THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE – SEMINAR. An inspiring immersive
Written by Ladonikolás Vasilis – www.alive.gr
The seminar was introduced by Pantelis Kariotis, who presented the speakers’ schedule and set the tone of the Immersive concept, which had been carefully and meticulously prepared for all of us attending. aLive was present on the second day of the presentation and reports…
DiGiCo news and total Eco-System
The floor was taken by Jaap Pronk, who spoke to us about the DiGiCo ecosystem and emphasized how important it is to be part of a group of companies (Audiotonix), and how collaboratively and constructively their products work together for the benefit of the end user.
As Jaap pointed out, this event is not only about Immersive but also about integration, as all the involved equipment and technologies work together in practice.
Starting with DiGiCo, Jaap informed us that 8 out of 10 major tours last year used DiGiCo consoles. He started with the S series and moved on to Quantum, noting that user requests never stop, and thus Quantum (which started 8 years ago) continuously evolves with more capabilities, while fully supporting the company philosophy of return on investment. Through upgrades, consoles remain at the cutting edge for many years.
Debut of the new DiGiCo 225 DS (Dual Screen)
The first new product presented by Jaap was the new DiGiCo 225 DS (Dual Screen) with two 17-inch touchscreens, a long-standing user request. The new 225 DS supports 72 input channels, 36 busses, and a 12 x 12 matrix, all with full channel processing. It includes Mustard Processing channel strips, Spice Rack plugin-style native FPGA processing options, Nodal Processing, and True Solo.
Of course, he also presented DiGiCo’s flagship, the Quantum 852, a console integrating dozens of new technologies. His favorite features include channel Macros with assignable Macro buttons, and assignable macro encoders that allow routing everything anywhere.
As he said, anything you need in a show, the console brings it to you.
He also mentioned that 190 units have already been sold worldwide in less than 2 years since its release.
Finally, he presented the “small giant”, the Quantum 112, which recently entered commercial availability. He showed its use in an outdoor festival where the band and engineer arrived by helicopter with the Quantum 112 in hand luggage, and the show started immediately.
Regarding the DiGiCo ecosystem, he also presented Live Trax by Harrison, fully controlled from DiGiCo consoles and available for Quantum and SD users.
Binaural Basics – the three components of spatial hearing
Klang took over with its new products. Jaap explained that our ears are immersive, not stereo, and that the three components of spatial hearing are:
level, time, and coloration
Klang can be used with all digital consoles and offers two approaches: mix for the artist or help the artist mix themselves.
He presented Vokal (12 mixes, 24 mono or stereo sources, 48/96kHz), Vokal Plus, and then Konductor and Kontroller.
Also introduced were the compact KLANG:1 and KLANG:1 PRO, pocket-sized devices capable of handling binaural mixes up to 64 mono input channels with ultra-low latency of 0.25 ms.
New also was KLANG:quelle XDM, an anypoint-to-anypoint converter, along with KOS control software.
Sound Devices and Astral Wireless series
This wireless platform is already widely used in major productions in just two years since joining Audiotonix.
A very impressive demo showed the Astral TX transmitter operating while batteries were being replaced live, continuing operation even with one battery.
Multitrack recording, intercom support, NexLink 2-way, and ARX32 receivers supporting 32 units per device were demonstrated. SoundBase integration allows RF coordination, frequency management, naming transmitters, and monitoring RF/NexLink status.
AstralComm also enables full integration with DiGiCo Quantum consoles, showing transmitter data directly on channel strips (battery, mute, frequency, etc.).
Remote control via IP and smartphone is supported. The new V22 software enables simultaneous mute/unmute of all wireless devices in a venue.
Fourier Audio and transform.go
Presented was the new compact plugin host transform.go, designed for touring workflows.
Also introduced was HYPERPORT, a low-latency protocol developed with DiGiCo, achieving 1.2 ms round-trip latency for transform.go and transform.engine.
Lectrosonics all-weather systems
Jim Bakker from Lectrosonics presented the brand’s broadcast, cinema, and theatre dominance.
He demonstrated extreme durability: transmitters submerged in water, dropped, and physically abused while continuing to operate.
Lectrosonics is widely used in Broadway productions (e.g. Frozen with 52 channels), broadcast, reality TV, and live music.
Latency is extremely low (1.6 ms for IEM, 1.4 ms for microphones).
Their ecosystem includes DSSM transmitters (IP57 waterproof), DSQD receivers, and digital wireless systems used in global productions.
Fletcher Machine – Spatial Audio
Arlnaut Damien from Adamson presented the Fletcher Machine.
He explained that stereo PA systems do not deliver consistent center imaging. Spatial audio solves this using multiple speaker arrays for realistic sound positioning.
The Fletcher Machine is an audio rendering engine using amplitude and time-based spatialization.
Available in multiple versions, including the compact Traveler Model (32 or 64 inputs, 32 outputs, AVB/MADI/Dante, latency 1.33 ms).
A free virtual version runs on Windows/Mac. The system supports binaural rendering for headphones.
The demo system included multiple Adamson speaker arrays surrounding the audience, creating a full immersive environment.
Follow-Me – tracking solutions
Menno Appelhof presented FOLLOW-ME tracking systems.
Founded in 2013, the system evolved from demand by Suede for an affordable follow-spot solution.
Today it includes Follow-Me 3D and Track-iT, supporting manual and automatic tracking.
The system uses cameras, calibration points, RF sensors, and joystick control for precise performer tracking.
It integrates with moving lights via RDNET and allows real-time automated follow-spot control.
PROLIGHTS lighting systems
Fabio Sorabella presented PROLIGHTS.
Founded in 1990, the company evolved from rental into manufacturing.
Key markets include live events, TV, cinema, and architectural lighting.
They showcased products like Muse Profile, Halopix, Halustrip Duo, and Astra series.
Over 3000 units of Halustrip Duo were sold after ISE 2026.
IMMERSIVE Performances – from theory to practice
The seminar concluded with live immersive performances combining all technologies.
We heard the Livas Trio and internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Markela Chatziano with pianist Dimitris Keramidakis in the “LIGHT” project.
The spatial audio experience was extremely realistic and far beyond traditional stereo sound.
The highlight was the immersive performance of Markela Chatziano, who moved through the audience, turning the entire hall into a stage, with sound and light following her movements in real time.
Immersive epilogue
Kariotis Audio & Lighting has a long tradition of seminars combining theory and practice, hands-on experience, and high-level system demonstrations.
This event, however, exceeded all expectations, combining multiple technologies into a fully realized immersive production.
It demonstrated how immersive technology can serve art and create magic through realism.
Special thanks were given to all operators and technicians involved.
Final thanks
Kariotis Audio & Lighting warmly thanks all participants of the seminar “The Immersive Experience”, held on April 1 & 2. Your presence, interest, and active participation made this two-day event truly special.
Without you, the experience would not have been as powerful and inspiring. Thank you, and we look forward to welcoming you again at our future events.
