Powersoft, the Italian amplifier specialist, has announced that it has collaborated with Sphere Entertainment Co. to provide immersive haptic technology and cutting-edge amplifier solutions for the Sphere entertainment medium in Las Vegas.
Powersoft’s solutions have been used in the Sphere’s 10,000 haptic seats, as well as its world-leading concert-grade audio system, Sphere Immersive Sound powered by HOLOPLOT.
David Dibble, CEO, MSG Ventures, a division of Sphere Entertainment, comments: “Sphere Immersive Sound has set a new standard in every aspect of live audio, and tens of thousands have already been immersed in its crystal-clear, individualized sound. And this past weekend, with the premiere of The Sphere Experience featuring Darren Aronofsky’s Postcard from Earth, guests, for the first time, experienced a truly multi-sensory haptic experience.
“Powersoft’s cutting edge and energy efficient technology made them the perfect partner to help achieve our sustainability goals without compromising audio or haptic quality.”
Energy-efficient technology
Sphere Immersive Sound is driven by 167,000 channels of amplification, which are delivered by Powersoft’s small and ultra-efficient 16-channel amplifier solutions. These technologies are used in combination with the venue’s HOLOPLOT X1 audio system, which was designed exclusively for Sphere’s distinctive curved interior.
MSG Ventures, which creates innovative technologies and content exclusively for Sphere, collaborated with Powersoft to capitalize on its ultra-high-efficiency technologies. These solutions use around 40% less energy than traditional amplifiers, reducing environmental impact without sacrificing sound quality.
Carlo Lastrucci, president of Powersoft, says: “Sphere is the largest-scale and most innovative application of Powersoft technology yet, and we’re thrilled to partner with a company that holds the same values and vision for the future of live entertainment.”
Powersoft’s energy-saving technologies, such as Power Factor Correction (PFC) and Class-D PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), which have decreased the environmental impact of the AV sector, were used in Sphere’s HOLOPLOT X1 audio system.
PFC technology delivers energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint (equivalent CO2 emissions) of around 40% against amplifiers without power factor correction for the same output. At the same time, Powersoft’s PWM technology converts energy extracted from Sphere’s power mains into usable power that recycles reactive energy from its loudspeakers.
Powersoft supplied its proprietary IPAL (Integrated Powered Adaptive Loudspeaker) technology for the X1 system’s subwoofers, in addition to the 16-channel amplifiers included in Sphere’s HOLOPLOT X1 Matrix Array. An IPAL-equipped system provides unrivalled acoustic performance and total control over sound system reproduction, independent of acoustic load or conditions.
Sphere’s 10,000 haptic seats, which are coupled with Powersoft’s infrasound system, are an important element of The Sphere Experience and create a sense of being transported to another planet. Powersoft Mover is the company’s groundbreaking small-scale transducer, which employs haptic feedback to provide attendees with a more convincing, realistic experience that engages the senses beyond visual and acoustic stimulation.
Powersoft’s unique moving-magnet technology is more robust, accurate, and efficient, and uses an audio signal with ultra-low-frequency reproduction to cause the chairs to tremble and shake during each show. In addition to the infrasound haptic technology, Powersoft provided 2,500 audio channels for the seats, with 718 Powersoft Quattrocanali amplifiers.
On 29 September, Sphere launched with the first of 25 performances of U2:UV Achtung Baby Live At Sphere. The Sphere Experience, which included Aronofsky’s Postcard from Earth, opened on 6 October and was the first show to use the venue’s unique haptic seats.
Powersoft recently exhibited at ISE 2023 in Barcelona. The team demonstrated its new cloud-based amplifier platform, UNICA, which offers simple integration, straightforward configuration and low maintenance costs.
Top image kind courtesy of Sphere Entertainment
