Who Controls the Space? Artistic Intent and Sound Diffusion in Immersive Concert Performance

Thomas Perez-Pape

Sonic College Staff Member Presents Research on Immersive Concert Audio at AES Europe 2026

Sonic College is proud to announce that staff member Kasper Fangel Skov has presented his latest research paper, “Who Controls the Space? Artistic Intent and Sound Diffusion in Immersive Concert Performance,” at the 160th Audio Engineering Society (AES) Convention, held in Copenhagen, Denmark from May 28–30, 2026. The paper has also been published in the AES Convention Proceedings, placing the work among the latest international contributions to research in immersive audio and live sound production.

The Audio Engineering Society is the world’s leading professional organization dedicated to audio technology, bringing together researchers, engineers, educators, and creative professionals from across the global audio industry. AES conventions are widely regarded as some of the most important international forums for presenting new research and innovations in sound. Audio Engineering Society (AES)

Exploring the Future of Immersive Concert Experiences

The paper investigates how emerging immersive loudspeaker systems are changing the way live music is created, performed, and experienced. Through a qualitative case study of an immersive concert by the Danish experimental folk/pop band NEBULAH, the research examines perspectives from artists, sound engineers, and audience members.

Rather than treating immersive audio as a special effect, the study suggests that audiences increasingly experience spatial sound as an environment they inhabit. Listeners described being surrounded by the music and moving through a sonic landscape rather than simply observing a performance from a fixed position.

The research also highlights how spatial audio transforms the role of the sound engineer. In immersive concert formats, engineers are often making real-time creative decisions about movement, positioning, and diffusion of sound throughout the venue. The findings suggest that spatial mixing becomes a performative and artistic practice in its own right, positioning the engineer as an active contributor to the musical experience.

Sonic College’s Immersive Audio Research Environment

The paper draws on work connected to Sonic College’s ongoing exploration of immersive audio technologies and spatial sound practices. As part of the study, Kasper compares a d&b Soundscape concert production with large-scale High-Density Loudspeaker Array (HDLA) systems, including the unique 187-channel immersive audio installation located at University College South Denmark in Kolding.

These research activities reflect Sonic College’s continued focus on immersive audio, spatial storytelling, and emerging production formats that bridge artistic practice and technological innovation.

The case mentioned in Kaspers’ study is The Sun, an immersive visual album created by NEBULAH developed through the Danish Arts Foundation’s initiative “Experiments with New Concert Formats” in partnership with Godset, Kolding. Developed as part of the exploration of new concert formats, the project combines immersive sound, generative visuals, and environmental storytelling within a digital Danish biome. The work offers a compelling example of how contemporary artists are expanding the concert experience beyond the traditional stage format, creating immersive spaces where sound, visuals, and audience perception become deeply interconnected. You can watch a video about the project below.

AES Europe 2026 in Copenhagen

AES Europe 2026 marked a significant event for the international audio community, bringing together researchers, manufacturers, educators, and industry professionals from around the world at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) in Copenhagen. The convention featured technical papers, workshops, demonstrations, and discussions covering the latest developments in audio engineering, immersive sound, acoustics, music production, broadcast, and sound design. (AES)

The presentation of “Who Controls the Space?” contributes to the growing conversation around immersive live audio and how new spatial technologies are reshaping the relationship between performers, audiences, engineers, and listening spaces.

We congratulate Kasper on this achievement and are excited to see Sonic College continue contributing to international research and innovation within immersive audio.

Kasper Fangel Skov is an Assistant Professor and researcher at Sonic College, where he teaches research methods, supervises bachelor projects, and conducts research within immersive audio, spatial sound, and emerging concert formats.