Today, more than ever, audiovisual technology can elevate an audience’s live entertainment experience. Set design is at the forefront of this enhancement and plays a crucial role in conveying personality and capturing attendees’ attention. Different venues allow for various event opportunities where sound and visual presentation can be optimized. Getting these components right is important in maintaining a brand accurately and efficiently.

Let’s dive into the technology behind the scenes. 

Sound Outdoors

A basic setup generally includes two speakers and a mixer. To achieve clear sound quality, it's important to consider the frequency vibrations of selected speakers based on the coverage area. Larger venues may require more speakers, sometimes as many as 40 or more, to adequately amplify the sound. TSE Entertainment highlights the importance of equalizing higher and lower-frequency sounds, describing it as “manipulation of the audio.” This process ensures that the full range of sound, both low and high, is balanced so that no single frequency overpowers the others. “The normal human hearing frequency range is 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz or 20 kHz.” Acoustical Surfaces Inc. states that “audio issues can arise when your venue isn’t set up to handle the sound waves created by the events you are producing.” A young and healthy person naturally has a more sensitive hearing range than an older person, allowing them to hear more intensely. Therefore, it is important to consider who is in the audience when planning the audio setup.

Outdoor venues typically have less reverberation than indoor venues because they lack walls for sound to bounce off. However, the materials of nearby buildings and natural surroundings can introduce echo feedback. It is essential to maintain balanced sound pressure levels while ensuring high-quality, isolated sound. This approach allows the performance to shine and capture the audience's full attention.

Sound Indoors

Acoustic panels are often used to absorb sound, particularly to mitigate reflections off the back wall in indoor venues. Sound diffusers, also known as acoustic diffusers, are designed to address various acoustic issues. They can reduce echo, promote clarity, and evenly distribute sound waves. This can significantly affect the projection and tone of sound. Sweetwater, a popular American musical instrument retailer, offers a range of options for such treatments. In live entertainment, AV technology can also be used to replicate the quality of an original track.

Visuals

Set design is integral to branding, as it conveys the personality and intention behind a performance. For example, Sam Smith’s 2023 Gloria Tour featured a theme of self-love and body positivity. Lighting components, such as LED displays and a mix of cool and warm tones, played a crucial role in creating an emotional atmosphere. A golden statue of Aphrodite complemented Smith's emotive ballads, emitting sensuality and confidence. Additional elements like fog machines and pyrotechnic effects further enhanced the dramatization.

On an even larger scale, Rihanna’s 2023 Halftime Show performance, designed by Willo Perron, utilized a 360-degree stage format. This design considered the expansive reach of the stadium and included “a platform floating over the State Farm Stadium.” As Rosa Bertoli, Design Editor of Wallpaper* Magazine, noted, this setup allowed the performance to be visible from all angles.

Visual appeal is nearly unrestricted due to technological advancement. Designers continually seek innovative and creative ways to bring their visions to life.

The Audiovisual (AV) Experience

Every performer aims to convey a specific vibe or stage presence. High-quality audiovisual technology can assist in achieving this goal. Light and sound synchronization can significantly enhance the audience's experience by emphasizing each other. For example, flashing lights in time with the drumbeat blend the visual and auditory elements into a unified experience. Additionally, sound effects that respond to spoken words can encourage audience reactions.

Hybrid Performance

In recent years, hybrid event setups have become increasingly popular. While people have become accustomed to live-streaming content from home, we now see this trend in reverse at live events, where virtual elements are being utilized in person. Lux Narayan, a Forbes Council Member, noted in an article that “today’s hyper-engaged fans are seeking more immersive and interactive ways to connect with the stars they idolize.” Fans search for opportunities to engage beyond just commenting or sending in virtual reactions. “This can include leveraging technology like online event platforms that allow interactive hybrid audience experiences.”

In Conclusion

When performances are well-organized and executed, they can leave a lasting positive impact on the audience. Often, people don't notice the role of AV technology when it works seamlessly, but they quickly recognize it when there are technical issues. These issues can distract from and diminish artistic expression as much as they can enhance it. How can we more frequently highlight the successes in the AV industry? Who has the power and is leading the effort to make this happen?