Sonic Sphere is redefining the concert experience for the 21st century, merging art and technology in a way that captivates audiences. Inspired by the innovative designs of German composer Karlheinz Stockhausen, the Sonic Sphere is a spherical concert hall that has evolved significantly since its inception. The latest iteration, located at The Shed in New York City, represents the pinnacle of this architectural endeavor, showcasing advanced technology and immersive soundscapes.
The Sonic Sphere, designed by a team led by Ed Cooke, a British cognitive science expert, sound architect Merijn Royaards, and engineering director Nicholas Christie, has seen multiple versions constructed across various locations, including France, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and even Burning Man. Each version has grown in size and sophistication, culminating in the current model, which is the 11th and most advanced sphere to date.
This remarkable structure is suspended in the air and boasts a price tag exceeding $2 million. Its construction involves 1,178 steel struts, 3,500 yards of cloth, and 12 structural cables that support the sphere from the roof. The concert hall has a diameter of 65 feet and can accommodate approximately 250 guests, who can either sit or lie in netted areas, creating a unique and intimate atmosphere.
One of the standout features of the Sonic Sphere is its immersive audio experience. Inside, guests are enveloped by 124 meticulously arranged loudspeakers that create a three-dimensional sound environment. This setup allows sound to move above, below, through, and around the audience, crafting a hyperreal and multisensory experience. The sound and light waves are sculpted into spatialized, temporal architectures, enhancing the overall experience.
To power this innovative audio experience, the Sonic Sphere team turned to LEA Professional’s amplifiers. The choice of LEA amplifiers was driven by their compact size and superior performance. Merijn Royaards, the creative director at Sonic Sphere, expressed his enthusiasm for the LEA amplifiers, stating, “We were amazed with the LEA Amplifiers. The footprint of each amplifier was a lot smaller, they perform over and above what we were used to, and they’ve got a really helpful interface and an excellent way of tuning a system, which we were missing very much with our previous solution.”
The Sonic Sphere installed 31 Connect Series 354D amplifiers to deliver the immersive audio experience. These amplifiers are equipped with 96 kHz-capable Dante and AES67 connectivity options, providing 350 watts per channel into 2, 4, and 8 ohms. The advanced DSP features include 96 kHz linear phase FIR crossover filters, acoustically transparent look-ahead RMS and peak limiters, and 32-bit floating-point DSP with built-in sample rate converters. The amplifiers also support high-Z (70V or 100V) and low-Z selectable by channel, making them versatile for various audio setups.
One of the key advantages of the Connect Series amplifiers is their cloud connectivity. This feature allows AV teams to remotely control and monitor the amplifiers from anywhere in the world, whether they are inside the Sonic Sphere or on a different continent. This capability enhances operational efficiency, reduces travel costs, and saves valuable time, making it easier for teams to manage the audio experience.
Brian Pickowitz, VP of marketing at LEA Professional, highlighted the significance of the Sonic Sphere, stating, “Sonic Sphere really is a laboratory for the senses, where technology and art come alive. We’re very proud to have played a role in such a transcendental experience.”
The collaboration between Sonic Sphere and LEA Professional exemplifies how innovative technology can enhance artistic expression. The immersive audio experience created by the Sonic Sphere is a testament to the power of sound and its ability to transport audiences to new realms of perception. As the Sonic Sphere continues to evolve, it promises to remain at the forefront of the intersection between art and technology, captivating audiences with its unique and transformative experiences.
The Sonic Sphere is not just a concert hall; it is a groundbreaking exploration of sound, light, and space. With its advanced technology and innovative design, it sets a new standard for live performances, inviting audiences to engage with music in a way that is both profound and unforgettable. As the world of live entertainment continues to evolve, the Sonic Sphere stands as a beacon of creativity and innovation, showcasing the limitless possibilities of immersive experiences.
Source: LEA Professional, Sonic Sphere Team
