In collaboration with Solid State Logic (SSL), Amadeus has designed and deployed a unique electro-acoustic sound reinforcement system for the Chaillot National Theater, one of France’s most historic and prestigious cultural institutions. This landmark project marks a significant evolution in theatrical sound design, placing spatial audio at the heart of contemporary stage creation.
Installed in the Jean Vilar Hall, which seats 1,270 spectators, the new system was conceived as a bold alternative to conventional sound reinforcement approaches. As the existing system reached was due to be replaced, Amadeus set out to imagine a solution that would transcend the limitations of traditional formats such as stereo, 5.1 multichannel systems, or standard loudspeaker configurations.
The result is a cutting-edge 3D Sound system based on Wave Field Synthesis (WFS) technology. Often compared to visual holography, this holophonic approach creates a sound scene by preserving the spatial characteristics of audio sources, including their direction and distance. Rather than projecting sound toward a fixed listening position, the system reconstructs the physical properties of the sound field itself.
This technique allows the replication of the sound field’s physical properties. Wherever they are seated in the theater, listeners keep a coherent perception of the sound sources’ localization,
explains Marc Piera, Sound Department Manager at the Chaillot National Theater.
Since its installation, the Chaillot National Theater’s new 3D Sound system has already been embraced by a wide range of contemporary productions. It has supported original dance and performance works featuring renowned choreographers, dancers, and artists including Olivia Ruiz, Jean-Claude Gallotta, Carolyn Carlson, Aesoon Ahn, Antony Hamilton, José Montalvo, Thomas Lebrun, and Rocío Molina.
By redefining how sound interacts with space, movement, and narrative, this project illustrates Amadeus’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of live performance audio. At Chaillot, sound is no longer a supporting element, it becomes a fully integrated dimension of artistic expression.
