CLIENT
Expo 2020 Dubai
LOCATION
Al Wasl Plaza, Dubai, UAE
YEAR
2021
PROJECT TYPE
Permanent Installation – VIP Experience
Scope
Immersive audio system design, control integration, ambience capture, and local event flexibility
Services Provided
- →Immersive system design
- →15.1 downmix architecture
- →spatial audio control
- →system commissioning, and tuning
The Brief
The Pearl Majlis is a private, air-conditioned VIP suite within Al Wasl Plaza, designed to provide dignitaries and high-profile guests with a front-row view of the awe-inspiring dome projection, while maintaining a calm and comfortable environment away from the main sound system. Auditoria was tasked with delivering a tailored audio experience that mirrored the plaza’s full 27.6-channel immersive soundscape, without breaking the serene and exclusive atmosphere of the space.
The Challenge
While the Pearl Majlis offered a spectacular visual vantage point of the dome, it was acoustically isolated from the main plaza to preserve comfort. Our challenge was to bring the immersive audio inside without disrupting the VIP environment. This meant scaling down a complex 27.6-channel immersive mix into a more compact format, preserving the spatial intent and emotional impact of the sound design. The system also needed to provide clear control over audio levels, allow for local event inputs, and include a live ambience feed to maintain a sense of connection to the plaza.
Our Approach
Auditoria designed a 15.1-channel audio system that faithfully replicated the feel of the main plaza audio within the Pearl Majlis. This involved a thoughtful blend of high-fidelity loudspeakers, a robust control system, and a unique ambient audio feed to recreate the live atmosphere. We ensured the system was easy to operate, highly flexible, and matched the luxurious environment of the suite.
- We used L-Acoustics X4i loudspeakers for spatial clarity and Syva Low subwoofers for subtle yet impactful bass response.
- A mix of the main 27.6-channel immersive show audio and the performance stereo feed was downmixed and reproduced within the space.
- A trio of Sennheiser MKH416 shotgun microphones captured ambient audio from the plaza in a 3-channel configuration, adjustable via the in-room control panel.
- A wall-mounted DiGiCo AControl6 panel allowed users to adjust levels of immersive content and ambient sound within pre-defined thresholds, or mute them entirely.
- The system also included local inputs, enabling the suite to function independently for private events or presentations.
Technical Highlights:
Audio Design
Loudspeaker System
- 15.1-channel setup with L-Acoustics X4i loudspeakers and Syva Low subwoofers
- Mix-down of 27.6-channel immersive show audio and performance stereo system
Ambience System
- Three Sennheiser MKH416 shotgun microphones capturing plaza sound in 3 channels
- Ambience level adjustable or mutable via the control interface
Flexibility
- Local input capacity for standalone events within the suite
Show Control Design
DiGiCo 4REA4 Engine with Optocore interface and RME M32 Pro AVB interface
DiGiCo stage box and AControl6 wall panel for local level and input control
The Results
The Pearl Majlis delivered an exceptional experience for VIPs, allowing them to stay fully connected to the iconic Al Wasl performances while enjoying the comfort of a private suite. The audio system created a rich, enveloping environment that reflected the scale and precision of the main immersive experience, without ever overpowering the space. The integration of live ambience and local control gave guests both the magic of the event and the privacy they required. It’s a prime example of how immersive sound can be adapted to suit any environment, without compromise.
Acknowledgements
Our Client
A huge thanks Tareq, Amna, Kylie, Kate and the whole team from Expo who empowered us to push the boundaries of design and come up with something very special for this project.
Our Team
The audio system was designed by Scott Willsallen and Ethan Curry with support from Luis Miranda.
Our Supplier
Our thanks to Alpha Data who supplied and installed the system to our specification. Thanks also to L-Acoustics and DiGiCo for their support.
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