Sonosphere: A Journey Through Immersive Sound

Experience sound like never before in Sonosphere, an interactive exploration of spatial audio, live performance, and real-time acoustic enhancement. This unique two-part exhibit showcases the power of multi-channel sound and cutting-edge Active Field Control (AFC) technology, developed by YAMAHA, one of the world’s most renowned music companies. Part 1: Free-Walk Multichannel Audio Exhibition Step into a sonic landscape where sound moves around you in a 22.2 multi-channel audio environment, powered by 24 strategically placed speakers. This system generates a virtual acoustic environment, creating an immersive experience that transports you into different spatial soundscapes. Unlike traditional stereo or surround sound, this setup lets you experience music and sound design in a way that adapts to your position in the room—offering a new perspective with every step you take. Part 2: Violin Performance with Multichannel Audio & AFC In the second part, experience a violin solo performance enhanced by multi-channel sound and Yamaha’s AFC technology. This is not just a playback system—the violin sound actively interacts with the AFC and 22.2 multichannel system in real-time, shaping the acoustics dynamically as it resonates through the space. The result is a solid and emotional sonic texture, where live performance and immersive audio become one. AFC is an advanced real-time 3D acoustic reconstruction system that tunes up and transforms the entire performance space. This performance builds upon our previous collaborative research-based showcase at the Ginza Yamaha Hall, Japan, where AFC was used in a string quartet setting. Now, we push the boundaries further, refining the interaction between live performance, spatialized audio, and AFC manipulation to create an even more immersive and expressive experience. Why It Matters This exhibit not only highlights new frontiers in immersive audio technology but also demonstrates how spatial acoustics can redefine the way we experience live music. Through our collaborative research with YAMAHA, we are exploring innovative ways to bridge traditional performance and advanced acoustic enhancement, paving the way for future concert experiences. Learn more about AFC technology: Yamaha AFC https://usa.yamaha.com/products/proaudio/afc/index.html Read about our collaborative research: RIT & Yamaha Collaboration https://www.rit.edu/news/rit-becomes-test-site-yamaha-immersive-audio-t…

Performance Time: 12:00 PM; 3:30 PM; 4:30 PM - 12:30 PM; 4:00 PM; 5:00 PM

Saxophone performed in the AFC system

logo of AIRIS (Applied and Innovative Research for Immersive Sound) Lab