L-Acoustics, industry leaders in designing and manufacturing sound systems and technology, has presented two new technologies at ISE 2024, with the new AI-powered Mixhalo Translate functionality for the L-ISA platform, and the Xi Series, which offers an extension to the renowned X Series of coaxial speakers.
The firm showcased the innovations at ISE 2024, which took place in Barcelona from 30 January until 2 February and attracted record-breaking numbers of attendees.
Innovative translation functionality
The Mixhalo augmented audio platform offers high-fidelity, low-latency audio for visitors at trade shows, sporting events, museums, and other attractions. The technology has earned international acclaim and was honoured with both the audio technology and event technology of the year accolades at the AV Awards in London in 2023. It is now placed to transform interpretation services at live events by providing artificial intelligence and cloud services to the L-ISA platform.
With real-time streaming capabilities and the most recent advancements in AI, Mixhalo Translate sets a new benchmark for the delivery of interpretation services at live events. With this technology, visitors can access AI-generated foreign language interpretation and transcription using their own devices and headphones, at a quality which is comparable to human interpreters.
Asher Dowson, director of product management at L-Acoustics, comments: “Hosting Mixhalo’s ground-breaking software on the L-ISA platform represents a technology marriage unlike anything else on the market.
“Bringing revolutionary AI Translation and high-fidelity on-device audio streaming in one integrated solution, enabled by the new Mixhalo Control interface for configuring and managing streams, unlocks audience personalization and inclusivity for a whole host of new experiences and event formats.”
Corey Laplante, COO of Mixhalo, adds: “Mixhalo Translate will completely revolutionize the way event organizers procure and provide interpretation services – and the way that attendees consume content at live events. By delivering AI-generated content directly to a user’s own phone and headphones, we have built a modern solution for today’s live events.”
Famous performers and sports teams including Metallica, Sting, Pharrell, the Seattle Kraken and FC Dallas, among others, have already used the technology to deliver memorable audio experiences for their fans.
Dowson says: “We’re thrilled to have a select group of partners on board for the Mixhalo Translate beta and look forward to making the solution publicly available later this year. Beyond that, we’re excited to see the L-ISA platform utilized for binaural broadcast mixes at hybrid events alongside Mixhalo deployments.”
Powerful & elegant speakers
The firm also demonstrated the X8i and X6i from the Xi Series of coaxial speakers to delegates at ISE 2024. This augments the highly regarded X series, and has been developed to meet the requirements of all kinds of integration project which needs powerful, high-quality sound with a discreet design. X6i and X8i will ship in April 2024.
The Xi Series provides a selection of installation-focused coaxial enclosures with distinct formats, bandwidth, and SPL designed especially for short-throw applications. The enclosures offer exceptional sound quality and a thoughtful format which enables them to integrate easily into their location.
Germain Simon, director of product management at L-Acoustics, comments: “The Xi Series represents a significant leap forward in meeting the diverse demands of premium installations.
“The refined acoustic and physical design combines with a plethora of simple yet purposeful accessories to ensure premium professional audio can be created in any space.”
A significant feature of the new series is its coaxial technology, which facilitates a small design with and constant tonal balance over distance, guaranteeing smooth coverage for off-axis audiences, removing the need for a minimum listening distance, and offering high feedback rejection.
With an outstanding bandwidth-to-size ratio, the Xi Series features L-Vents to provide clear low-frequency power. It also has a weather-resistant IP55 rating, and so can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Both the X6i and X8i have slim, streamlined designs which seamlessly blend into prestigious architectural settings while delivering clear, studio-like audio. The passive loudspeakers feature a 1.5-inch neodymium compression driver coaxially loaded by a 6-inch or 8-inch low-frequency transducer in a bass reflex cabinet. Furthermore, 90 degree axisymmetric directivity adds a smooth tonal response, without secondary lobes across the complete frequency range.
Each of the loudspeakers can be powered by two presets, which means that they can adapt to the acoustic requirements of different projects and subwoofer coupling configurations. The native presets are suited to vocal reinforcement or use with a subwoofer. With these settings, the X6i offers a maximum SPL of 123 dB and a frequency response down to 69 Hz, and the X8i delivers a maximum SPL of 129 dB and a frequency response down to 67 Hz.
Meanwhile, the X6i_50 preset provides full-range sound reproduction down to 54 Hz with a maximum SPL of 117 dB, and the X8i_40 preset delivers 43 Hz, producing a maximum SPL of 123 dB in standalone applications and close proximity listening experiences.
By offering both exceptional sound and a considered form, the X6i and X8i are perfect for vocal or musical reinforcement in small theatres, live clubs, prestige and hospitality spaces, houses of worship, home and yacht, broadcast, and recording studios.
The Xi Series from L-Acoustics offers unprecedented adaptability and performance for high-quality installations. With its elegant design, outstanding sound quality, and versatility for a wide range of requirements, the Xi Series offers a concert-grade sound solution for any venue.
Last year, L-Acoustics announced that it had supplied its L-ISA Immersive Hyperreal Sound Technology to Terhal, a new theatrical show in Saudi Arabia. This original production by Dragone celebrates Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and features stunts, aerial performances, acrobatics and special effects as well as traditional Saudi art and dance.
