PMC plans stunning 29-channel immersive demo at CEDIA Expo

PCM will stage one of its largest and most ambitious cinema demonstrations at this year’s CEDIA Expo in Denver, with a 29-channel, 15.1(6).8 configuration designed to highlight the company’s reference-grade loudspeakers.

The installation, handled by the brand’s US distributor Playback Custom, will give visitors a chance to experience the same sonic precision trusted in Dolby Atmos mixing studios worldwide, illustrating how residential cinema can reproduce soundtracks exactly as intended by filmmakers.

Located in Sound Room 6 on the CEDIA show floor, the system will combine products from PMC’s professional and custom installation ranges. Playback Custom is handling the full installation.

At the front end, MB2 XBD monitors will serve as left, centre, and right channels. Surround duties will be covered by twelve ci140 loudspeakers, while eight ci65s will provide height channel coverage. Low-frequency reproduction will be delivered by six BST professional-grade subwoofers.

The BST is fitted with a 15-inch ultra-long throw driver, capable of producing 120dB continuous SPL with response flat down to 17Hz. PMC notes that this combination delivers the deepest, highest output and lowest distortion bass available in its portfolio.

The demonstration is designed to underline PMC’s reputation as a reference in both the professional and residential markets.

“By showcasing this system at the CEDIA Expo, we aim to demonstrate to integrators the potential of delivering cinema systems that replicate movie soundtracks precisely as experienced by directors in the studio,” said Tyler Nelson of Playback Custom.

Oliver Thomas, PMC co-CEO and head of design, added: “This will be a definitive showcase of why the world’s top film studios depend on PMC’s precision-engineered systems. It’s also a clear statement to high-end clients: if you demand reference-level cinematic performance, this is the system you install.”

PMC’s pedigree in cinema audio stretches back to 1993, when its BB5 monitors were supplied to Oscar-winning engineer Shawn Murphy for Jurassic Park. Since then, its monitors have been used on numerous Hollywood blockbusters, with clients including Dennis Sands (The Lion King), James Newton-Howard (The Dark Knight) and Thomas Newman (Skyfall). The company received an Emmy in 1996 for its contribution to recording excellence.

Demonstrations of the CEDIA system will run throughout the show. Oliver Thomas will also present 30-minute technical talks on September 4 at 10.30am and September 5 at 11.30am.

Playback Custom will additionally exhibit on booth 4425, with models from the ci series on display and staff available to discuss integrators’ requirements.