From Aladdin Sane to Ziggy Stardust, David Bowie has secured his legacy as an innovative performing and visual artist so it’s only fitting the innovative interactive exhibition “David Bowie Is” feature his artistry—along with Sennheiser technology.
Next month, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Chicago launches both the US debut of “David Bowie Is” and new Sennheiser digital technology to the public. With this guidePORT technology, Chicagoans viewing next month’s exhibition can access Bowie interviews, commentary, and recordings streamed directly to them. In addition to streaming audio throughout the exhibit, visitors may experience a 3D audio spectacle of Bowie concerts as well as an exclusive mash-up of music created by Bowie’s long-time producer Tony Visconti.
When entering the exhibition, each guest will be handed a pair of Sennheiser headphones and a guidePORT receiver. This 3D immersive sound simulation equipment allows visitors to stroll as they choose into 25 various display zones. Inside a control room behind the scenes, Sennheiser will be broadcasting 25 live audio streams through transmitters that are mapped to exhibition’s floorplan. When someone walks near a display, a matching audio stream will be activated since small trigger units (called identifiers) located throughout the show will recognize the geo-location and pick up the appropriate audio stream.
The immersive audio installation is made possible by a special 3D upmix algorithm created by Gregor Zielinsky, Sennheiser’s International Recording Applications Manager, and the experience is delivered through an array of hidden loudspeakers from Neumann – a Sennheiser subsidiary.
As the driving force in groundbreaking sound since 1945, it makes sense Sennheiser is the brand to help showcase David Bowie’s groundbreaking career. For more information on Sennheiser digital technology, visit www.sennheiser.com. For details on the “David Bowie Is” exhibition which opens at MCA, Chicago on September 23, visit www.mcachicago.org.
