Sphere and Holoplot revolutionize immersive audio

Sphere Immersive Sound is a solution that delivers clear, quality sound thanks to 3D Audio-Beamforming and Wave Field Synthesis technology from Holoplot.

Sphere Entertainment has presented, powered by Holoplot, Sphere Immersive Sound. An initiative that provides crystal-clear, individualized sound to each seat in the Sphere Las Vegas, an entertainment medium that will open in Las Vegas this fall.

“The beauty of Sphere doesn't just lie in the revolutionary technology that will make it unique, with the world's most advanced audio system integrated into a structure designed with sound quality at the forefront; but also in the possibilities around immersive experiences in real and imaginary landscapes. In short, It's a canvas of unparalleled scale and image resolution, and a once-in-a-generation opportunity”, comments U2's The Edge.

Sphere Immersive Sound has been developed specifically for use in the curved interior of Las Vegas. The system consists of approximately 1.600 Speaker Modules Holoplot X1 Matrix Array, permanently installed, and 300 Mobile, and includes a total of 167.000 Individually amplified speaker drivers.

Use the 3D Audio-Beamforming and Wave Field Synthesis technology Holoplot's state-of-the-art to transform the way audio is transmitted in large-scale venues.

The result is a controlled concert sound, Uniform and crystal clear for audiences of up to 20.000 people, that provides every viewer with an exceptional and personalized listening experience.

“This solution is a cornerstone of custom-designed technology that will make Sphere unlike any other venue, providing audio with unmatched clarity and accuracy to all attendees, Regardless of where they're sitting”, Says David Dibble, CEO of MSG Ventures, a division of Sphere Entertainment. “Creating this experience required us to go far beyond existing audio technology, and in Holoplot we found a partner at the forefront of innovation to help achieve our vision and truly transform what's possible with audio.”

The entire sound system is hidden behind the interior LED display plane of the 48.768 square meters of Sphere. Holoplot's algorithms in the optimization engine compensate for any audio streaming loss, resulting in clear, full-range sound, Virtually no coloration, and an obstruction-free Led visual surface, that surrounds, on and around the audience and combines with Sphere Immersive Sound to create an immersive environment.

Traditional speaker technology in large-scale venues can result in audio quality that decreases as the distance to the speakers increases, due to the uncontrolled nature of sound wave propagation.

Audio-Beamforming and Wave Field Synthesis

Holoplot 3D Audio-Beamforming uses intelligent software algorithms to create highly controlled sound waves that are more efficient than those of conventional speakers, ensuring that levels and quality remain constant from the point of origin to the point of destination, even at great distances.

This technology can simultaneously send audio content to specific locations in the venue, creating the possibility for different sections to listen to completely different content – such as languages, Music or sound effects-, offering unlimited opportunities for personalized and immersive audio experiences.

In addition, Sphere Immersive Sound will use the capabilities of Wave Field Synthesis, An audio spatial representation technique that takes advantage of virtual acoustic environments.

With conventional audio technology, The perceived origin of a sound has traditionally been the location of the speaker. Thanks to Wave Field Synthesis, Sound designers can create a virtual point of origin, that can be placed in a precise spatial location. This allows the audio to be directed towards the listener so that it sounds close, Even if the source is far away.

Background

Sphere Immersive Sound, powered by Holoplot, was first presented last summer at the Beacon Theatre in New York before being customized and expanded for Sphere, that takes advantage of all the possibilities of this cutting-edge technology.

Since its debut at the Beacon Theatre, Sphere Immersive Sound has given artists and audiences a glimpse of what the system is capable of, before Sphere opens this fall.

In addition to Sphere Immersive Sound and the interior plane of Led screens, Sphere also incorporates patented 4D technologies, such as infrasonic haptic seats, and various atmospheric and environmental effects, Like warm breezes, Evocative aromas and temperature changes, to create multi-sensory experiences that take storytelling to a whole new level.

Sphere will open its doors on 29 with the first of the 25 U2 performances, U2:UV Achtung Baby Live At Sphere, and the Sphere Experience directed by Darren Aronofsky, Postcard from Earth, will be released on 6 October.

Sphere is a next-generation entertainment medium that will amaze the world and redefine the future of live entertainment. A place where artists, Leading creators and technologists will create extraordinary experiences that will take storytelling to a new level and transport audiences to real, imagined places.

The venue will host original Sphere experiences from Hollywood's leading directors, concerts and residencies of the world's biggest artists and world-class events. Sphere's first headquarters is under construction in Las Vegas and is scheduled to open in September 2023. It will be a new landmark for Las Vegas, Powered by cutting-edge technologies that ignite the senses and allow audiences to share experiences on a scale never seen before.