CLIENT
Done + Dusted
LOCATION
Emirates Palace Theatre, Abu Dhabi
YEAR
2026
PROJECT TYPE
Live Event
Scope
Immersive audio system and show control design, recording and broadcast delivery
Services Provided
- →Immersive Loudspeaker System Design
- →Show Control and System Integration
- →Front of House Mixing
- →Multitrack Recording
- →Stereo Broadcast Mix for Social Release
- →Systems Engineering
- →Project Management
The Brief
Auditoria were engaged by Done + Dusted to design and deliver the audio systems for the debut concert of the UAE National Orchestra at Emirates Palace Theatre.
This inaugural performance marked a significant cultural moment, introducing the UAE National Orchestra to audiences for the first time in one of the country’s most prestigious venues. The brief centred on delivering an immersive orchestral experience that felt considered, detailed and unlike anything typically heard in the theatre, while also supporting recording and broadcast requirements.
In addition to the main concert, Auditoria were responsible for audio and control systems across the pre-function spaces, multitrack recording for the orchestra, and a stereo broadcast mix prepared for immediate release alongside filmed content.
The Challenge
Emirates Palace Theatre is a remarkable space, but it isn’t an easy one to work in. Rigging options are limited, and many productions accept a straightforward, ground-mounted approach either side of the proscenium.
For the inaugural concert of the UAE National Orchestra, that didn’t feel appropriate. From the outset, Done + Dusted and their client were clear that this performance deserved something more considered. The challenge was to find a way of creating depth, focus and a genuine sense of immersion, while respecting both the architecture of the theatre and the practical constraints that come with it.
Alongside the live experience in the room, the performance also needed to be captured in multiple ways, reinforced for the audience, recorded in full for the orchestra, and mixed for immediate broadcast release, all delivered smoothly within a single performance window.
Our Approach
Auditoria worked closely with Done + Dusted and UAENO to explore how the theatre could be used differently. Detailed Soundvision modelling allowed the team to investigate less conventional loudspeaker positions, including a frontal scene located slightly upstage of the ornate proscenium arch.
This approach introduced rigging complexity, particularly for the main scene, overheads and surround elements. These challenges were addressed through close collaboration with Pitch Black’s Mark Hammond, ensuring the system could be safely and accurately installed while preserving the original design intent.
Overhead and surround loudspeakers were treated as essential components rather than secondary additions, allowing the orchestra to be presented with scale and dimension throughout the auditorium. The shared determination between all parties to maintain this ambition was key to the final result.
At Front of House, a DiGiCo Quantum 7 console supported the main mix, with a dedicated Quantum 7B handling the broadcast mix. Dual-redundant L-ISA processors provided spatial control, while AVB and AES paths ensured resilience throughout the signal chain.
A carefully selected package of Schoeps microphones was used for orchestral capture, with dual-redundant QLab systems handling pre-show playback. Multichannel recording was delivered via redundant Reaper systems at both FOH and Broadcast, ensuring the performance was preserved in full detail.
Technical Highlights:
Audio Design
Five frontal scene arrays, each with one L-Acoustics L2D
14 × Syva for surround coverage
12 × 5XT for rear surrounds
18 × X8 overhead loudspeakers
10 × A10-Wide for delays
11 × 5XT front fills integrated into a bespoke stage fascia
DiGiCo Quantum 7 at FOH
DiGiCo Quantum 7B for broadcast mixing
Dual-redundant L-ISA processors
Redundant AVB and AES signal paths to amplification
Show Control
Control, Recording & Playback
Dual-redundant QLab for pre-show playback
Audio Production
Dual-redundant multichannel Reaper recording systems
The Results
The debut performance of the UAE National Orchestra was supported by an audio system designed to serve the music first and foremost. The immersive approach allowed the orchestra to sit naturally within the space, giving the audience a strong sense of connection to the performance.
Feedback from the client, musicians and guests was extremely positive, particularly around the unique and expressive nature of the sound reinforcement. Alongside the live experience, the performance was successfully recorded and mixed for broadcast, ensuring it could be shared immediately beyond the room.
For a first public appearance, the orchestra was presented with the focus and care it deserved, with the audio design helping to frame the performance rather than compete with it.
Acknowledgements
Our Client
Done + Dusted
Our Team
Scott Willsallen – Sound Designer
Marty Harrison – FOH Mix Engineer
Ollie Nesham – Broadcast Mix Engineer
Ethan Curry – Project Manager
Collaborators
Phil, Katrine and Raafat – Done + Dusted
Thaer – UAE National Orchestra
Mark Hammond – Pitch Black
Clair Global – Audio Supplier
BeWunder – Lighting and Video Supplier
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