May 2024, Australia
In order to bring to life a chapter of the Mala ancestral story, Madison AV worked closely with Auditoria Systems and the Aṉangu people to elevate storytelling to a level never seen before through the deployment of drone technology, lasers, projection lighting and a HARMAN immersive audio system for the Wintjiri Wiṟu Experience in Uluru, Australia.
“HARMAN delivers immersive audio solution for the world’s first multimedia storytelling experience on the Indigenous Aṉangu people; an immersive experience which includes drones, laser projection and an immersive audio solution pairing JBL loudspeakers with the SPAT Revolution spatial technology“
Jeff Shoesmith from Madison AV mentioned that HARMAN products were chosen due to their proven track record of installation in very demanding weather conditions. JBL loudspeakers were also found to be able to provide consistent frequency dispersion for accurate spatial imaging. Separately, SPAT Revolution was selected for its very powerful spatial engine with almost limitless options, and adapted very well to the layout of the system by providing accurate spatial imaging along with great sounding spatial reverberation.
“The project’s audio system was designed to complement the immense visual canvas that the night time sky provided for the drones with the score and narration played back over an immersive system surrounding the audience,” shared Luis Miranda, Audio Visual Consultant from Auditoria. “A six-channel frontal loudspeaker system using the JBL AWC series and an additional six channels of JBL Control 25AV rear loudspeakers were used to allow for accurate placement of sound images. The show was mixed on site using the SPAT Revolution spatial audio engine, which provided the necessary reverberation due to the system being installed outdoors with no natural reverberation available.”
One of the biggest challenges for this project was the installation of this system in the middle of the Australian desert which had to be done in a very remote location with limited weather shelter, temperature control or access to facilities. They also had to bear in mind that the system had to be robust so that it could be left outdoors in extreme weather conditions for years with little maintenance.
A spokesperson for Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia mentioned how the SPAT Revolution audio spatial technology transcends the limitations of traditional stereo and surround sound formats which intensifies storytelling and captivates the audience.
“HARMAN is extremely honored be able to play a part in the world’s first of its kind cultural and multimedia sensorial experience,” said Amar Subash, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “As one of the first large scale immersive installations of JBL and Flux::, we have only scratched the surface in terms of the many incredible applications of immersive audio in leisure attractions.”
https://pro.harman.com/news/voyages-indigenous-tourism-australia-tells-mala-ancestral-story-through-state-of-the-art-flux-spat-revolution-technology