CBN Television Network Upgrades Edit Suites

The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA has installed Bag End MM-8 Near Field Monitor systems into its editing facilities. The programming demands of the network, combined with the introduction of digital formatting, 5.1 surround sound, and HDTV, dictated the need for a change, according to the audio staff at the network.

The new monitor systems are a part of a large scale revamping of CBN's main audio suite, as well as the addition of a new audio suite that is located on another floor of the building. Alan Harper, Sound Design Engineer at CBN, explains that the monitoring system must fit into all of the edit suites at the CBN.

"Because we were adding suites and rebuilding our online suite, I had the perfect opportunity, to put one system in everywhere," Harper says. He notes that Bag End's MM-8 Near Field Monitors fit the edit suites and delivered results that are similar to what one would achieve with a large monitoring system.

"Every day, we are mixing something that airs within the next 24 to 28 hours, and that mix is the final step," Harper says. "What they are mixing is what must air - there is no room for changes or fixes . When we're mixing, there is often no last stage - we're the final mastering pass, so we must hear the way the finished product sounds immediately."

In addition to the MM-8's, CBN installed Bag End Studio Monitor System B in five of its video editing suites. This set-up is comprised of two MM-8 Near Field Monitors, and a Bag End D10-E subwoofer. Amplification in this application is provided by Hafler. Bag End ELF-1 extended low frequency subwoofer controllers have been installed in the audio suites, and the Bag End ELF-M2 model controller will be installed in the video suites.

"The integration between the ELF and Time-Alignment is a really smart partnership," says Harper. "It wasn't until after I had the system in-house and was using it on a daily basis that I even realized how good it is. The combination of accuracy and power-handling is really astonishing."