3D sound specialist Astro Spatial Audio (ASA) has entered the Japan market with the appointment of Audio Brains as its solutions partner. Audio Brains will provide training and support, heading Astro Spatial Audio’s move into the country’s live entertainment sector.

As part of the MSI Japan group, Audio Brains serves the indigenous industry in Japan, as well as that of the wider APAC region. With roots into the concert touring and theatre communities, the company a portfolio that includes Powersoft, Avid, Symetrix and Martin Audio.

According to Audio Brains Director, Sam Yamashita, the company’s enthusiasm for Astro Spatial Audio partially stems from the system’s ability to work with every brand of professional loudspeaker. ‘Astro Spatial Audio can be used with any loudspeaker you choose, whereas other systems are made by specific manufacturers for use exclusively with their own speakers. It is the best solution for fully immersive audio experience with the freedom to use the equipment you choose.’

‘Few companies within our industry possess the experience or prestige of our new solutions partner, and I’m very confident that we will achieve great things together in Japan’, says Astro Spatial Audio MD, Bjorn Van Munster. ‘I look forward to a long and fruitful friendship.’

While Astro Spatial Audio will receive its official Japanese debut at InterBee 2018, Audio Brains is already planning dedicated demonstrations and training workshops for early 2019. ‘Our partners and friends will have the chance to experience Astro Spatial Audio in the first quarter of 2019,’ confirms Yamashita. ‘We believe that the style of live entertainment is changing to encompass more immersive productions, and more innovative uses of this technology. For example, in Japan, we have extremely popular concerts with virtual, animated characters, which can be projected all over the venue. If the visual presentation is that advanced, why shouldn’t the audio be just as impressive? With Astro Spatial Audio, it will be.’