Criss Angel Mindfreak is the work of American magician, illusionist and musician Criss Angel and sound designer Aaron Beck – a new illusion spectacle at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas. An immersive theatrical concert experience, it uses technology – including a DAS Audio loudspeaker system – to provide an engaging audio experience for the audience.
‘Criss needs a system that can handle a diverse spectrum of sound, from EDM to rock while also delivering crisp clarity while he performs close up and speech,’ explains sound engineer, Jimmy Kwon.
The project focused on designing a multichannel sound system to create a consistent, quality, immersive audio experience throughout the show.
‘After fine tuning the time alignment and EQ, the system really proved that the design team would be able to deliver whatever Criss wanted, however he wanted. Criss’ vision, supported by Aaron’s system design and DJeff’s [Music Director] programming, was able to come true because of DAS Audio system’s capability’.
Working with 23 input signals, system processing is handled by three DAS DSP 4080 processors controlled by DASnet, and three DAS DX Series amplifiers with built-in processing, controlling 41 independent audio outputs feeding a multichannel loudspeaker system.
The design comprises a main system of two clusters of custom Aero-20A and Aero-20.120A, a UX-218RA flown subwoofer and two Aero-8A central systems, along with Artec-510A and 508A systems for fill. This is supported by six UX-30A subs for the very low frequency programme material, and Artec-510 and 526 systems along with Vantec-15 as side and rear reinforcement powered by the DX Series amps that work as part of the sound immersion of the show.
Additionally, the main system used DASaim optimising SPL distribution and frequency response throughout the audience. Once in action, ‘we quickly realised the system could do anything we wanted to and provide a unique experience to the audience,’ says Beck. ‘Criss and I were really looking to design a system that could reproduce the live elements and work for the multichannel audio playback system. The show is very dynamic and can go from just talking to a full surround, full dynamic level – similar to a nightclub experience. Criss really wanted to create a unique sound environment and DAS Audio really delivered.’
‘It´s truly the first time I’ve ever felt like I could touch sound; it really is true magic,’ Angel says. ‘The system supported my creative vision from the earthquaking lows to the insane clarity of the highs, and everything in between – second to none.’
More: www.dasaudio.com
