L-ISA makes worldwide debut
L-ISA makes worldwide debut
Mercury Space Moscow has become the site of the first L-ISA (Immersive Sound Art) immersive audio system installation in the world. The solution was recommended by L-Acoustics distributor Sonoruss, as the owner of the nightclub, located on the 40th storey of the Mercury City Tower in the Russian capital, sought a ‘unique’ sound system.
‘We introduced the venue’s owner to the new multichannel L-ISA system, using Kiva II and KS28 when they visited the L-ISA Lab in Highgate,’ recalled Igor Verholat, CEO of Sonoruss. ‘We suggested that they could do the installation in two phases to spread the cost, but he was so blown away by what he heard that he decided to have the complete system installed straight away. In fact, the trip determined the entire concept of Mercury Space Moscow.’
The installation was carried out by Theatre Technique and Technology with assistance from the Sonoruss and L-ISA teams. L-ISA is an immersive audio technology that combines L-Acoustics’ sound design and loudspeaker systems with processing tools to create a hyperrealistic soundscape for live shows.
‘L-ISA provides an amazing localisation of sound sources that immerses the listener in the sound space,’ noted Alexander Ananiev, acoustic engineer at Sonoruss. ‘It provides a hyperrealistic soundscape for the audience and gives sound engineers advanced surround mixing tools during live events, which is a big step forward from traditional two-channel sound systems. L-ISA can enhance the spatial impression, even when reproducing a conventional two-channel mix, because of the so-called “upmix”. For example, a DJ’s performance in this hall would sound spatially more enveloping, even with a two-channel source.’
Mr Verholat added that with this being the inaugural fixed L-ISA installation, the project was managed from the L-Acoustics immersive sound brand’s headquarters. ‘During the installation, Sherif el Barbari, director of L-ISA Labs, trained all the engineers that will work with the system on a day-to-day basis,’ he explained. ‘Calibration and tuning of the system were carried out by Sherif and Julian Laval, applications engineer fixed installs, L-Acoustics, and the Sonoruss team.’
The 975m2 venue is rather unique in that it is U-shaped with a stage at its apex. The L-ISA system was designed using L-Acoustics Soundvision 3D acoustical simulation programme and includes five hangs of four Kiva II arrayed across the front of the stage, as well as two SB18 subwoofers positioned one either side of the centre hang and two KS28 subs ground stacked either side at the front of the stage. Providing even coverage across the rest of the venue are eight X12, positioned at the top of the walls on the sides and opposite the stage, while 10 X8 cabinets have been deployed five per side to cover each of the U’s ‘arms’. The system is powered by LA4X and LA12X amplified controllers.
‘Having eight sound sources located around the hall allows a sound engineer to put a guest into the sound image as if the sound is enveloping him,’ said Mercury Space sound engineer Alexander Alperovich. ‘This means that even the most demanding engineer will be satisfied. Mercury Space is one of the most expensive halls in Moscow and very popular with high-end clientele and celebrities. Since the L-ISA system was installed, every visitor has had a great experience.’
www.l-acoustics.com
www.l-isa-music.com
www.tttpro.ru
www.sonoruss.ru
‘We introduced the venue’s owner to the new multichannel L-ISA system, using Kiva II and KS28 when they visited the L-ISA Lab in Highgate,’ recalled Igor Verholat, CEO of Sonoruss. ‘We suggested that they could do the installation in two phases to spread the cost, but he was so blown away by what he heard that he decided to have the complete system installed straight away. In fact, the trip determined the entire concept of Mercury Space Moscow.’
The installation was carried out by Theatre Technique and Technology with assistance from the Sonoruss and L-ISA teams. L-ISA is an immersive audio technology that combines L-Acoustics’ sound design and loudspeaker systems with processing tools to create a hyperrealistic soundscape for live shows.
‘L-ISA provides an amazing localisation of sound sources that immerses the listener in the sound space,’ noted Alexander Ananiev, acoustic engineer at Sonoruss. ‘It provides a hyperrealistic soundscape for the audience and gives sound engineers advanced surround mixing tools during live events, which is a big step forward from traditional two-channel sound systems. L-ISA can enhance the spatial impression, even when reproducing a conventional two-channel mix, because of the so-called “upmix”. For example, a DJ’s performance in this hall would sound spatially more enveloping, even with a two-channel source.’
Mr Verholat added that with this being the inaugural fixed L-ISA installation, the project was managed from the L-Acoustics immersive sound brand’s headquarters. ‘During the installation, Sherif el Barbari, director of L-ISA Labs, trained all the engineers that will work with the system on a day-to-day basis,’ he explained. ‘Calibration and tuning of the system were carried out by Sherif and Julian Laval, applications engineer fixed installs, L-Acoustics, and the Sonoruss team.’
The 975m2 venue is rather unique in that it is U-shaped with a stage at its apex. The L-ISA system was designed using L-Acoustics Soundvision 3D acoustical simulation programme and includes five hangs of four Kiva II arrayed across the front of the stage, as well as two SB18 subwoofers positioned one either side of the centre hang and two KS28 subs ground stacked either side at the front of the stage. Providing even coverage across the rest of the venue are eight X12, positioned at the top of the walls on the sides and opposite the stage, while 10 X8 cabinets have been deployed five per side to cover each of the U’s ‘arms’. The system is powered by LA4X and LA12X amplified controllers.
‘Having eight sound sources located around the hall allows a sound engineer to put a guest into the sound image as if the sound is enveloping him,’ said Mercury Space sound engineer Alexander Alperovich. ‘This means that even the most demanding engineer will be satisfied. Mercury Space is one of the most expensive halls in Moscow and very popular with high-end clientele and celebrities. Since the L-ISA system was installed, every visitor has had a great experience.’
www.l-acoustics.com
www.l-isa-music.com
www.tttpro.ru
www.sonoruss.ru