Harman has introduced the JBL Intonato 24 Monitor Management Tuning System, designed to provide easy set up, precise automated calibration, and control of monitoring systems in stereo, surround, and immersive audio production rooms.
Housed in a 2U rack-mount enclosure and shipping with I/O, Intonato 24 can calibrate and control systems of up to 24 loudspeakers with customized recallable routing of up to 24 sources selected from 24 dedicated analog, 24 digital and 256 networked audio sources. The included software and an optional Desktop Controller put the system’s capabilities at the fingertips of users.
“While the approach to control room monitoring has remained relatively consistent over the years, audio signal paths, production workflows, and production spaces have evolved tremendously,” says Peter Chaikin, director, Recording Solutions at Harman. “With Intonato 24, JBL set out to create the heart of a complete next-generation system that takes control room monitoring to the next level, empowering content creators to produce consistently superior output regardless of the spaces where they find themselves or the formats they are asked to deliver.”
Intonato 24 includes a calibration microphone and Automated Speaker Calibration process that “tunes” each loudspeaker to compensate for loudspeaker placement and room acoustics. It can help take the guesswork out of mixing by tackling room-related low-frequency issues and matching the level and “time-of-flight” from each loudspeaker to the mix position.
The capability to manage monitoring systems of up to 24 loudspeakers includes up to four subwoofers that can be assigned as “Bass Management” subs with selectable crossover settings. Intonato 24 is compatible with all monitoring formats, including stereo, 5.1 and 7.1. In addition, there’s also the ability to patch, route, and selectively monitor any combination of 24 analog, 24 digital and 256 networked sources, including Dante via an optional interface.
The graphical user interface allows control of Intonato 24 from Mac, Windows, and a range of tablets. Complete configurations, including loudspeaker setup parameters, EQ, subwoofer settings, input source patching, and down-mix preferences can be stored as “profiles” and “scenes” and instantly recalled (even mid-session) to meet the requirements of specific projects and clients.
The optional Intonato Desktop Controller supplies control of system volume, recall of user-configured scenes, activation of loudspeaker mutes and solos, and other frequently used features.
While Intonato 24 was designed as the hub of JBL’s new 7 Series installed reference monitor system, the unit can be used with any passive or powered loudspeaker. In addition, HARMAN BLU link network protocol allows Intonato 24 to be digitally networked with Crown power amplifiers and an assortment of system components.
JBL Intonato 24 will be available through authorized resellers starting in February 2017, with the optional Intonato Remote becoming available mid-year.
