Animech has created a new batch of models for Marshall. We have a new headphone model, the Marshall Monitor III, and new versions of models we’ve already created: Marshall Emberton III, and Marshall Willen II.
New challenges
The base workflow was the same as the original models. The Monitor III provided some additional challenges however. Since Marshall uses the CAD file for manufacturing purposes, the file we got wasn’t posed correctly and had parts intersecting with one another. In order to fix these issues, we created a rig which allowed us to rotate hinges, bend the headband, and move the sliders. The cables and inner headband was set up using IK chains. They, along with the outer headband, were probably the most time consuming parts of the rig since we had to paint weights to get a smooth bend.
As with the previous headphone models, we used symmetry and instancing to reuse as much texture detail as possible. This was a bit of a challenge to set up too, since we had to make sure the pieces looked correct when rigged.
Another challenge with the Monitor III was the earcups. When discussing with the customer, they noted that it was especially important that the folds in the leather looked correct. The CAD file only contained a rough representation of the leather however, so we needed to create it ourselves. First we created a model of the earcup with some indents around the sides, and UV’d it. Secondly, we photo scanned the earcups of a physical sample. Then, we projected the scanned model’s texture onto our model of the earcup. Now we had a texture of the photo scan laid out into our UV rectangle. We could then take this texture into an image editor and create a mask for the folds. When texturing the model in Substance Painter, we used the mask, along with filters, on a layer with negative height to create indents for the folds.
As for the Emberton III and Willen II. Even though we had already created the previous versions of these models, these were different enough that we had to treat them as entirely new products. But luckily we could reuse some parts.
Showroom
In addition to the AR models, we also delivered another application, named “Marshall Showroom”. It’s a hotspot based application which highlights different areas of Marshall’s products. Unlike the AR models, this application is placed directly on Marshall’s website. We also didn’t have a 5 MB limit like the AR models, which meant we could use higher quality textures.
The first products to launch are the ones mentioned in this article: Monitor III ANC, Emberton III, and Willen II. Enter the Showroom via the products’ page, and then click the 3D button in the image gallery.
Closing thoughts
The Monitor III is one of my favorite Marshall models created to date. The combination of a great looking product, that the work required a bunch of different creative techniques, and the final result, makes the work so rewarding. And now with the model rigged, it opens up lots of possibilities for future use.
As for the showroom, I’m very excited for us to be able to show the models directly on Marshall’s website. Also, the AR models never really did the models justice. Now without the 5 MB limit we can finally show the products as they were meant to be seen.
