Virtual acoustics or active acoustics is the logical next step in the evolution from immersive audio. Some manufacturers who never conceived immersive audio as such, have long been researching how to emulate different room acoustics in the same space, and indirectly, found that by distributing speakers across the room, sound reinforcement also becomes exponentially more effective. More recently, other loudspeaker manufacturers that have long been proposing separate active acoustics systems - such as Meyer Sound - are also merging that concept with new immersive sound solutions, while a pioneer in immersive such as db audiotechnik with its Soundscape solution, has always incorporated an acoustic enhancement component.
L-Acoustics now jumps to the forefront of active acoustics, since they are currently the market leaders in large immersive audio installations, and they have their work half cut to transform those spaces. For some time already, L-Acoustics has been designing a new generation of electroacoustic systems that, while intended for immersive applications, are perfect for active acoustics. And the powerful L-ISA processors are also in place and ready. The L-ISA Ambiance virtual acoustics enhancement system uses L-Acoustics loudspeaker systems, microphones, and an advanced 3D Room Engine powered by the L-ISA Processor II (pictured below).
Acoustics Enhancement System
In a live and streamed event at the Philharmonie de Paris, focusing on the growing, strategic installation market, L-Acoustics extended its existing range of integration-specific products. Among those, the L-ISA Ambiance virtual acoustics enhancement system, which combines L-Acoustics loudspeaker systems, microphones, and an advanced 3D Room Engine powered by the L-ISA Processor II is by far the most ambitious.
The idea for Ambiance, is to empower acousticians, theater and audio-visual consultants, composers, and sound designers to transform the acoustic properties and qualities of a venue space to match the desired atmosphere. Using microphones with L-Acoustics hardware and software, sound designers can use L-ISA Ambiance to reconnect space and sound to immerse audiences in new acoustic worlds, L-Acoustics says.
The architecture and acoustics of a venue play an integral part in the audience and performer experience. From concert halls with long reverberation times that impart a lush feel for orchestras, to cinemas and halls with minimal reverb that allows for clear speech intelligibility, the experience of a space is as much due to the feel of its sound as to its decor. Where once venues were designed for single-use, today’s spaces are multi-purpose, changing with the calendar to better serve wider audiences.
Adapting acoustics through architecture is time-consuming, budget-hungry, and does not guarantee flexibility. The L-ISA Ambiance virtual acoustic enhancement system uses hardware — speakers, amplifiers, and processors — that are already a necessary part of modern venues. Adding strategically placed microphones to capture the existing acoustical energy of a space, Ambiance processes signals from the mics through the L-ISA Room Engine that’s built into the L-ISA Processor II, where reflections can then be individually managed with separate EQ, time, and space parameters, empowering a sound designer to create a desired sound atmosphere for the space. L-ISA Ambiance can be controlled via the L-ISA Controller on both Mac and Windows platforms, through the built-in configurations on the Processor, or with Q-Sys and Crestron third-party control systems.
“An L-ISA Ambiance system provides flexibility to a venue, opening up acoustic enhancement to a wider market, without the need to alter the look of the space,” explains Jordan Tani, Product and Technology Marketing Engineer at L-Acoustics. “Installing Ambiance not only gives a space future-proof flexibility, but it also opens up creative possibilities for designers to construct — and reconstruct — the aural feel of the space to their desire.”
The L-ISA Room Engine allows sound designers to spatially distribute early, late, and cluster reflections to the loudspeaker system to provide a true multi-channel room engine that considers the geometry and volume of the space itself. The L-ISA Room Engine gives users the power to individually customize gain, EQ, time, and space parameters to craft fine-tuned acoustic profiles. By managing these parameters, sound designers can tailor the feel of a space to create the desired atmosphere for the audience, the performers, or both.
L-ISA Ambiance can be used for acoustic enhancement applications or combined with L-ISA Immersive Hyperreal systems for object-based mixing in live performances or experiential playback in theme parks, immersive art installations or other experiential events. L-ISA Ambiance is already shaping sound spaces at the GES-2 House of Culture and at the upcoming ABBA Voyage Experience.
L-ISA Ambiance will be demonstrated at Infocomm in Demo Room W209. A beta version is currently being used by a select number of pilot projects. The public version will be available in Q1 2023.
www.l-acoustics.com
