said Gilpin. "Phase response was crucial, as much of the sound being tested is off-axis, and the CX41’s natural, transparent sound made it a great fit."
The lab has already drawn significant interest from the academic and research communities, with numerous proposed projects on the horizon. "We recently completed our first 128-channel recording," Bartoo shared. "We walked around the room, talking and clapping, and when we played it back, you could pinpoint exactly where the sounds were coming from. When you closed your eyes, you could visualise who was where in the room. It’s pretty neat."
