NetEase Games Multichannel Sound Studio Relies on Neumann Monitoring 

Tokyo, January 28, 2025 – NetEase Games is one of the world's leading video game companies, captivating fans around the globe. A new Dolby Atmos-enabled multichannel sound studio has been established within their Japan-based Art Design Center. Located in the heart of Tokyo, the studio required a compact yet immersive monitoring system with superior sound quality and functionality to suit the urban environment. Yusuke Enomoto, Senior Sound Designer at NetEase, expresses that Neumann’s KH monitors are the ideal system for this studio.

NetEase Games focuses not only on mobile game development but has also moved into console game production in recent years. In addition to developing games, the company has established Art Design Centers around the world, including Japan, and collaborates with local studios in various countries, providing them with extensive support in product development.

Yusuke explains why a multichannel studio is needed at Art Design Center: "At our Art Design Center, we produce gaming sound based on requests from partner studios while also providing them with cutting-edge technical know-how. When we decided to create this sound studio, it was essential to design a space that supports Dolby Atmos because we needed a place where we could experiment hands-on with trial-and-error, figuring out how to create for Dolby Atmos, how it differs from other surround standards and stereo playback, and what specific points to focus on during production. From that perspective, having a system that supports Dolby Atmos and uses Dolby-recommended speakers was crucial."

The Neumann immersive set (KH 120 II, KH 750 DSP, MA 1) was set up in this multichannel sound studio during its construction. Yusuke's preference for Neumann speakers played a major role in their adoption.

"Actually, I had the chance to listen to the Neumann KH series in a stereo setup a while ago, and I was incredibly impressed with the sound quality and precise localization. It left a great impression on me, so much so that I wanted to put them in my own setup one day," Yusuke added.

Satoshi Inoue, who was in charge of the design and construction of the studio, stated that choosing the Neumann KH series brought significant advantages in terms of sound quality and functionality. The KH 120 II has a bi-amp configuration, and its cabinet and waveguide were designed using computer simulation. This provides rich low-end and a wide frequency response. Additionally, its built-in DSP offers great benefits for fine-tuning when building multichannel systems.

Satoshi explains that selecting speakers that are ideal for a compact studio is no easy task. “On top of that, we needed to build a system optimized for Dolby Atmos. The KH 120 II met all these requirements.”

In response to Yusuke's request for Neumann speakers, Satoshi set about selecting the most suitable model from the KH series: "We carefully examined the acoustics of the space when selecting the speakers. As a result, we determined that a combination of eleven KH 120 II units and one KH 750 DSP subwoofer was optimal, based on the acoustic characteristics of the space.”

Satoshi added that the built-in DSP in all of the speakers was a great help in tuning the sound system. "Sound is physics. By thoroughly understanding and addressing these characteristics, you can create a high-quality acoustic environment. The speakers alone don't complete the sound; fine-tuning the sound quality is a key factor. In this regard, the DSP built into each speaker and the use of the Neumann MA 1 measurement microphone allowed us to create the ideal sound field." ​

Based on Satoshi's recommendation, the KH 120 II was used for all channels, with the exception of the KH 750 subwoofer for the LFE channel.

"In a Dolby Atmos acoustic space, as long as the required specs are met, it’s fine. However, there can be slight differences in tonal quality, such as variations in crossover values, even within the same brand. This can lead to slight misalignments when the sound moves, for example, from front to back or top to bottom, and in some cases, the localization can be off. To avoid this, it’s best to use the same speaker model from the same manufacturer," Satoshi added.

One of the major features of the newly constructed studio is the method used to install the four ceiling speakers in their Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 channel system. In the NetEase Games studio, a metal truss frame, similar to those used for exhibition lighting setups, was suspended using solid stands. This installation method was the result of a mutual understanding between Yusuke and Satoshi.

Satoshi explained: "Since the studio was being set up in an office building, it was difficult to mount the speakers directly on the ceiling. After considering various factors such as sound quality, functionality, and safety, we arrived at the current installation method."

"This installation method, proposed by Satoshi, has allowed for flexible operation. For example, if we ever need to relocate the office, we can easily move the ceiling speaker system and set it up as is. I think this method is perfect for an urban office environment." ​ Yusuke added.

Another room opposite the studio is equipped with a stereo system using two KH 120 II speakers. This room is used not only to check stereo playback but also for the practical purpose of keeping "backup speakers" close at hand.

Yusuke explained: "There's always a risk of unexpected issues with any equipment. By keeping the same speaker model in another room, we can quickly switch to a backup if something happens. Quite a practical approach, I think!"

"If there's ever an issue with the speakers, the system alerts us. With temporary replacements, a simple command like 'Is this the replacement speaker?' from the system restores the sound space to its original state. From an operational perspective, the Neumann immersive set performs exceptionally well. It's a really great product." Satoshi concluded.

About Neumann
​Georg Neumann GmbH, known as “Neumann.Berlin”, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of studio-grade audio equipment and the creator of recording microphone legends such as the U 47, M 49, U 67, and U 87. Founded in 1928, the company has been recognized with numerous international awards for its technological innovations. Since 2010, Neumann.Berlin has expanded its expertise in electro-acoustic transducer design to also include the studio monitor market, building upon the legacy of the legendary loudspeaker innovator Klein + Hummel. The first Neumann studio headphones were introduced in 2019, and since 2022, the company has increased its focus on reference solutions for live audio. With the introduction of the first audio interface MT 48, and its revolutionary converter technology, Neumann now offers all the necessary technologies needed to capture and deliver sound at the highest level. Georg Neumann GmbH has been part of the Sennheiser Group since 1991 and is represented worldwide by the Sennheiser network of subsidiaries and long-standing trading partners. www.neumann.com

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