CLIENT
Fabio Venturi
LOCATION
Europe (including The O2, London)
YEAR
2018
PROJECT TYPE
Orchestral Concert Tour
Scope
Immersive audio system design and implementation for a touring orchestral production
Services Provided
- →Immersive system design and modelling
- →L-ISA configuration and calibration
- →System control design and integration
- →FOH operator support
- →Touring technical consultancy
The Brief
The 2018 European tour of legendary composer Ennio Morricone was a celebration of a remarkable career in film music, featuring a full symphony orchestra and choir performing iconic scores to thousands across Europe.
Auditoria were engaged to introduce immersive audio technology into the touring system to elevate the sonic experience. Working alongside long-time FOH engineer Fabio Venturi, we explored how L-Acoustics’ L-ISA platform could bring a new level of realism and detail to these much-loved arrangements, while maintaining the integrity of the Maestro’s musical vision.
The Challenge
Taking a traditional orchestral production into an immersive format poses a unique set of challenges. The goal was not to reinvent the concert, but rather to enhance clarity and spatial detail without compromising the warmth and emotional power of Morricone’s music.
From a touring perspective, this meant:
- Designing an L-ISA Wide system that could adapt to venues of varying scale and shape
- Integrating seamlessly into an existing FOH workflow and signal flow
- Ensuring the system could be rigged and calibrated efficiently within standard tour schedules
- Providing subtle yet perceptible improvements to audience experience across every seat
Our Approach
The project began in late 2017 with a proof-of-concept trial, testing how L-ISA could translate Morricone’s arrangements in a live setting. Following a successful outcome, we proceeded to develop a touring system design that would bring the immersive mix to life across the 2018 European dates.
Using L-Acoustics SOUNDVISION, we modelled venue-specific configurations with a 7-array L-ISA Wide frontal system. Each array typically consisted of 12 x KARA elements, extended to 15 for larger arenas like The O2 in London.
A pair of L-Acoustics L-ISA Processors managed object-based audio placement, receiving signals via MADI from a DiGiCo SD7 at FOH. Control integration with DeskLink allowed real-time manipulation of sound objects within the L-ISA Controller, ensuring precise spatial placement for every section of the orchestra.
Technical Highlights:
Audio Design
Loudspeaker System
- Seven frontal hangs of 12 to 15 x KARA, venue dependent
- Flown and ground-stacked subwoofers arrays for low-frequency support
- Custom rigging approaches enabled rapid setup and alignment across the tour
Control & Processing
- Dual-redundant L-ISA Processors
- DiGiCo SD7 for FOH and monitoring duties
- Integration via DeskLink for streamlined FOH control
- Signal distribution over Optocore and MADI networks
Mix Strategy
Rather than precise localisation, the object-based mix was designed to exaggerate the spatial spread of the orchestra. This approach gave each section space to breathe in the mix, creating a more enveloping and articulate soundscape for the audience without losing cohesion or warmth.
The Results
The immersive audio system brought a new dimension to Ennio Morricone’s timeless scores. Audiences experienced a wider, richer sound field, where the details of the orchestration were clearer and more engaging, no matter where they sat in the venue.
For the Maestro, the outcome was respectful and refined, enhancing the listening experience without drawing attention to the technology behind it.
The tour marked one of the first major orchestral deployments of L-ISA and demonstrated its potential in classical and film music environments. Auditoria were proud to help shape this innovative evolution in concert sound.
Acknowledgements
Our Client
A huge thanks to Fabio Venturi for inviting us in to this project and embracing a new way of mixing and reinforcing the music of Ennio Morricone.
Our Team
The Audio system was designed by Scott Willsallen with the L-ISA platform operated by Scott and Fabio.
Our Supplier
Thanks to Giulio Rovelli from Agora for creating innovative and efficient rigging methods to load the system in so fast.
Related Projects
