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.
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.
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
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