SOUND.COM Elevates Live Sound with Investments in KLANG
Technologies
SOUND.COM has expanded its inventory with DMI-KLANG cards for its DiGiCo consoles and the
KLANG:konductor system for broader console compatibility
SOUND.COM has consistently pushed the boundaries of technical excellence in turnkey audio
rental
solutions. The company, owned by Warren D'Souza, has built a strong reputation in the Indian
live
sound industry, not only for its involvement in high-profile events but also for its investment in
young and skilled audio professionals. This year, SOUND.COM has expanded its technological
capabilities by integrating KLANG immersive in-ear monitoring systems into its inventory.
As part of this investment, SOUND.COM has acquired DMI-KLANG cards to complement its fleet of
DiGiCo
consoles. Additionally, the company has incorporated the KLANG:konductor system,
which enhances its
ability to offer advanced spatial audio solutions across various console platforms. This move aligns
with an increasing demand for immersive monitoring solutions, both from Indian and international
artists performing in the region.
Bollywood music, characterised by its intricate arrangements and high-energy performances, has been
particularly well-suited to KLANG's immersive monitoring technology. The demand for spatial audio
solutions is also growing due to international artists who request KLANG systems for their Indian
tour dates. One of the most notable artists embracing this technology is Academy Award-winning
composer A. R. Rahman. Known for his rich and complex compositions, Rahman has incorporated the
KLANG:konductor system into his live performances.
KLANG:konductor has been integrated seamlessly into SOUND.COM's workflow, offering compatibility
with various consoles
Mark Thomas, a long-time SOUND.COM employee and monitor engineer for A. R. Rahman, has
praised the
benefits of KLANG's immersive technology.
"KLANG's clarity in rendering spatial audio means that even complex mixes with many layers remain
clean and intelligible," says Thomas. "Using KLANG's immersive in-ear mixing technology has
significantly transformed how I approach mixing. 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. KLANG's spatial audio tools enable me to place each element in a mix with a heightened
sense of direction and depth, crucially without muddling. This means that whether it's intricate
arrangements or the layering of different instruments, I can ensure that every sound feels like it's
coming from its own distinct position in space, creating a more dynamic and immersive monitoring
experience."
Beyond its technical advantages, Thomas highlights how the KLANG system enhances the emotional
connection between artists and their music.
"A. R. Rahman's music carries a lot of emotional weight, and the ability to use KLANG's immersive
sound features helps me enhance that emotional impact," he explains. "The technology allows me to
move sounds around the musician/singers' listening plane, creating more emotional highs and lows,
and helping the performer feel more connected to the music."
KLANG:konductor's seven-inch touch screen and full KLANG:app control provide intuitive access for
monitor engineers. Thomas has observed that the system is flexible and user-friendly across
different musical setups.
For orchestras, the KLANG:kontroller provides a tactile and ergonomic interface, allowing musicians
to adjust their in-ear mixes efficiently. In contrast, Bollywood bands, where musicians often play
multiple instruments, find the KLANG:app on iPads to be a more convenient solution.
"There's a huge demand for KLANG, both cross-platform and also with higher channel counts, so that
was a key reason to invest in KLANG:konductor," says Thomas. "India is a major stop for touring
acts, we're really on the map now. Many of these artists are using KLANG, so we're seeing a big
uptick in enquiries about it."
The demand for immersive monitoring solutions is expected to rise as India's live event season gains
momentum from September onwards. A. R. Rahman has toured extensively throughout the year, performing
at a wide range of venues with different acoustic challenges. Thomas acknowledges the importance of
strong technical support in ensuring the smooth operation of these systems.
"The KLANG team are very supportive and the musicians have been very happy with the results so far.
In short, KLANG has been a game-changer for me, particularly when working on A. R. Rahman's music.
It allows me to maintain the clarity and emotional depth of his compositions while pushing the
boundaries of how the music is experienced by the listener," he notes.
SOUND.COM's adoption of KLANG technology is part of a broader commitment to enhancing the live sound
experience. D'Souza has expressed satisfaction with how KLANG has been integrated into the company's
operations. The investment not only ensures high-quality service for future productions but also
elevates the experience for artists and engineers alike.
"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."
With this integration of cutting-edge immersive monitoring technology, SOUND.COM continues to
reinforce its position as a leader in the live audio industry, offering unparalleled sonic
experiences for performers and audiences alike.