Earlier this year, French manufacturer L-Acoustics unveiled updates to its L-ISA immersive spatial audio speaker technology: its Sound Spaces feature allows venues to create multiple rendered audio environments from a single processor, automatically tailoring one immersive mix for the various areas of a venue or event, like a main space, overflow rooms or VIP section, under balcony areas or even a broadcast feed, without additional engineers or hardware.  

L-Acoustics L-ISA at 1919LIVEHOUSE, China

This means that immersive audio is now available to venues that couldn’t previously justify the complexity or cost. 

“We're seeing this accessibility drive adoption across object-based spatial audio applications – from Broadway productions like The Outsiders and Las Vegas residencies like Weekends with Adele, to houses of worship and themed entertainment, where venues of all sizes can now implement scalable immersive solutions,” says Scott Sugden, director of product management, solutions, at L-Acoustics. 

Showcased 

L-ISA technology was used on Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli’s recent UK tour and showcased how immersive audio can create intimacy in massive venues – Bocelli himself was so impressed after hearing the audience experience that he said: "I wish I could hear what they're hearing on stage”. 

Impact 

Immersive audio significantly enhances the emotional impact of live performances and attractions, making them more memorable and engaging for audiences. It also allows designers and engineers to place sound objects anywhere in a three-dimensional field, opening up creative possibilities that were not achievable with traditional setups. 

“For live concerts, festivals and touring, immersive audio is redefining the audience experience by moving beyond the traditional left-right PA format and creating enveloping sound fields that place listeners inside the performance,” explains Bjorn van Munster, senior business development manager for Immersive Audio, Harman Professional.  

He adds: “In attractions, museums, themed entertainment and corporate environments, the emphasis is on story-driven immersion, where sound plays a central role in narrative and emotional engagement. A consistent trend across these spaces is the demand for flexibility and scalability – systems that can be quickly adapted to different venues, formats or content.” 

Consistent 

Unlike conventional stereo systems, immersive audio delivers a consistent listening experience across the audience area, resulting in more natural sound. When synchronised with video, lighting and motion, spatial audio becomes part of a fully multi-sensory environment, amplifying the overall impact.  

“Interactive control platforms are giving engineers, artists and operators intuitive ways to manipulate immersive soundscapes and integrate audio with wider show control systems,” says van Munster. 

“Advanced spatial audio engines, such as FLUX:: SPAT Revolution, enable object-based mixing, real-time rendering and deployment across virtually any loudspeaker configuration.”  

FLUX:: SPAT Revolution has been central to major touring productions where artists aim to deliver fully spatial concert experiences. Recent uses include an outdoor opera performance at KISWIRE in Seoul, South Korea, and the new CHAO Show in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.  

AI 

AI is already being used in immersive audio to help optimise loudspeaker tuning and adapt spatial rendering to change acoustics in real time, but there’s no doubt it will play a much bigger role in the not-too-distant future. 

“AI has the potential to become a powerful augmentation tool, assisting creators and engineers in working faster and more precisely while maintaining artistic intent,” says van Munster.  

“From predictive system calibration to adaptive content rendering, AI could streamline complex processes and free up professionals to focus on creativity, ensuring that immersive audio continues to evolve as both an art form and a technological frontier.” 

Stay informed! 

ISE is the world-renowned annual tech show for the AV and systems integration industry, taking place in Barcelona, 3-6 February 2026. For updates on audio for live events, venues, residences, corporate spaces and more, and to discover more about ISE 2026 as details are released, sign up for updates. 

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