Greater artistic and technological performance through the converged technologies of architectural acoustics, electroacoustic enhancement, and immersive audio technologies

Abstract

Producing meaningful, creative, and engaging experiences for audiences requires highly integrated acoustics and audio technologies. The fields of architectural acoustics, electro acoustic enhancement and immersive audio technologies have converged, altering the way we approach entertainment venue design. Globally, demand has increased for immersive audio in live and reproduced sound, and electro acoustic enhancement technologies are becoming more widespread. We will discuss how architecturally integrated end devices, multi-function signal processing, and architectural acoustical design should be optimized to create next-generation performance venues. We will use a project example that integrates sound system, acoustic enhancement, and architectural acoustics, illustrating how increasing clarity in audience with acoustic enhancement and supporting the immersive audio increases audience engagement. We will show what can be improved to elevate the experience in a converged approach. The paper will illustrate how a convergence of audio technologies, infrastructure, and a unified design and engineering processes is creating far greater opportunities for artistic experimentation and expression.