With the Venueflex acquisition, Fulcrum is in a position to provide a complete set of hardware and software tools that enable designers and integrators to design and deploy immersive solutions in a modular, scalable manner from small to large. More importantly, the company adds a set of technologies that enable active acoustics and immersive audio sound systems, meeting the growing demand in professional audio applications.
Fulcrum Immersive technologies tailor venues for optimum performance and, in the process, promote a higher level of audience engagement and a more consistent audience experience. The holistic approach includes software modeling tools, hardware and software signal processing modules, loudspeakers, amplifiers, and acoustic treatments that completely address project requirements from conception through installation. In addition to the technological aspects of the acquisition, Fulcrum Immersive gains the expertise of sales, technical, and customer service personnel.
At the core of this strategy is the Venueflex multifunction digital signal processor, with active bass control, active acoustics and immersive audio processing. Multiple processors may be combined to handle larger rooms and systems when connected over a Dante audio network, up to a maximum of 8 loudspeaker drive channels per processor. By selectively routing signals through the processor, the natural reflective sound of a room can be lifted and controlled artistically with much greater spatial realism than conventional “reverb” processors. Reflections are rendered through an array of purpose-built loudspeakers distributed throughout the room. Then, "dry" immersive audio inputs from a mixing console are routed, timed and distributed properly to the same loudspeakers used for adaptive acoustics. This allows "surround" type mixing, console-based effects or theatrical audio content to be distributed spatially throughout the room with no additional investment in hardware.
Dr. Paul Henderson, formerly with Venueflex, who will now serve as Fulcrum Acoustic VP of Software & Immersive. Stephen Siegel, President of Fulcrum Acoustic, comments on the formation of Fulcrum Immersive: "In the 20+ years that I’ve known Paul, I’ve watched him create a number of compelling technologies. Paul demonstrated some of the spatial tools that he had developed and expressed interest in partnering to bring these to a broader market. As we discussed further, it was obvious that Paul’s technologies and team would be a natural extension of our core business."
Dr. Paul Henderson is equally optimistic about the formation of Fulcrum Immersive, “I’ve enjoyed a long relationship with Stephen, Dave Gunness, and many of the Fulcrum staff, and have been impressed over the years with their innovations in loudspeaker technology and Fulcrum’s commitment to customers. As our immersive audio tools started taking form, it was obvious that the fusion of our two brands could bring powerful immersive experiences to new audiences across the globe. The future of Fulcrum Acoustic and Fulcrum Immersive is very bright, and we are very excited to develop some great new products and tools together."
www.fulcrum-immersive.com
www.fulcrum-acoustic.com
