Reference Sounds Experience Center Cinema

Where the design process in many situations starts from an existing space, we started completely from scratch for this Cinema. Of course we had the rest of the showroom to take into account, but there was a certain freedom to give the space the right proportions. We first defined a number of basic goals, such as the number of seats, the aspect ratio of the projection screen, the number of loudspeaker channels, the number of subwoofers for a uniform bass reproduction, the position of the access door and the location of the controlling technology and the projector. The choice for one has a direct consequence for the other. That makes designing a balanced cinema room so complex, but it would also be great fun.

We opted for 6 individual seats over 2 rows. So three to three. For the maximum film experience, we wanted to project from wall to wall in CinemaScope aspect ratio. We placed the Surround processor and amplification in a portal in front of the actual Cinema room, just like the projector. This keeps the heat and disturbing noise outside the cinema. For the real cinema experience, you approach the Cinema through the double doors of the front porch. A single door step then brings you face to face with the impressive screen. The position of the door has therefore been chosen very deliberately.

Image width is directly related to the viewing angle and thus to the seat distance. A large statue is imposing, but it should not become a tennis match. The necessary juggling with the ideal projector distance, aspect ratio and viewing angle goes hand in hand with a strategic choice of seating areas. We have to take into account the acoustic consequences and our desire to achieve a balanced bass reproduction. Of course we can do a lot with the calibration (DSP), but prevention is better than cure. The result is a gross dimensions of 815 cm long and 519 cm wide. The height is 320 cm. The vestibule is as wide as the room and about 110 cm long. The dark wall finish and lighting next to the Cinema door immediately give that fantastic cinema atmosphere. At the end of the portal we place the tower of power, a mighty 19” rack with the beating heart of the Cinema. On wheels, of course, so that we can always easily get behind it. Of course we much prefer to be in the Cinema, but an update or upgrade is done so quickly.

The starting point of every Reference Sounds Cinema is a reproduction that immerses you in sound that closes around you like a warm blanket. Energetic, compelling and enchanting. That is why the choice of the speaker layout and the number of loudspeaker channels in combination with the sophisticated acoustics is of great importance. The Reference Sounds Cinema is equipped with an 11.4.6 JBL Synthesis configuration. The 11 Bedded channels are formed by three JBL 4349 loudspeakers behind the acoustically transparent screen and eight SCL-4 loudspeakers around the listening position.

Wides provide better closure to the dual side speakers and a set of rear speakers emphasizes the auditory length of the illusion. We place a JBL Synthesis SSW-2 subwoofer on special insulating platforms in the four corners of the room. That placement creates a balanced balance across the entire listening surface. Six SCL-4 loudspeakers then form the height channels for a 3-dimensional experience.  

Because the loudspeakers in a cinema are often built-in, the interaction between the loudspeaker and the built-in construction has a major influence on the sound. We therefore leave nothing to chance. We therefore build an ultra stable Baffle Wall behind the acoustically transparent screen in which the left, right and center loudspeakers find a stable and decoupled spot. The Baffle itself is treated acoustically and in strategic places we integrate custom bass absorbers tuned to the resonance modes of the room. We adjust the depth of the Baffle Wall to the speakers used, whereby the depth of the subwoofers is decisive. Because we are a little bit bass junkies at Reference Sounds, we built our Baffle Wall about 75 cm deep so that we keep room for an extra subwoofer that is still on the schedule!

For that compelling, spatial illusion and the feeling of really being part of the film, balanced acoustics are of vital importance. Where many designers opt for a relatively subdued space, we choose to leave certain reflections intact. In our Cinema you will find specific scattering elements and reflective surfaces to keep the energy of certain loudspeakers in the room. This contributes to the enclosing, immersive sound image and also makes the room a more pleasant place to be. It requires more work but in our opinion delivers a much more convincing result. To control the reverberation time of the layer reproduction, we work towards the corners with custom absorbers as part of the interior.

You can dream away with your favorite movie or series in a relaxed chair. Personally, we find luxurious, fabric models much more beautiful and finer than the typical Cinema seats. We therefore supply tailor-made chairs and benches that match the interior of the Cinema. A mix of only chintz or love seat with sofa in the same style is therefore also perfectly possible.

At Reference Sounds we love technology. Nevertheless, in our designs we strive for a total experience in which the technology is visually hidden from view. Completely concealed in the interior. Enchanting with image, sound and atmosphere – not with technology. That is why we prefer to design the interior of our cinemas ourselves. In this way, the ideal loudspeaker location, their acoustic environment and the desired balance between controlled reflection and absorption merge seamlessly. The choice of material is of great importance here. That is why we like to work with reflective surfaces with veneered wood, spraying or wallpaper with a fine texture. The loudspeakers and absorbing surfaces are placed behind fabric tracks in which we stretch beautiful, acoustically transparent fabrics. In a plane or an entire wall. Everything is possible.

For the Reference Sounds Cinema we opted for a dark green fabric in combination with oak veneer accents and LED gutters. The receding surfaces are provided with a special wallpaper with a linen structure that plays beautifully with the striking light. The LED fixtures on the wall are a Reference Sounds Design and printed by our interior builder on a 3D printer. The Baffle Wall is fitted with black upholstered removable panels.

Our designs are characterized by a strong symmetry and cinematic perspective. The Reference Sounds Cinema is a fantastic example of this. Through the entrance in the middle of the back wall you immediately step into another world. Falling lines with integrated LED lighting draw your eye to the screen and give the room an enormous depth. Diagonal planes create dynamism.

The RGBW LED lighting transforms the space from futuristic to classic. An important starting point for the design was that the space moves along with the atmosphere you want to evoke. A simple change of light color and intensity and independent grouping of the lighting made this possible.

As an importer of JBL Synthesis, among others, we have the very best products and knowledge to realize the ultimate cinema. With Exult as a partner, we have a dedicated interior builder with whom we can read and write. All our twists and turns in the Experience Center have been realized by Exult. This fantastic marriage makes us the ideal dance partner for architects, installers and discerning film and music enthusiasts looking for something special. From design to realisation. From small to mega. Everything is possible.

We have to admit, we’re a little proud of this space. The combination of image, sound and atmosphere are truly phenomenal. We think so ourselves, but it is also the unanimous reaction of everyone who has taken place in our chairs. The overwhelming emotional impact of the sound grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. Sound does not come from above, in front or behind, but happens to you. It’s everywhere, like a bubble of energy that makes you forget where you are. An experience that you have to experience to understand. And that is possible – by appointment – ​​at Reference Sounds.