L-Acoustics Transforms Traditional Storytelling with Immersive Audio Experience for Zhang Yimou’s ‘Macau 2049’ L-Acoustics Transforms Traditional Storytelling with Immersive Audio Experience ...
Rightway Audio Consultants deliver precision-engineered 19.1 L-ISA Hyperreal Immersive Sound that makes technology disappear and artistry shine
MACAU, China – March 2025 – Visionary director Zhang Yimou’s spectacular multimedia production Macau 2049 has redefined theatrical audio experiences through a meticulously engineered 19.1 L-ISA immersive sound system at the MGM Theater in Macau’s MGM Cotai. Designed and deployed by L-Acoustics Certified Provider Distributor Rightway Audio Consultants (RAC), the system creates a hyper-realistic sonic environment that seamlessly integrates traditional Chinese artistry with cutting-edge audio technology.
The immersive multimedia experience, which runs until the end of April in Asia’s first dynamic theatre equipped with advanced show technology, brings together an international creative team of 600 world-leading artists and technical professionals. Acclaimed Chinese sound designer and engineer Jin Shaogang has collaborated with RAC to present this visually artistic spectacle through an L-ISA immersive audio experience that complements the vision of Zhang Yimou, a director renowned for cinematic masterpieces and spectacular live productions.
L-ISA Spatial Audio Design Enhances Cultural Storytelling
The production demanded exceptional audio clarity and spatial precision to support its fusion of ancient cultural elements and technological complexity. Macau 2049 masterfully combines Chinese cultural heritage with state-of-the-art technology to create an artistic spectacle honouring the 25th anniversary of Macau’s return to the People’s Republic of China. The show features synchronised robotic performances of Yangge folk dance, percussion drumming, and laser technology animating traditional Shanbei storytelling, all supported by a 900-square-metre backdrop of 4K LED screens.
Sound Designer Jin Shaogang and the RAC team faced unique acoustic challenges in the MGM Theater. Despite excellent inherent acoustics, the complex production required meticulous attention to multiple aspects of its spatial audio implementation. “Our approach leverages Soundvision software’s precise SPL and coverage predictions to address critical elements including audience and performer positioning, frequency response, latency, and reflections,” explains Nan Hu, Marketing Director of RAC. “This sophisticated deployment manages the operational noise from the theatre’s extensive stage technology while delivering uncompromising audio quality.”
70+ L-Acoustics Loudspeakers Deliver Precise 19.1 Coverage
RAC’s solution incorporates over 70 L-Acoustics enclosures in a 19.1 L-ISA configuration. The Scene System features five hangs of 10 L-Acoustics Kara speakers, complemented by an Extension System of two additional hangs of 10 Kara speakers. Low-frequency enhancement comes from two groups of four flown SB28 subwoofers positioned behind the Scene System while four SB28 subwoofers are ground-stacked under the front stage and eight SB18 subwoofers are strategically positioned underneath audience seating for tactile enhancement. Two L-Acoustics ARCSII onstage provide out-fill while ten 5XT speakers embedded across the stage lip provide spatial in-fill.
Eight Syva are placed on the side and back walls for first-floor surround coverage, while eight with additional 8XT enclosures provide surround the balcony. Eight 5XT provide under-balcony fill. X15 HiQ monitors provide performers with precise on-stage monitoring. The whole system is processed by L-ISA Processor II over Milan-AVB networking.
The most remarkable achievement is that throughout the MGM Theater, all 2,000 seats experience the sensation that the speakers have virtually disappeared, creating a natural, object-localized 3D sound field.
L-ISA Processor II and Milan-AVB Network Enable Multi-Environment Sound Design
The L-ISA immersive sound technology allows Jin Shaogang to create specific sonic environments for each of the show’s eight plays. The system helps audiences distinguish individual voices during dialogue-heavy scenes and utilises L-ISA’s Room Engine to create different acoustic environments as needed throughout the performance. The 3D audio approach provides greater spatial definition than traditional stereo or LCR formats, supporting the production’s blend of traditional Chinese cultural elements and contemporary presentation to create a cohesive audio experience.
“The 100-minute show makes every second count,” notes Nan Hu. “Macau 2049 showcases artistic intersections where tradition meets technology and when the past meets the future. Zhang Yimou has created a technological wonder on stage that transcends time, while Jin Shaogang demonstrates his dedication in delivering unrivalled immersive audio experiences for all audiences with L-ISA.”
For more information on Macau 2049, please visit www.macau2049.mgm.mo/en
Learn more about Rightway Audio Consultants at www.racpro.net
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