Dolby Lake Processor Takes Sound Management to a New Level

Feb 16, 2006 8:00 AM

Dolby Laboratories’ Dolby Lake Processor

The Dolby Lake Processor from Dolby Laboratories is the first product to combine Dolby's and Lake Technology’s audio expertise. The digital signal processing hardware and software system provides advanced loudspeaker management and equalization functionality. It is easy to install and use, providing sound engineers the control and flexibility they need to focus on the audio quality for tour sound, fixed installations, and studio applications.

“The new Dolby Lake Processor combines trusted Dolby audio expertise with visionary, high-quality solutions from Lake Technology,” says Ervin Grinberg, marketing manager for Dolby. “The Dolby Lake Processor enables the sound engineer to focus on the quality of sound rather than the technicalities of the sound system.”

"Dolby provides technology to enhance the entertainment experience,” says Tom Daily, director of marketing, Professional Division, Dolby. “Expanding into the live sound reinforcement and fixed installation arenas allows us to further improve the audio experience for even more consumers.”

The new processor is the first live sound product released by Dolby, which acquired Lake Technology in September 2003.

The Dolby Lake Processor enables sound engineers to save time in the setup and handling of loudspeaker systems. The processor provides better control and flexibility of complex speaker systems throughout setup and during the event, improving the sound of the system so audiences have a better experience.

Additionally, the Dolby Lake Controller software provides centralized control for a network of these hardware processors. Based on Lake’s trusted sound reinforcement technologies, the new system includes an easy-to-use interface for realtime management, an advanced loudspeaker processing system, and unique Iso-Float ground isolation technology.

New Features of the Dolby Lake Processor

Easy-to-use controls: The processor includes a patent-pending Portal display that allows for sophisticated front-panel metering and easy control and monitoring of the system. The panel of the processor contains four Portals, each capable of representing multiple audio channels of level and limiter metering along with text labels and mute controls. Additionally, the system includes the Dolby Lake Controller, a software application that enables engineers to optimize the audio from any seat in the house at any point in the show with a wireless tablet computer.

Reconfigurable hardware platform: The processor offers a configurable hardware platform, designed to deliver maximum application flexibility. Starting from the base digital platform, engineers can configure the system to provide up to eight independent channels of Lake Mesa EQ or up to 4x12 channels of Lake loudspeaker processing. There are five factory configurations available, and any configuration can easily be upgraded or reconfigured to fit specific requirements.

Reconfigurable signal processing: The system provides user-configurable signal processing that allows for both loudspeaker processing and EQ processing within the same processor. A user can quickly change between loudspeaker processor and EQ modes, and can also run loudspeaker and EQ processing at the same time.

LimiterMax loudspeaker limiting system: The LimiterMax system is a new limiter technology that couples a true-RMS limiter and a peak limiter capable of instantaneous attack time. The system produces a limiter that does not allow a loudspeaker amplifier to clip, even when all outputs and inputs are clipping under heavy signal saturation conditions.

Iso-Float ground isolation: Iso-Float provides all of the benefits of transformer-isolated inputs and outputs for avoiding ground loops in audio systems, without the expensive upgrades. Iso-Float is built into all new converter cards and provides superior performance to transformers, which are lossy and provide less than ideal frequency response.

In addition to providing a dynamic solution for live events, the Dolby Lake Processor is also a useful tool for engineers working in the studio, enabling audio equalization with a unique set of specialized Raised Cosine Equalization tools for mastering, broadcast, and recordings.

For more information, visit www.dolby.com/livesound.