VIRTUAL ACOUSTICS
virtual acoustic systems
A Virtual Acoustic System (VAS) adds an acoustic identity to a performance without altering the acoustics of the room itself.
Unlike Active Acoustics – where the room becomes electronically adaptable – VAS transforms only the sound generated on stage. The performance is acoustically reshaped in real time, while the physical venue remains unchanged.
how vas works
1. Source-Based Convolution
VAS operates directly on close-miked instruments, vocals and line-level signals.
Using real-time convolution, impulse responses captured from existing architectural spaces – such as concert halls, cathedrals, theatres or studios – can be applied to these sources. Alternatively, acoustic responses may be generated through careful modelling of the targeted space. The spatial realism of the reproduced acoustic field depends strongly on the number of independent processing channels and their degree of decorrelation. The result is a performance that carries the acoustic signature of another space.
This transformation occurs within the signal path. The physical room remains acoustically unchanged.
2. Immersive Distribution
The processed signals are distributed through the immersive loudspeaker system into the auditorium.
Depending on the system design, this may involve a 180°, 270° or full 360° loudspeaker configuration. The audience experiences the transformed performance throughout the space, while the venue’s natural acoustic behaviour remains intact.
If the audience speaks or applauds, the room responds naturally. Only the stage content carries the virtual acoustic signature.
3. Optional On-Stage Support
By default, performers continue to use their standard monitoring system.
If required, VAS can be configured with dedicated stage loudspeakers to provide controlled acoustic support on stage. In this configuration, the processed acoustic identity can also be made available to the performers, functioning as a virtual acoustic shell.
On-stage support is optional and independent of the room acoustics.
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