Hunan TV’s hit music contest ‘Singer 2024’ has made a triumphant return to television after a four-year hiatus, electrifying in-studio audiences, television screens, and social media channels across China with a star-studded lineup and a visionary immersive sound experience. The 12-episode show features a diverse cast of established Chinese artists like Rainie Yang, Na Ying, and rockers Second Hand Rose who perform with a live band, and treated audiences to a guest appearance from international sensation Adam Lambert, captivating a 2,000-strong studio audience and millions of viewers at home.

The show’s producer, Hong Xiao, emphasized the importance of authenticity in each performance: “The artists invited on the show delivered a wide range of music. From pop and rock to Chinese and Western vocal styles, we wanted to present some of the most powerful and dynamic stage performers who have ever graced the ‘Singer’ stage and screen.”

To meet the challenge of delivering an unparalleled audio experience, the production team turned to He Biao, China’s leading sound designer and engineer. He was tasked with implementing a state-of-the-art concert sound system that could enhance both the live studio audience experience and the broadcast quality.

He Biao’s solution was to deploy L Series, the latest offering in progressive ultra-dense line source speakers from L-Acoustics. Deployed by Beijing Dadong Huahan Audio Visual Equipment Co., Ltd with technical support from local L-Acoustics Certified Provider Distributor, Rightway Audio Consultants, He Biao’s system used L Series in an L-ISA immersive audio configuration, enhancing performances with precise 3D sound positioning and movement of up to 1,800 audio objects.

He Biao’s L-ISA design – which the show’s host introduces to the in-studio audience so that they understand the immersive experience that awaits them – consists of a main frontal system of five hangs of one L-Acoustics L2 and one L2D each. A total of 24 flown KS28 subwoofers extend the lows. Four 115XT HiQ boxes are used for stage monitors. The entire system is powered by 18 LA12X and 10 LA7.16 amplified controllers.

The implementation of this immersive sound system has significantly improved the audience experience. Early Soundvision 3D modeling simulations showed that L-ISA expanded the coverage area from 50% (with a traditional stereo system) to 90%, delivering a consistent and clear immersive listening experience for the audience.

He Biao’s team was able to rig the system in under three hours, significantly faster than traditional line array setups. This efficient deployment demonstrated L Series’ remarkable versatility and ease of use.

“I have to say it was drop dead perfect. Sonically, this show has soared straight into my all-time Top 3,” enthused David Cooper, Director of Sales APAC at L-Acoustics. “The excellent live band and orchestra are positioned in the mix stunningly across the five L2 arrays with localisation where necessary. The vocals cut through so clearly and forcefully that it creates a kind of ‘excitement feedback loop’ between audience and artist, creating and regenerating endless energy. Only L-ISA has the capability to provide an immersive sonic masterclass such as the one I experienced at Singer 2024.”

The impact of the L-ISA immersive audio experience on ‘Singer 2024’ has been profound. As the show continues to captivate audiences this summer, with the season finale set to air at the end of July, it has generated unprecedented public interest. The show has dominated social media, accumulating over 1,350 hot searches and 230 million views, sparking viewer discussions regarding the authenticity of musical talents.

Hong concluded, “Through each contest round and dynamic vocal performance, L-ISA conveys every turn of musical phrase in Singer 2024. By showcasing talented singers in a more realistic setting, we’ve elevated the charm and authenticity of live music, challenging the music industry and viewers to reconsider the value of a genuine musical performance.”

L-Acoustics