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NMACC Theatres – Mumbai, India

Setting the Scene

The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai’s Jio World Centre comprises three purpose-built performance venues: the 2,000-seat Grand Theatre, the 250-seat Studio Theatre and the 125-seat Cube. Designed by TVS Design and Theatre Projects Consultants, each theatre required a highly flexible, premium audio infrastructure capable of supporting everything from Indian classical concerts to large-scale international touring productions. Ansata and d&b audiotechnik were engaged early in the process to deliver a world-class sonic foundation across all venues.

Establishing Objectives

The project’s technical requirements focused on:

  • Ensuring consistent, high-quality sound coverage across complex seating geometries.

  • Supporting immersive audio formats including full Dolby Atmos capability and d&b Soundscape (object-based immersive audio technology by d&b audiotechnik).

  • Integrating a Variable Acoustic System (VAS) to reshape the Grand Theatre’s acoustics for different program types.

  • Maintaining minimal visual impact by concealing loudspeakers wherever possible.

  • Creating a future-ready system capable of handling demanding productions, orchestral setups and global touring shows.

  • Establishing a robust Dante-based audio network and scalable control infrastructure.

To fulfil these requirements, d&b systems were chosen for their performance, flexibility and acceptance among international engineers.

The Solution

Ansata worked with d&b’s global consulting team to design the audio systems for all three theatres. d&b’s Gert Sanner created the main FOH and immersive system designs using ArrayCalc and EASE modelling. From 2017 to 2020, Ansata’s Neil Lean worked alongside d&b as a key application specialist, taking part in system design, installation supervision, VAS integration and complete Dolby Atmos commissioning.

Installation was carried out by Swee Lee (Singapore) and Sigma AVIT (India), with coordination between Ansata, Dolby UK, Dolby India, SIAP, and d&b. The system was fine-tuned through months of onsite measurements, listening sessions and adjustments to meet the acoustic goals of each venue.

Audio Technology Used Across NMACC

Grand Theatre

The 2,000-seat Grand Theatre is the technological and acoustic centrepiece of NMACC. Its audio design combines large-scale d&b line arrays with discreetly integrated fills and subwoofers to deliver consistent coverage across multiple seating levels. A fully realised Dolby Atmos system provides immersive spatial audio for theatrical and cinematic productions, while the integrated Variable Acoustic System allows the room’s response to be adapted for orchestral, dramatic or amplified performances. Together, these systems create a highly controlled yet expansive sonic environment suited to world-class productions.

FOH & Reinforcement

  • d&b Vi8 line arrays (14 per side)

     

  • d&b Vi Subs (flown)

     

  • d&b Yi8 compact line array (centre cluster)

     

  • d&b V8 / V12 ground stacks

     

  • d&b V-Sub and SL-SUB for LF

     

  • d&b V10P point-source speakers (hidden in proscenium)

     

  • d&b Yi7P point-source speakers for VIP boxes

     

  • d&b E4 front fills (apron wall & behind orchestra pit)

     

  • d&b E8 optional fills on stage lip

     

  • d&b E6 delay speakers under balcony

     

Dolby Atmos System

  • 60 × d&b Y8 loudspeakers (L, LC, C, RC, R)

     

  • 5 × V-Subs (behind Atmos arrays)

     

  • 2 × SL-SUBs (LFE)

     

  • 104 × Yi10P surrounds and ceiling speakers

     

  • 20 × 8S additional surrounds

     

  • 4 × ViG subs + 8 × Ti subs (surround LFE)

     

Variable Acoustic System (SIAP VAS)

  • SIAP microphones on automated reelers

     

  • SIAP processors integrated with d&b loudspeakers

     

  • 22 × d&b E8 for orchestral shell reinforcement

     

Control & Consoles

  • Redundant d&b DS100 signal engines

  • Dante-based distribution

Studio Theatre

The 250-seat Studio Theatre is designed for productions that require intimacy, precision and technical flexibility. Its audio system is built around d&b Vi10P point-source loudspeakers, delivering clear and controlled coverage for theatre, music and spoken-word performances. A fully integrated Dolby Atmos system enables immersive sound design for contemporary productions and screenings, while a mobile V-Series system allows the venue to scale when higher output is required. The combination ensures the Studio Theatre can adapt quickly to a wide range of production formats.

Main PA

  • d&b Vi10P point-source speakers (main L/R)

  • Mobile V10P + V-G SUB system (when extended coverage required)

Dolby Atmos System

  • 3 × Vi10P (L-C-R), each on a ViG sub

  • 2 × 21S subs for LFE

  • 30 × 8S (surrounds + ceiling)

  • 8 × 5S (additional ceiling/surround)

  • 2 × Yi Subs (surround LFE)

Processing

d&b DS100 for Soundscape & matrixing

The Cube

The Cube is a 125-seat black-box theatre conceived as a neutral and highly adaptable performance space. Its d&b Yi-Series loudspeaker system provides accurate, transparent sound reinforcement suited to experimental theatre, workshops and small-format performances. The room’s controlled acoustic treatment supports consistent sound quality across different seating configurations.

Main PA

  • 2 × Yi10P per side

  • 1 × E15X subwoofer per side

Additional Flex System

  • Mobile d&b V-Series system shared across spaces

  • Used for banquet halls and occasional Grand Theatre reinforcement

Monitoring Across All Venues

d&b M4 and M6 stage monitors

Microphones, Recording & Network (All Venues)

  • DPA micro­phones (shotgun, headset, vocal, instrument, touring kits)

  • Avid Pro Tools recording systems

  • Dante Domain Manager

  • Audinate AVIO networking adapters

  • Fully Dante-based digital audio transport

Audio System Details

The audio solution across NMACC prioritises clarity, coverage and versatility. The Grand Theatre uses a combination of flown arrays, recessed surrounds and hidden subwoofers to deliver uniform sound across three balconies. Dolby Atmos and Soundscape add a fully immersive layer, while SIAP VAS enables adjustable room acoustics for orchestral or theatrical needs.

The Studio Theatre features a compact but powerful system that can transition between traditional L/C/R reinforcement, immersive Atmos playback and a mobile PA configuration.

The Cube maintains a neutral acoustic character with a simple yet high-fidelity d&b Yi-Series system suited to smaller, experimental or flexible-format performances.

Results and Impact

The NMACC theatres now rank among India’s most advanced performance venues. Their audio infrastructure supports global touring productions, large orchestral events, immersive theatre and cutting-edge multimedia performances. With d&b’s scalable system design, Dolby Atmos integration, SIAP VAS acoustics and Ansata’s ongoing support, NMACC has established a benchmark for world-class audio performance in the region.