CLIENT
Aniara
LOCATION
ABBA Arena, London, UK
YEAR
2022
PROJECT TYPE
Immersive concert experience – purpose-built venue
Scope
Venue audio & acoustic design, show sound design, and control systems integration
Services Provided
- →Immersive audio system design
- →Active acoustics design (L-Acoustics Ambience)
- →Show sound design and system programming
- →Show control and timecode sync
- →Foyer and entry tunnel systems
- →Onsite commissioning and tuning
The Brief
We were engaged by Aniara as audio, show control and acoustic design consultants for the purpose-built ABBA Arena, and sound designers for the show itself, ABBA Voyage.
The creative brief was to give audiences the sensation of attending a live ABBA concert, not simply watching a performance, but truly feeling it. To achieve that, we needed to design a system that went far beyond traditional concert audio. The experience had to feel immersive, authentic, and effortless, a concert that sounded as real as it looked.
The Challenge
Delivering that level of realism in a digital performance meant thinking differently. We weren’t just designing PA coverage, we were designing perception.
The challenge was threefold:
- Create an immersive system that could fool the brain into believing the performance was live.
- Ensure perfect synchronisation between sound, lighting, video and movement.
- Design active acoustics for a venue that didn’t yet exist, with a full sound system being installed before the roof was even finished.
Add to that a fully pre-programmed show sequence with around 120 timecode-triggered snapshots, and the result was a project that demanded technical innovation, surgical precision, and complete trust from everyone involved.
Our Approach
From the outset, we knew that creating an “exaggerated reality”, one that felt both larger-than-life and completely believable, would depend on a blend of immersive sound design, subtle spatial techniques, and integrated show control.
We worked closely with Aniara and the broader creative team to deliver a system that seamlessly connected the music, visuals and environment. The system needed to do its job without being noticed, helping audiences suspend disbelief for the duration of the show.
Technical Highlights:
Audio Design
L-Acoustics Loudspeaker System
The main system is built around eight arrays of 1 L2 over 1 L2D, supported by flown and stacked KS28 and KS21 subwoofers. These are complemented by:
- Extension arrays: Six L2D
- Front fill: Five arrays of two Kara II (top of screen), nine Kiva II (bottom), and ten X8 (stage front)
- Surround system: 22 individually powered Syva
- Overhead system: 52 X8 loudspeakers in pairs
This configuration allows precise spatialisation and object placement throughout the space.
L-ISA Spatial Audio
A pair of L-Acoustics L-ISA Processor II units provide full spatial audio processing in a dual-redundant setup. Around 120 snapshots are automatically triggered via timecode, managing panning, placement and level in sync with the performance.
Audio Control System
At the heart of the control system are:
- Dual DiGiCo Quantum 5 mixing consoles
- AVB and Optocore signal distribution
- Merging Technologies Ovation show control
- Antelope Audio Trinity as master clock
- Shure Axient Digital wireless and PSM1000 IEMs
Acoustic Design
L-Acoustics Ambiance – Active Acoustics
ABBA Voyage is the first commercial deployment of L-Acoustics Ambience, delivering early and late regenerative energy into the room primarily via the surround and overhead loudspeakers. The system uses:
- 16 room microphones
- Four L-Acoustics P1 processors
This allows for real-time enhancement of the acoustic environment, balancing clarity and warmth across different moments in the show.
Show Control Design
Show Control – Ovation Multitrack Playback
Two Ovation systems run in a mirrored configuration, delivering:
- Multitrack music playback
- Click and cue tracks for the band
- Timecode signal to all technical systems
Programmed during rehearsals and operated by the Show Caller, the Ovation systems ensure the entire show runs in perfect sync, every single night.
The Results
ABBA Voyage has been praised as a technical and creative triumph and a major leap forward for live entertainment.
Thanks to a fully immersive loudspeaker system, precisely timed automation, and invisible yet powerful active acoustics, we helped create a performance that feels visceral, dynamic and truly live, despite being delivered by digital avatars.
Acknowledgements
Our Client
A huge thanks to Ludvig, Svana and Nick for getting us involved in the project. Please see below for detailed credits.
Our Team
The Audio system was designed by Scott Willsallen with support from Luis Miranda. Our implementation team included Luis Miranda, Simon Sayer, Joe Callister and Martin Dineley
Our Supplier
Thanks to Robin Conway, Toby Chester and the team from Solotech for supplying and installing the audio system to our specifications. Solotech continues to run the show on a daily basis to sold out houses.
ABBA Voyage Credits
Aniara Creative:
Producer – Svana Gisla, Producer – Ludvig Andersson, Director – Baille Walsh, Line Producer – Josh Barwick, ILM Movement Director – Ben Morris, VFX creative director – Nikki Penny, Choreographer – Wayne McGregor, Musical Director – Martin Lowe, Instrument Director – Philip Adams.
Production:
Technical Producer – Nick Levitt, Technical Director – Joe Frisina, Head of Infrastructure – Chris Hey, Rigging Consultant – Jon Bray
Venue:
Construction – Tony Wheeler & James Lee (ESG), Technical design – Andy Prescott (ESG), Structural Engineering – Ewa Hazla & Aran Chadwick (Atelier One), Concourse construction – Stage One
Design:
Design and Engineering Consultants – Jeremy Lloyd (Wonder Works), Venue Architects Alicia Tkacz (Stufish Entertainment Architects), Visual Consultant – Mathieu Debay (Tetro), Audio Design – Scott Willsallen (Auditoria), Video Technical Director – Anthony Bezencon (VYV), Lighting Director – Fredrik Stormby (Greenwall), Kinetic Design – Christopher Bauder (White Void), Laser Design – Michael Sollinger, Laser Design & Programming – Sascha Kwasny (Tarm Show Laser)
Suppliers:
Systems Supplier – Ian Woodall & Paul McCauley (Solotech), Kinetics – Florian Fink (White Void), Lasers supplier #1 – Michael Sollinger, Lasers supplier #2 – Sascha Kwasny (Tarm Show Laser), Rigging – Mike Goodwin & Calum Willoughby (Unusual Rigging), Automation & Stage – Geert Stockmans (WiCreations), LED Screen Wall Hardware – Brecht Moreels (Twenty-Three), Soft Goods Auditorium Wall – Tom Lambert (Black Out), Soft Goods Roll Drops – Daphne Cosquer (ShowTex), Custom stage barrier – Anthony Sinclair (EPS), Carpentry – Liam Hill (Coldharbour Industries)
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