Ninjago – Realm of Shadows 2
CLIENT

Red Thread Solutions / Merlin Entertainments

LOCATION

LEGOLAND® Malaysia

YEAR

2015

PROJECT TYPE

Permanent Theatrical Installation

Scope

Audio system design, acoustic treatment, show control integration



Services Provided

  • Immersive loudspeaker system design
  • Signal distribution and processing specification
  • Acoustic analysis and treatment design
  • Show control system architecture
  • Programming and commissioning of replay and control systems
  • Sound design collaboration and system tuning

The Brief

Ninjago – The Realm of Shadows is a dynamic live puppet show hosted in a purpose-built theatre within LEGOLAND® Malaysia. Featuring projection, lighting, puppetry and a bespoke soundtrack, the production is staged multiple times daily for international audiences.

Auditoria were commissioned to design and deliver a flexible, fully integrated sound and control system, enabling reliable, repeatable operation of the entire production by a single technician. Our scope also included venue acoustic treatment to ensure clarity of speech in a space not originally intended for performance.

Arrow

The Challenge

The performance space presented several challenges from the outset. The building itself was a reverberant concrete and steel structure, creating significant issues for spoken-word clarity, particularly problematic for an audience where English is commonly a second language.

Operationally, the client needed a system that offered immersive audio and synchronised control of video and lighting, but with a user interface simple enough for a single operator to manage, without the need for specialist technical staff.

Our Approach

Our first step was to address the room’s acoustic characteristics. We conducted a detailed analysis and designed a custom acoustic treatment strategy using absorptive panels placed on all suitable non-projection surfaces. These treatments were coordinated closely with the building contractor to ensure performance targets were met without compromising scenic or visual design.

For the loudspeaker system, we specified a 360-degree surround layout using 24 JBL Professional loudspeakers powered by Crown amplification, with additional overhead channels for immersive spatial effects. This created a surround environment that contributed actively to the storytelling, enhancing the atmosphere rather than simply reinforcing action.

Audio signal routing and processing was managed via a DANTE-based system with a BSS Soundweb processor providing matrixing and EQ across all outputs. Final show mixes were created in Pro Tools, connected directly to the system via Dante, then rendered to multi-channel playback files.

Playback and control were centralised in QLab, running on a venue computer and triggered via a custom AMX control system. A bespoke touch screen interface gave the operator access to all key show functions, including show start, pre-show, and reset states. This ensured consistency, simplicity, and smooth operation across each performance.

Ninjago – Realm of Shadows

Technical Highlights:

Audio Design 

24 x JBL Professional loudspeakers in a 360-degree surround and overhead configuration

Powered by Crown amplifiers

Processed through BSS Soundweb on a DANTE network

Acoustic Design

Bespoke absorptive panels designed for projection-compatible walls

Reverb times reduced to optimal levels for speech intelligibility

Acoustic performance tailored to support both narrative and immersive sound effects

Show Control Design

Soundtracks mixed in Pro Tools and exported to multi-channel audio files

Playback via QLab, synchronised with lighting and video

AMX control system with touchscreen interface for technician operation

Start, end and reset functions embedded for efficient cycling of performances

Ninjago – Realm of Shadows

The Results

The final system delivered a compact yet highly effective solution, immersive, intelligible, and easy to operate. The audience is enveloped by the sonic environment from the moment they enter the space, with detailed localisation and dynamic effects enhancing the performance.

Thanks to the acoustic treatment, spoken dialogue is clear and intelligible, regardless of the audience’s language background. The operator interface proved intuitive and robust, allowing for seamless daily operation by park technicians, and the show continues to run successfully with minimal maintenance or intervention.

Acknowledgements
Our Client

A huge thanks to Mik and Ceilia from Red Thread Solutions for inviting us to be involved in this project and congratulations to the whole team for delivering a really great show. We also thank Legoland Malaysia and Merlin Entertainment.

Our Team

The Audio system was designed by Scott Willsallen and Luis Miranda. Luis managed the project and programmed the replay and control systems. We also looked after the sound design and music with our friends Christian and Max from DasDur.

Our Integrator

The installation was completed by Systems Electronics & Engineering, lead by Kheong Sen Lim.

Related Projects

Illumina

Illumina: Return to the Sky

Learn More
Luna Park

Luna Park Dream Circus

Learn More
Wintjiri Wiru

Wintjiri Wiru

Learn More
Illumina
Luna Park
Wintjiri Wiru
Exhibitions & World Expos

Get in touch