INDIA: Pioneering Indian audio rental company SOUND.COM has strengthened its commitment to cutting-edge technology by investing in KLANG’s immersive in-ear monitoring solutions, including DMI-KLANG cards and the KLANG:konductor system. This strategic addition enhances their fleet of DiGiCo consoles and extends compatibility across their extensive inventory of consoles, reinforcing their position as a market leader in the country’s booming live entertainment sector.

The investment comes at a time when immersive audio is gaining traction among Indian and international artists performing in the region. A.R. Rahman, the Academy Award-winning composer known for cinematic masterpieces like Slumdog Millionaire, is among the first high-profile artists to integrate KLANG:konductor into his live performances. His long-time monitor engineer, Mark Thomas, has embraced the technology, citing its ability to render complex Bollywood soundscapes with unmatched clarity and depth.

“KLANG’s clarity in rendering spatial audio means that even complex mixes with many layers remain clean and intelligible,” says Thomas. “The depth of spatial audio that KLANG offers has allowed me to elevate the sonic experience in ways that were previously difficult or even impossible to achieve. The ability to place each element in a mix with a heightened sense of direction and depth means that intricate arrangements and layered instruments maintain their individuality without muddling.”

Thomas further emphasises the creative advantages of KLANG in enhancing the emotional impact of Rahman’s music. “A.R. Rahman’s compositions carry immense emotional weight, and KLANG allows me to amplify that by moving sounds within the artist’s listening plane, creating more pronounced emotional highs and lows while keeping the performer fully connected to the music.”

With seamless integration across all major consoles, KLANG:konductor provides SOUND.COM with remarkable flexibility, ensuring ease of use for engineers while delivering a superior monitoring experience for musicians. The system features a seven-inch touchscreen with full KLANG:app control and supports multiple audio network protocols, making it compatible with various setups. For orchestras, Thomas finds the KLANG:kontroller to be the most intuitive solution, while Bollywood musicians who frequently switch between instruments prefer using KLANG:app on their iPads for enhanced personal control.

“There’s a huge demand for KLANG, both cross-platform and with higher channel counts, which is why investing in KLANG:konductor made perfect sense,” Thomas adds. “India has become a major touring destination, and many international acts now request KLANG. We’ve seen a significant increase in enquiries, proving its impact on the industry.”

As India’s live event season gains momentum, SOUND.COM remains ahead of the curve, offering world-class audio solutions to meet growing industry demands. Thomas also acknowledges the crucial support from Phil Kamp and the KLANG team, ensuring seamless integration and troubleshooting whenever needed. “Phil and the KLANG team are incredibly supportive. Their expertise helps us resolve compatibility questions quickly, making the transition to immersive monitoring smooth for our artists.”

For Warren D’souza, founder of SOUND.COM, integrating KLANG into their inventory is not just about technology—it’s about elevating the entire artist and engineer experience. “Our KLANG:konductor and DMI-KLANG solutions are both highly popular and effective, and we share a fantastic relationship with the KLANG team,” says D’souza. “In keeping with our tradition of naming our consoles and rack-mounted equipment after Star Wars characters, the Konductor has been christened ‘Podracer.’ The name draws inspiration from the immersive spatial surround effects of the Boonta Eve Classic podrace in The Phantom Menace, famously driven by Anakin Skywalker.”