ASU Mix Center

The ASU Mix Center was meticulously designed to support world-class media production, catering to traditional and emerging media while anticipating future advancements. It offers various features and facilities to meet current needs while ensuring flexibility for multiple programs, disciplines, industries, and outputs.

Jim Mauger, Systems Designer at Spinitar, a Solutionz, Inc. company, explains, “The facility includes two main Dolby Atmos screening room theaters with complete Dolby Atmos mixing Avid S6 consoles and DaVinci color grading stations, three Dolby Atmos sound recording studios with soundstages and foley capability, color grading classrooms, multi-purpose, three-story soundstages, and various edit suites and instructional classrooms.”

Preserving architectural aesthetics posed a significant challenge. To overcome this, the installation process involved concealing the 36-channel Atmos speakers behind acoustic façades. Precise positioning of the speakers in the X, Y, and Z axis ensured optimal laser aiming towards the mix position/console.

ASU’s ultimate goal was to establish a world-class emerging media technology center that seamlessly combines curriculum, education, community involvement, and research. This installation project was heavily coordinated between Spinitar, ASU staff, ASU network personnel, and the AV consultant, NV5, to ensure the routing and distribution of AV and control signals throughout the complex.

Careful consideration of spatial design and equipment was critical to creating a workspace that seamlessly adapts to different purposes. ASU's objective was to create a recording studio that could serve as a classroom for numerous students while providing an ideal environment for ADR recording, music, and film recording. Spinitar approached the design process with an innovative and thoughtful methodology to achieve this goal.

The vast size and complexity of the networks within these buildings (nearly 120,000 square feet) required thorough consideration of numerous users, connections, and individual networks. This process was essential as ASU relies on systems like Dante to transmit AV signals throughout the building for purposes such as recording and monitoring. Spinitar delved deep into the intricate network design to ensure flawless operation.

The Spinitar team demonstrated their expertise throughout the project by navigating complex installations and addressing specific requirements. Their profound understanding of network design, such as using Dante for AV signal transmission, ensured flawless operation within the building.

Despite the challenges posed by supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, Spinitar successfully installed a multi-purpose AV solution at the ASU MIX Center. This achievement has transformed the facility into one of the leading academic media production centers in the United States. With top-quality equipment and facilities adhering to industry standards, the ASU MIX Center empowers students with a dynamic learning experience, nurturing their creative endeavors.

The ASU Mix facility is a testament to the successful collaboration between ASU and Spinitar, a Solutionz, Inc. company. By seamlessly combining advanced technology, community engagement, and groundbreaking education, the center cultivates an environment that fosters the growth of the next generation of media creators.