Upmixing: A Practical Path To Mainstream Live Immersive Audio

Watch on demand: Can immersive audio become mainstream without abandoning traditional stereo mixing?

In this PLASA Show 2026 seminar, Kristof Jeuris of Areal examines how real-time upmixing technology can make immersive audio more accessible to live sound engineers, touring productions, venues and festivals.

With many artists still working in stereo, adopting immersive audio presents practical challenges for the live entertainment industry. Drawing on real-world installations and major festival deployments, including Tomorrowland and Arcadia, this session considers how upmixing can help bridge the gap between conventional stereo mixing and fully object-based immersive systems.

Key topics explored:

• Making immersive audio accessible: How real-time upmixing can transform existing stereo content into a wider, more engaging sound experience.

• Understanding the technology: The importance of low latency, reliable processing and compatibility with existing audio workflows.

• Designing immersive systems: Practical considerations including loudspeaker placement, coverage, time alignment and system configuration.

• Real-world applications: Lessons from immersive audio installations at major festivals and venues.

• Working alongside object-based audio: How upmixing and native immersive mixing can complement each other.

• Expanding creative possibilities: Making immersive audio production and experimentation more accessible to sound engineers.

Watch the full seminar for practical insights into the opportunities and limitations of real-time upmixing, and how it could support the wider adoption of immersive audio in live entertainment.