CLIENT
LarMac Projects / Es Devlin Studio
LOCATION
Hatta Dam, UAE
YEAR
2021
PROJECT TYPE
Cultural Ceremony – Immersive Performance and Broadcast Event
Scope
Immersive audio system design and delivery for the UAE’s 50th National Day celebrations, staged at Hatta Dam
Services Provided
- →Full immersive audio system design
- →Nearfield and far-field spatial sound environments
- →L-ISA system integration and spatialisation
- →Show control systems and audio replay
- →Audio operations and systems engineering
- →Collaboration with creative and technical teams
The Brief
The 50th UAE National Day was always going to be a landmark event, but in 2021, it became something truly exceptional. Staged at the dramatic Hatta Dam, deep in the Hajar Mountains, the ceremony was designed by Es Devlin and produced by LarMac Projects to mark the nation’s Golden Jubilee in a spectacular natural setting.
We were brought in to design and deliver a bespoke immersive audio system capable of transforming this remote, open-air environment into a deeply personal and emotionally resonant sonic experience, connecting each member of the audience with the performance in a profound way.
The Challenge
Hatta Dam offered breathtaking scenery, but from an audio perspective, it posed a unique set of challenges. The ceremony was staged around a reflective body of water in a wide, open landscape surrounded by mountains, with no traditional stage house or acoustic infrastructure.
To meet the creative brief, we needed to deliver both precision and power: a nearfield immersive experience for each audience member, long-throw reinforcement to support the visuals and environment, and a sound design that could use the landscape itself as part of the performance.
Our Approach
We designed a multi-layered immersive audio system made up of over 950 loudspeakers, creating a depth of field that extended from individual audience members all the way to the mountains beyond.
At the heart of the system was L-Acoustics’ L-ISA immersive environment, allowing for precise spatialisation of music, vocals and sound effects. We used a combination of nearfield 5.1 personal systems, panoramic reinforcement arrays, and even speaker systems aimed at the mountains to reflect audio back to the audience at key moments in the show.
The entire system was fed from DiGiCo SD7Q consoles and a dual-redundant Ovation replay system, with all audio content precisely choreographed to the performance and visual elements of the show.
Technical Highlights:
Audio Design
Nearfield – Personal 5.1 Systems
- Over 500 L-Acoustics 5XT loudspeakers deployed in groups of three per audience pair (left, centre, right)
- 300 L-Acoustics X4i for rear channels
- 20 Syva Low subwoofers for localised bass response
- Each audience member experienced personalised 5.1 spatial sound directly at their seat
Sides & Panorama
- 15 L-Acoustics 5XT units per side of the grandstand to support lateral coverage
- Six arrays of six K2 speakers along the elliptical walkway
- A dedicated sub array of 16 KS28 positioned ~110m from the audience
- Provided musical depth and reinforced key effects in synchronisation with projection
Far Field – Mountain Arrays
- Eight arrays of six L-Acoustics Kara speakers
- Used in two moments of the show to bounce sound off the mountain terrain
- Created a dramatic sonic expansion of the environment
Dual DiGiCo SD7Q consoles with mirrored L-ISA Processors, connected via MADI
Input from multiple SD Racks and output distribution via Optocore and LA-Racks
96 L-ISA inputs from Ovation, consisting of pre-mixed stems, solo instruments and sound effects
10 L-ISA outputs driving various loudspeaker groups, including personal systems and panorama arrays
Show Control Design
Dual-redundant Ovation systems with Horus interfaces for 128-channel MADI playback
The Results
The result was an immersive listening experience that enveloped each audience member in their own personal soundscape, while also utilising the vast outdoor setting to maximum effect.
From whispered narration to sweeping orchestral cues, every element of the audio was placed with precision and intention. The nearfield systems brought intimacy, the panoramic arrays delivered scale, and the mountain reflections added a sense of wonder and spatial drama that connected the audience with the land itself.
This ceremony, broadcast nationally and experienced live by a select audience, became a powerful celebration of the UAE’s journey, blending cutting-edge audio technology with one of the most beautiful natural stages in the country.
Acknowledgements
Our Client
A huge thanks to Es Devlin and her design team, Jo Mackay, Ian Greenway, Nick Levitt and the whole team at LarMac for involving us in this project. Congratulations on delivering a really amazing project that was a joy to deliver.
Our Team
The Audio system was designed by Scott Willsallen. Our team also included Richard Sharratt on FOH, Martin Dineley on systems, Simon Sayer and Matteo Peraccini on replay, with remote support from Luis Miranda and Steve Logan.
Our Supplier
Thanks to Giulio Rovelli and his team from Agora for supplying, installing and maintaining the system for us. Thanks to James Ghamlouch, Luca Nobilini and the tireless audio team who put so much care and energy into this massive project.
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