What consequence drove the necessity for MGM's audio investment to be protected by calibration?

Answer

An improperly set volume knob could make a perfect explosion sound like a pop gun

The financial incentive for calibration was directly tied to protecting the massive investments studios made in creating high-quality soundtracks. If a studio like MGM spent significant resources perfecting the audio mix for an explosive scene—ensuring the sound filled the space realistically without overloading or 'clipping' the amplifier—that creative and financial effort was entirely nullified if the local theater's projectionist had set the volume control incorrectly. Calibration procedures provided simple, measurable steps that projectionists, operating under pressure, could follow to ensure the intended dynamic range and sonic balance created in the mixing studio were accurately delivered to the audience.

What consequence drove the necessity for MGM's audio investment to be protected by calibration?

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