Entertainment and event technology solutions specialist PRG has incorporated L-Acoustics L-ISA Immersive Hyperreal Sound Technology into its Los Angeles Virtual Production Studio. The new audio technology pairs with PRG’s extended reality set-up to offer an array of tools for multi-sensory immersive experiences. PRG is the first to officially pair these capabilities in a studio setting, but productions are also able to use this technology in touring and at venues.

With upwards of 10m people having experienced L-ISA at more than 6,000 concerts, the move makes L-ISA technology permanently available in the LA studio, which includes an immersive loudspeaker configuration and processing hardware. A new L-ISA Studio software suite makes it easier for sound creators to design immersive audio with 3D control interface and audio processing, all available on a personal computer. Creators can use L-ISA Studio software from any computer, listen to and prepare their content in binaural sound using headphones, and then bring their creation to the PRG Los Angeles Virtual Production Studio where it will translate to L-ISA hardware.

‘The enhanced streaming capabilities put PRG’s Los Angeles Virtual Production Studio far ahead of other studios in offering the most intuitive tools for immersive live and streaming performances,’ says, L-Acoustics Application Manager for Touring Liaison, USA & Canada, David Brooks.

This method for sound mixing expands the possibilities of spatial audio creation with a host of tools for sound creators. With L-ISA, users can conceive, create, iterate, and experience their work in 3D audio for pre, live, and post-production work. Using L-ISA technology, creators can enhance the audio experience by simultaneously streaming binaural, 5.1, and 7.1 listening formats without additional mixing.

Pair this sound capability with PRG’s xR stage and the possibilities increase exponentially. The xR Stage is a next-generation tool where teams can create and deliver content for virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and cinematic reality (CR). Users can generate new environments by bringing digital objects into the physical world and vice versa. Combining this next-generation process with the audio capabilities of L-ISA technology advances content production to new levels of immersion. ‘Adding L-ISA technology to PRG’s toolbox sets us apart from other production studios, and I’m excited to see and hear the outstanding creative content that will flow from our LA studio,’ says PRG VP of Production Services, Jeroen Hallaert.

The facility has already seen action, when PRG and L-Acoustics worked with aerospace company Archer on the launch of its all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, Maker, at Hawthorne Hangar in Los Angeles.

‘In this deployment, the audience in-person and those at home wearing headphones both experienced live xR and binaural sound in unison, which is a real multi-sensory trip. It gave viewers the same feeling as a theme park ride,’ Hallaert says. ‘We were able to do that because, beyond the most advanced gear, we also provided technicians that have the expertise in content, lighting, and tech to make these tools work seamlessly together.’