CLIENT
People Creative
LOCATION
ADNEC Parade Ground, Abu Dhabi, UAE
YEAR
2022
PROJECT TYPE
Immersive Ceremony
Scope
Immersive audio system design, orchestral sound design, show control systems, technical coordination
Services Provided
- →Audio system design
- →L-ISA spatial audio programming
- →Rehearsal system duplication
- →Show control design
- →Audio network architecture
The Brief
The 51st UAE National Day saw a celebration of the past and future of the UAE and was staged at the ADNEC parade ground in Abu Dhabi. Designed by Es Devlin and delivered by People Creative, the show brought together the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, local Emirati musicians, thousands of performers, and a multi-sensory visual and auditory narrative. Our brief was to design and implement an immersive, spatial audio experience that honoured both the cultural heritage and future vision of the UAE, and to do so at an enormous scale.
The Challenge
The sheer size and shape of the ADNEC parade ground presented several challenges. With a vast linear audience layout, a rotating programme of musical content, and projection-mapped scenic portals, our audio system had to deliver precise localisation, immersive depth, and concert-level musical fidelity, all while keeping time alignment intact between live acoustic sources and reinforced sound. We also needed to ensure seamless transitions between the show venue and a separate rehearsal facility, requiring fully duplicated systems and predictable workflows.
Our Approach
We designed a system based on the L-Acoustics L-ISA spatial audio platform, combining five main Kara II arrays with distributed nearfield and SFX systems to provide coverage across a highly controlled listening environment. A total of 762 loudspeakers were deployed to meet the creative and technical demands of the show. We worked closely with the creative team to integrate the sound design into the choreography and scenography, using TiMax, Ovation and L-ISA processing to manage spatial movement and timing.
Technical Highlights:
Audio Design
Main L-ISA System
Five Kara II arrays were placed above the orchestra, concealed in purpose-built scenic windows to extend the perceived width of the ensemble. The system received 96 inputs from a mirrored pair of DiGiCo Quantum 7 consoles, mixing live and pre-recorded stems from the orchestra and Ovation playback.
Overhead Immersive System
Thirty L-Acoustics X8 loudspeakers were suspended in three linear rows above the audience to create a concert hall-like reverberant field using L-ISA’s spatial fill feature. Three custom room engine presets were developed and deployed using snapshots to suit the tone of each musical piece.
Personal 4.1 Systems
Every seat in the North Grandstand was supported by a 4.1 loudspeaker configuration, using over 300 L-Acoustics 5XT and X4i units, Syva Low subwoofers and SB15s provided a detailed, nearfield spatial mix for each audience member.
SFX Systems
A three-layered effects system brought the staging to life:
- A ground row of 13 X8s per side delivered tightly localised effects to accompany floor projection and movement.
- A flown row of A10-Wide above each side supported spatial effects and music.
- K2 arrays flanked the East and West scenic portals, providing stereo imaging aligned to projection content.
Orchestral System
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was captured with a dual-engine SD7 console setup and mixed down to stems for FOH and broadcast. The system included wired and wireless in-ear monitoring and a full MADI-based recording and backup setup.
Orchestra Rehearsal System
An identical audio system was deployed at a separate orchestra rehearsal facility to maintain consistency and allow continuous refinement of the orchestral mix. Pro Tools was used for playback, mirroring the show’s Ovation system.
Audio Network & Distribution
We employed a hybrid network of AVB (via Luminex switches) and Optocore (for AES/EBU redundancy) to distribute audio signals to LA-Racks around the venue. Dual L-ISA Processors and TiMax SoundHub2 units handled spatialisation and movement control.
Show Control Design
A dual-redundant Ovation playback system provided timecode and triggered content, monitored via a DiGiCo SD11 and a pair of Neumann KH310 monitors. Merging Technologies’ Horus interface delivered 128 channels via MADI.
The Results
The result was a deeply immersive and emotionally resonant sound experience. The spatial audio system allowed every seat in the grandstand to feel personally connected to the performance, while the orchestral and SFX systems delivered extraordinary clarity and precision. The seamless coordination between the rehearsal and show systems ensured efficient delivery and maximum creative flexibility throughout the production process. It was an honour to help bring this landmark event to life with a team that valued detail, precision and creative collaboration.
Acknowledgements
Our Client
A huge thanks to Es Devlin and her design team, Tim Elliott, Will Jensen and the whole team at People Creative 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 Luis Miranda on replay, Toby Chester mixing the orchestra and Robin Whittaker operating TiMax.
Our Supplier
Thanks to Giulio Rovelli and his team from Agora for supplying, installing and maintaining the system for us. Thanks to Edo, Matt, Will, James, Aries and the tireless audio team who put so much care and energy into this massive project.
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