When it comes to the way we enjoy music in live spaces, things always tend to follow the same pattern. Normally, there is a pair of speakers near the source of the music, and you, the listener, are ideally situated somewhere in front of them – because where you stand in relation to these speakers will affect how and what you hear. But this is counterintuitive to how sound – multi-directional as it is – travels. This is why many audio companies have developed new spatial stereo systems, where users can experience music as it’s meant to be heard, no matter where they stand in the room.
Berlin, it turns out, is a breeding ground for new technology. A lot of venues and installations in the city are already starting to incorporate 360-degree surround sound systems, or at least multi-directional speakers. Those who’ve been to Berghain will have an idea of what this means. Many of the newer art galleries throughout the city also have multi-directional sound and immersive audio properties.
But beyond just placing your speakers around the dancefloor (or sometimes even above it), musicians now have the ability to control what is being played and where. This art form is emblematic of a new era of truly immersive experiences. One of the pioneering companies in this field is MONOM. Located (where else?) in Funkhaus, MONOM’s live venue is home to their original ‘4DSOUND’ system, a spatial audio system consisting of technical multi-channel speaker setups, positioned throughout the room. Artists can then programme this system to create what is described as “sound holograms”, which move and flow through the room for users to move through. Because the sound is in flux, each visitor receives a unique and individual experience.
The MONOM team have also shared their expertise with the elegant Flussbad campus, just metres down the road. The hotel and performance centre has their own custom 360-degree spatial sound system enclosed in their concert hall, the Reethaus. The programme here features listening parties, concerts and concertos, all taking place in the lavishly designed futuristic auditorium.
MONOM isn’t the only spatial audio system to be found at Funkhaus, which is also home to the spatial audio loft, developed by spæs, a “lab for spatial aesthetics in sound” with a second location in Wedding. Spæs is a collaborative work environment and studio for artists to help create immersive spatial programmes, technology or compositions. The studio is open to residencies and coaching and even held some intimate performances at the start of 2024.
In addition to these performance spaces, there are other studios and manufacturers in the city, further pushing spatial audio technology. It’s helping musicians create music that has more depth, creativity and field, and points to a very exciting future, not just for music lovers, but for Berlin as a whole.
