Leeuwarden’s leading cultural venue Neushoorn is set to enter a new era of live sound with the installation of a fully immersive spatial audio system - the first of its kind in a Dutch pop venue.

[Photo by Lisa Anholts]

The groundbreaking project, which is funded by Cultuurloket DigitALL, brings together Neushoorn, More AV, Funktion-One and HOLOPHONIX in a special collaboration that combines world-class loudspeaker design with cutting-edge spatial audio technology.

Cultuurloket DigitALL supports the development of digital technologies in the cultural sector. The Neushoorn project is the first and only audio-based initiative to receive such backing in the Netherlands.

[Photo by Kristian Hoekman]

At the heart of the installation is a Funktion-One loudspeaker system - controlled by HOLOPHONIX’s spatial audio engine - which enables engineers and artists to locate and move sounds dynamically throughout the room, creating an immersive and expressive listening experience.

“We found the perfect synergy of companies for this project: Funktion-One, More AV and HOLOPHONIX,” said Michiel Cornelisse, Head of Technical at Neushoorn. “We’ve found in them people who can see beyond the well-trodden paths and are not afraid to challenge conventions. The open-minded approach and excellent communication within the project by all involved made it possible to develop a top-class immersive audio system in a very short time frame - a true achievement of which we are extremely proud.”

Remco van der Werff, Founder of More AV commented: “This is a special project - both for Neushoorn and for live sound in the Netherlands. We were proud to install the venue’s Funktion-One system when it first opened and it’s inspiring to take that experience to the next level. Neushoorn’s passion for delivering something extraordinary to its audiences makes this collaboration a real pleasure.”

Funktion-One Founder and R&D Director Tony Andrews said: “Neushoorn and More AV are exploring an exciting approach - combining the clarity and definition of Funktion-One sound with HOLOPHONIX’s impressive spatial audio technology. We are very pleased to have found a processor that meets our audio standards and look forward to seeing how audiences respond to the experience.”

Gaetan Byk, Founder and CEO of HOLOPHONIX, commented: "We’re delighted to collaborate with Funktion-One, a brand celebrated worldwide for its uncompromising approach to electro-acoustic design and its defining role in music culture. By combining Funktion-One’s excellence and deep sonic expertise with the power and precision of the spatial sound solution developed by HOLOPHONIX, we aim to create augmented sound experiences that transcend stereo, expand emotion, and redefine how music is felt - amplifying both the audience’s emotions and the artists’ creativity."

Set to debut in mid-January, the new system will allow Neushoorn to explore the creative possibilities that this new technology offers for artists, and in turn audiences, in ways rarely seen in live venues. The venue will experiment in collaboration with local emerging acts and students from the creative courses based in its building, fostering an environment of innovation and hands-on discovery.