Sphere Entertainment worked with Powersoft for its next-generation entertainment venue in Las Vegas, which includes the Sphere Immersive Sound powered by Holoplot - currently the world’s most advanced fixed-install, concert-grade audio system.
MSG Ventures, which develops groundbreaking technologies and content exclusively for Sphere, partnered with the Italy-based manufacturer to leverage their ultra-high-efficiency amplifier solutions that achieve approximately 40 percent energy savings compared to traditional amplifiers, minimizing environmental impact without compromising sound quality.
"Sphere Immersive Sound has set a new standard in every aspect of live audio, and tens of thousands have already been immersed in its crystal-clear, individualized sound," says David Dibble, CEO, MSG Ventures, a division of Sphere Entertainment. "And with the premiere of The Sphere Experience featuring Darren Aronofsky’s Postcard from Earth, guests, for the first time, experienced a truly multi-sensory haptic experience. Powersoft's cutting edge and energy efficient technology made them the perfect partner to help achieve our sustainability goals without compromising audio or haptic quality."
Developed specifically for Sphere’s unique curved interior, Sphere Immersive Sound is powered by 167,000 channels of amplification provided by Powersoft's compact, ultra-high-efficiency 16-channel amplifier solutions that are integrated into the venue's Holoplot X1 audio system.
"Sphere is the largest-scale and most innovative application of Powersoft technology yet, and we’re thrilled to partner with a company that holds the same values and vision for the future of live entertainment," adds Carlo Lastrucci, President of Powersoft.
Sphere’s Holoplot X1 audio system leveraged Powersoft’s energy-efficient innovations, including its Power Factor Correction (PFC) and Class-D PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), two technologies that have directly reduced the environmental impact in the industry. The benefits produced by the adoption of PFC technology include energy savings and a lower carbon footprint (equivalent CO2 emissions) of approximately 40 percent compared to amplifiers without power factor correction for the same output. Simultaneously, Powersoft’s PWM technology transforms energy drawn from the power mains at Sphere into usable power that recycles the reactive energy coming back from its loudspeakers.
In addition to the 16-channel amplifiers integrated into Sphere’s Holoplot X1 Matrix Array, Powersoft provided patented IPAL (Integrated Powered Adaptive Loudspeaker) technology used in the X1 system's subwoofers. An IPAL-equipped system offers complete control of sound system reproduction, regardless of acoustic load and conditions.
The Haptic Experience
MSG Ventures also partnered with Powersoft to enhance the immersive experience that is available for non-live music presentations at the Sphere. Powersoft's Move technology is integrated within the venue’s 10,000 haptic seats, a key component of The Sphere Experience that makes audiences feel like they’ve been transported to another world.
Sphere’s 10,000 haptic seats are integrated with Powersoft’s infrasound system, using Mover, the company’s compact transducer that uses haptic feedback to provide event-goers with a more convincing, realistic experience, engaging the senses beyond visual and audio stimulation. Powersoft’s patented moving-magnet technology is more durable, accurate and efficient, relying on an audio signal with ultra-low-frequency reproduction to make the chairs vibrate and shake as desired for each performance. To accompany the infrasound haptic system, Powersoft also supplied 2,500 audio channels for the seats, provided by 718 Powersoft Quattrocanali amplifiers.
Sphere opened on September 29 with the first of 25 performances of "U2:UV Achtung Baby Live At Sphere." The Sphere Experience, featuring Darren Aronofsky’s Postcard from Earth, debuted at the venue on October 6, and was the first event to utilize the venue's haptic seats.
www.thesphere.com
www.powersoft.com
