Methods and Technologies in the fourMs Lab
This section contains information for the use of the fixed technology in the fourMs lab.
Audio
The lab has 2 individual audio setups permanently installed the first being an interactive talkback system between the lab and control room and the second, multichannel audio experience for both recording and playback.
Interactive Talkback System
The talkback system enables a two-way talk-back system between the control room and the lab. This setup uses the two speakers bracketing the TV wall to playback sound from the control room via input or a microphone cue. It also allows the lab ceiling microphones to broadcast sound into the videomixer for monitoring or use replacing the camera sound. These ceiling microphones run through a preamp before the sound is sent to the videomixer. The interactive sound setup combines the audio and video systems of the lab. For use instructions, refer to the component instructions below as well as printouts in the lab
Multichannel Audio
The bulk of the audio rack is dedicated to the multi-channel input and output system. The lab has a high-density speaker array (24-channel) that can be used for creating immersive audio experiences that can be used with other technology or alone in the study of multichannel audio experiences. This system is run from the dedicated audio PC.
Audio Standard Experiments
There are templates and instructions for common experiments with the installed audio that involve the combination of other technologies like motion capture.
Motion Capture
The lab has an advanced optical motion capture system installed in the fourMs lab. All users must take the motion capture MOOC and then have hands on training with Kayla in order to use the motion capture system.
Video
The fourMs lab is equipped with a built in video mixing system as well as a TV array. Video recording is done using the four video cameras that are mounted at the corners of the lab space connected to a videomixer in the control room. Video playback is done on the wall of four TVs located in the main lab space, there is also a TV on wheels and projector available. Input to the TVs is controlled by the HDMI matrix located in the control room, or the cables attached to the two TVs on the left. For use instructions, refer to the component instructions below as well as printouts in the lab
Synchronization
A variety of methods are used to synchronize the installed tech in the lab depending on your synchronization needs.