CLIENT
Done + Dusted
LOCATION
Abu Dhabi, UAE
YEAR
2017
PROJECT TYPE
National Day Ceremony
Scope
Immersive loudspeaker system design and show control
Services Provided
- →Immersive loudspeaker system design (L-ISA)
- →Stadium audio coverage design
- →Audio control systems
- →Show control and playback systems
- →Front of House mixing
- →Systems engineering
The Brief
For the 46th UAE National Day, Done + Dusted UK developed an ambitious multi-scene production exploring the UAE’s future, from autonomous vehicles and robotics to renewable energy and smart infrastructure. The programme was structured across three scenes and eleven chapters, combining performance, large-scale video and spatial sound design.
Auditoria were engaged to design and deliver the immersive audio system and show control infrastructure for the ceremony in Abu Dhabi.
The concept relied heavily on movement, atmosphere and spatial storytelling. Audio needed to support that narrative clearly, guiding the audience through each chapter while integrating seamlessly with video and live performance.
The Challenge
The show design called for a fully immersive sound field rather than conventional left-right reinforcement. Music, voice, sound effects and environmental textures all needed to be placed deliberately within the space.
The venue configuration required careful rigging and distribution planning. Overhead loudspeakers were essential to create the intended sense of immersion, but had to be supported safely across the span of the performance area.
Maintaining musical balance while preserving the spatial integrity of the L-ISA system required detailed modelling and tuning throughout rehearsals.
From a control perspective, the system had to operate reliably across a complex, time-critical programme, with full redundancy built into both audio and playback infrastructure.
Our Approach
Auditoria designed a 36.1 immersive loudspeaker system based around the L-ISA platform.
The frontal scene comprised a central array of nine K2, flanked by four arrays of nine KARA on either side, spaced at five-metre intervals. KIVA provided front fill, with additional KARA arrays covering sides and rears.
Sub-bass was delivered by a single block of eighteen SB28 subwoofers located behind the main LED screen, forming a consistent low-frequency foundation across the performance space.
To achieve overhead spatial effects and artificial room acoustics, four span ropes were installed across the venue, supporting 33 L-Acoustics X8 loudspeakers across twelve circuits. These channels allowed atmospheric and environmental elements to move above and around the audience, reinforcing the immersive intent of the show.
The system was managed via a dual-redundant pair of L-ISA Processors, ensuring continuity throughout the performance.
Technical Highlights:
Audio Design
36-array L-ISA immersive system using K2, KARA, KIVA and 8XT
Frontal system of nine arrays using a combination of K2 and
8 × KARA arrays (9 elements each) flanking centre
KIVA front fill
KARA side and rear coverage
18 × SB28 subwoofers positioned behind LED screen
33 × X8 overhead loudspeakers across 12 circuits
Mirrored DiGiCo SD5 consoles
Dedicated L-ISA Processor per console via MADI
Multiple DiGiCo SD Racks
Optocore network distribution to LA-Racks
Show Control
Dual-redundant Merging Technologies Ovation playback systems
Horus audio interface delivering 128 channels via MADI
Avid Artist control surface
Full KVM infrastructure per system
The Results
The 46th UAE National Day Ceremony demonstrated how spatial audio could play a central role in large-scale national celebrations.
The immersive system allowed sound effects, narration and music to move naturally within the performance space, supporting the forward-looking narrative of the production. Overhead channels added dimension without overwhelming the core musical content.
Throughout rehearsals and performance, the system operated reliably across the full programme, supporting tightly timed transitions and complex playback requirements.
The result was a carefully controlled immersive environment that matched the ambition of the creative concept while remaining technically stable throughout.
Acknowledgements
Our Client
Done + Dusted
Our Team
Scott Willsallen – Audio System Designer
Justin Arthur – Front of House
Steve Logan – Replay Operator
Martin Dineley – Systems Engineer
Our Supplier
Delta Sound Dubai
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