Las Vegas has welcomed its newest entertainment venue, "The Sphere," with the inaugural series of live concerts by iconic rock band U2, featuring performances of their acclaimed album, "Achtung Baby."
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - NOVEMBER 29: Musicians Bono and The Edge of U2 performs at the "46664 - Give One Minute of Your Life to AIDS" concert at Greenpoint Stadium on November 29, 2003 in Cape Town, South Africa. The concert will benefit the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the fight against AIDS in Africa. It is one of the biggest rock events ever staged in Africa and will also be the most widely distributed media event in history with a potential audience of more than 2 billion people in 166 countries.
All About The Sphere
According to New Atlas, the construction of The Sphere, the world's largest spherical structure, was announced in 2018, initially aiming for a grand opening in 2021. However, due to the global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project's completion was delayed until recently.
Positioned just a block from the renowned Las Vegas Strip, The Sphere boasts impressive dimensions, measuring 516 feet in width and 366 feet in height (157 x 111.5 meters).
Its colossal 580,000-square-foot LED-clad exterior is adorned with 1.2 million LED diode-equipped pucks, collectively forming a dynamic display capable of showcasing vibrant animations, event announcements, essential information, and promotional content.
The primary arena within The Sphere offers seating for up to 17,600 attendees, with an overall capacity of 20,000, accounting for standing room. An awe-inspiring dome-shaped screen featuring an impressive resolution of 16,000 by 16,000 pixels elevates stage performances and immersive "Sphere Experiences."
Sphere Entertainment has integrated what they assert to be the world's most advanced concert-grade audio system, engineered in collaboration with Berlin-based HoloPlot.
This cutting-edge setup encompasses 1,600 HoloPlot X1 Matrix Array loudspeaker modules and 300 mobile units, collectively harnessing a staggering 167,000 drivers, each equipped with its dedicated amplifier. This colossal audio array, concealed behind the venue's 160,000-square-foot interior display, enables an unparalleled auditory encounter.
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Immersive Sound System on U2 Concert
The Sphere's Immersive Sound system leverages state-of-the-art 3D audio beamforming technology, coupled with wave field synthesis (spatial audio) and tailored optimization algorithms to compensate for potential audio transmission losses.
This meticulous engineering ensures that every audience member is enveloped in an exceptional listening environment. Despite drummer Larry Mullen Jr.'s ongoing recovery from surgery, the U2 concert at The Sphere unfolded on September 29 with an innovative stage design, inspired by Brian Eno, that allowed for dynamic performances.
Alongside U2's iconic imagery, the concert showcased bespoke works from esteemed artists like Es Devlin, John Gerrard, Marco Brambilla, and Industrial Light & Magic.
The UV Achtung Baby concert series will continue until December 16, with the premiere of the first audiovisual Sphere Experience, "Postcard from Earth," scheduled for October 6 in the main atrium.
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