Genelec helps HeGuang Studios create immersive audio environments across new facility

Constructed by the Beijing-based As One Production, HeGuang Studios is emerging as an influential force in China’s film post-production market. The studios recently decided to elevate the quality of its equipment, aiming to handle more comprehensive post-production processes and achieve a more unified output standard. As part of this upgrade, the dialogue and sound editing suites – typically equipped with stereo or LCR monitors – were upgraded to Genelec immersive monitoring systems.

While reviewing films at home on modern high-quality monitors, mixing engineer Wang Chong – a long term HeGuang collaborator – discovered sonic flaws in past productions. "These flaws were due to equipment limitations at the time. I realised that if I want my work to be broadcast 20 years from now with excellent sound quality, I must use the highest possible technical standards."

The consistent performance of Genelec systems influenced our decision.

So, to ensure high-quality sound reproduction during every step of the process, Genelec Smart Active Monitoring was the go-to choice. Li Xiaopan, Director of HeGuang Studios, explains: “We picked Genelec monitors for this immersive upgrade because they improve our working environment and enable us to confirm both sound and picture quality at the same time, which is crucial for projects on tight deadlines.

“The consistent performance of Genelec systems, praised for their 'stable curve' by many professional audio engineers, influenced our decision after extensive research,” Xiaopan adds. The state-of-the-art configuration at HeGuang Studios now allows films to be completed to the highest industry standards. “We aim to maintain a unified sound playback standard throughout the entire process. Our dialogue and sound editing studios are designed to 'go higher' and match the quality of the pre-mix and final mixing stages,” Xiaopan explains.

Audio post-production is led by Li Duo, Head of the Sound Department. Her role encompasses sound editing and project coordination right through to handling mixing duties when necessary. “For the convenience of post-production mixing and recording articulation, we can now hear the 'full' sound in any production session. It can be said that each of our studios has the infrastructure to carry out any type of film sound post work, which may seem like a luxury, but it actually saves time and increases efficiency.”

The facility features three 7.1.4 rooms – the Premix Studio, the Home Studio and the Dolby Vision Home Certified Studio for colour grading. The Premix Studio features S360s for LCR, 8340s for surround and height channels and a 7380 subwoofer, while the Home Studio has deployed 8350s for LCR, 8340s in the surround and height positions, complemented by a 7370 subwoofer. Interestingly, the choice of 7.1.4 for the Dolby Vision Home Studio is unusually sophisticated for a colour grading room, and features 8330s for LCR, 8320s for surrounds and overheads and a 7360 subwoofer. Finally, the three Edit Studios are equipped with 7.1.2 systems variously featuring 8340 and 8330 monitors, plus 7360 subwoofers. All rooms have been configured and calibrated using GLM software.

With GLM, we can calibrate the monitors ourselves in less than 15 minutes.

Xiaopan was notably impressed by the automated calibration process that GLM’s AutoCal 2 algorithm offers: “Advanced technology like GLM, which cuts out unnecessary hard work, will definitely push the industry forward.” Shaoquan Li, Head of Equipment and Technical Management at HeGuang Studio, also adds, “In the technical field, we look for 'high efficiency' and 'no need to ask for help'. With GLM, we can calibrate the monitors ourselves in less than 15 minutes, without needing a professional technician. Additionally, all the setup data is visible in the software, which is very reassuring.”

Building on a solid foundation, HeGuang Studio is now focused on optimising production processes and refining technologies for its post-production services. Despite the challenges posed by the long road to industrialisation in the film and TV industry, the team remain optimistic about exploring new development directions. With the integration of Genelec monitoring systems to ensure consistent and high-quality sound, the pioneering studio’s seamless operations are fully supported.

(L to R): Li Xiaopan, Wang Chong, Li Duo and Li Shaoquan.