L-ISA Immersive Audio Enhances Visit to Ancient Ephesus

Developed by THE museum, This interactive museum experience uses the L-ISA system of L-Acoustics to offer a 360º sound setup that introduces visitors to this ancient city in Türkiye.

Ephesus, the ancient city of the central Aegean region of Türkiye and one of the most important in the world for housing the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and its theater, with capacity for 24.000 spectators, receives thousands of visits throughout the year.

In order to tell the history of this ancient city in an interactive way, the specialist in museum management and visual arts THE museum has created the so-called Ephesus Experience Museum, which uses advanced AV technology, like the system L-ISA immersive audio of L-Acoustics.

“The experience imagines life in ancient Ephesus. Audio is crucial to immerse visitors in that narrative - explains Carolina Vallejo, creative producer of Marshmallow Laser Feast, producer of Ephesus Experience Museum-. Technology is our medium and we create immersive experiences using the most innovative technologies”.

The choice of L-Acoustics technology was clear from the beginning: “L-ISA is a powerful combination of hardware and software together and was an obvious choice. Besides, we found that using it shortens our workflow, which makes it easier for us creating immersive soundscapes”.

Composer and sound designer James Bulley created an expansive and immersive audio world based on in-depth research with historical specialists. The soundtrack of this experience features composers such as Thomas Newman y Nainita Desai, with the narration of actors like David Schofield (Gladiator, Pirates of the Caribbean) y Olivia Williams (The Crown, The sixth sense).

To organize the project, Asymmetric, L-Acoustics supplier in Türkiye, worked with Marshmallow Laser Feast and Willy Klein, audio manufacturer applications engineer, to design a 360° audio setup that will provide an immersive sound experience to visitors as they tour the three rooms of the museum.

The final configuration includes 71 5XT models installed on roofs and body, as well as at the base of several pillars covered with video screens. Besides, 28 X8 coaxial speakers They are located on the walls, at ceiling height.

The main room has a system A10i Focus and a A10i Wide, that provide additional power. Three subwoofers KS21 and four SB15 provide bass extension. The system works with seven LA7.16i amplified controllers.

“It has been fantastic to work with the L-Acoustics team,” says Vallejo.. They supported us in our creative process and ensured that the museum team was trained and ready to support the system when it opened.”.

To Buğra Kezan, Asimetrik project engineering director, This project proves that technology is a great way to bring history to life.. “We have worked with DEM Museums and presented them with L-ISA immersive audio for their first project, with which they have managed to offer a new and unique audiovisual experience in Ephesus”.

The choice of L-ISA “facilitated creative workflow, "It was easy to integrate and offered the best audio experience," adds Kezan.. After a few months of operation, It has paid off without a doubt., since the museum team has had no technical problems and the experience is the delight of visitors from all over the world”.