CULTVR points to the future with d&b Soundscape.
As part of its mission to develop engagement with advanced immersive technologies, CULTVR, a leading creative hub in Cardiff, has installed a 360º Soundscape system from d&b audiotechnik. With it, they aim to introduce the next generation of creatives to the possibilities of spatial audio in modern audio-visual environments…
The Future of Immersive
The new d&b Soundscape system in CULTVR’s Theatre Dome, installed by d&b partner Southby Productions, marks a significant step forward for the organisation.
Since opening in 2019 as the UK’s first immersive arts centre and Europe’s first “cross-disciplinary Lab”, CULTVR has positioned Cardiff as a key destination for XR (Extended Reality) and the immersive possibilities of live performance.
By harnessing the power of the latest technologies, CULTVR strives to redefine how audiences experience sound and visuals – and the d&b Soundscape system has become a key element of its toolkit.
Cutting Edge Audio
Already at the cutting-edge of immersive visuals, CULTVR’s aim with this sound system upgrade was to elevate the audio capability to the same level.
Southby Productions, a leading d&b Soundscape integrator, first became involved with CULTVR in 2023 when they, along with d&b audiotechnik, supported the planning for an immersive show for Welsh band, Das Koolies, using d&b Soundscape. “We had an amazing time working with the team at CULTVR back in 2023,” says Southby’s Head of Immersive, Aaron Holloway-Nahum, “and we knew it would benefit tremendously from a more permanent Soundscape solution to its audio.”
CULTVR’s Theatre Dome auditorium is a circular space beneath a 12m concave projection surface, offering a high-end, immersive AV infrastructure. As well as the presentation of shows and experiences, the Dome is also a key part of CULTVR’s ongoing R&D into immersive arts. For this experimental space, the introduction a 360˚ d&b Soundscape system is a major boost, delivering aural possibilities to match the enveloping visuals, and new vistas for creative presentation.
d&b Soundscape: The Ring of Truth
Designed by Holloway-Nahum, the Soundscape system uses a ring of 16 d&b 5S compact point source loudspeakers, driven by 5D amplifiers. The powerful DS100 signal processor provides the level and delay settings to each speaker necessary to create Soundscape’s signature naturalistic and ‘true’ sound. In addition, four E15X-SUB compact subwoofers are available to be used flexibly, either as part of the Soundscape system, or as a conventional sub array for CULTVR’s more traditional performance-based events.
The design was not straightforward, as Holloway-Nahum explains. “The biggest difficulty was that the dome reaches quite low down, so we had to be careful not to place speakers in positions that blocked – or cast shadows from – the projectors.”
Another obstacle was that the dome is too thick for speakers to be placed behind it. As a result, the ‘ring’ had to be set relatively low, at just 2.55m – presenting challenges in covering each audience member with more than one speaker.
“To address this,” says Holloway-Nahum, “we made a change to the initial system design, from the E8 – which has 90° rotatable dispersion – to the 5S, with its 100° conical dispersion. We also worked with the team there to achieve every last centimetre of height that we could!”
Venue of the Future
Matt Wright, Artistic Director of CULTVR, says, “At CULTVR, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of what the venue of the future can be like. With the d&b Soundscape system, visitors can step inside the sound itself, experiencing music not just as something they hear, but something they feel and inhabit. It’s a game-changer for live performance and immersive sonic experiences here in Wales.”
Aaron Holloway-Nahum concludes, “We think this is a spectacular venue for anyone who wants to experience how top-quality spatial audio can come together with stunning visuals to create a truly immersive experience. Having ourselves been to a couple shows recently where knockout visuals had virtually no support from the audio elements, we’re thrilled to see, support and work with partners like CULTVR who recognise just how much value top-quality audio adds to the experience.”
