d&b audiotechnik, an ISCVE Supporting Member, is helping drive the next wave of immersive experiences at CULTVR in Cardiff with the installation of a new 360º d&b Soundscape system. Designed and installed by d&b partner Southby Productions, the system is now a central feature of CULTVR’s Theatre Dome.

Already at the cutting-edge of immersive visuals, CULTVR’s aim with this sound system upgrade was to elevate the audio capability to the same level.

Since opening in 2019 as the UK’s first immersive arts centre and Europe’s first cross-disciplinary XR laboratory, CULTVR has become a major hub for creative innovation, live performance and extended reality research. The upgrade brings the venue’s audio capability in line with its high-end projection infrastructure, offering new creative opportunities for both visiting artists and CULTVR’s own R&D programmes.

Southby Productions first collaborated with CULTVR in 2023 on an immersive show for Welsh band Das Koolies. That project used a Soundscape setup and demonstrated the potential of a permanent system.

“The team at CULTVR are fantastic to work with,” says Aaron Holloway-Nahum, Head of Immersive at Southby Productions. “We knew the Dome would benefit enormously from a dedicated Soundscape solution.”

Images: © 4Pi Productions

A System Designed for Full Immersion

The installation features a ring of sixteen d&b 5S compact point-source loudspeakers powered by 5D amplifiers, with the DS100 signal processor delivering the precision level and delay settings needed for Soundscape’s natural, enveloping audio image. Four E15X-SUB subwoofers can be configured either within the immersive layout or as part of a traditional performance setup.

Integrating the system within the Dome required careful design. The low-hanging projection structure meant speaker positions had to avoid shadowing or obstructing projectors, while the Dome’s solid construction prevented any loudspeakers from being mounted behind it. This led to the loudspeaker ring being installed at 2.55m, requiring wide dispersion 5S units to ensure consistent coverage throughout the audience area.

“We worked with the CULTVR team to maximise every centimetre of available height,” adds Holloway-Nahum. “Switching to the 5S with its 100° conical dispersion was key in achieving the coverage we needed.”

Transforming the Visitor Experience

Matt Wright, Artistic Director at CULTVR, says the installation marks a major step forward for immersive arts in Wales:

“At CULTVR, we are constantly exploring what the venue of the future can be. With the d&b Soundscape system, visitors can step inside the sound — experiencing music not just as something they hear, but something they feel and inhabit. It’s a game-changer for live performance and immersive sonic experiences.”

“This is a spectacular venue for anyone who wants to experience how top-quality spatial audio can come together with stunning visuals to create a truly immersive experience . . . We’re thrilled to see, support and work with partners like CULTVR who recognise just how much value top-quality audio adds to the experience.” Aaron Holloway-Nahum, Southby Productions

Find out more here:

dbaudio.com