Introducing Reinout Gerlach, one of the visionaries behind SIAP Acoustics. With a passion for creating unforgettable soundscapes and a deep expertise in acoustics, Reinout has dedicated his career to transforming venues into spaces with ‘perfect’ acoustics and immersive auditory experiences. Discover how his innovative approach and leadership continue to set new standards in hall acoustics, electroacoustics, and beyond.
Who you are and your background
[RG] SIAP Acoustics specializes in shaping soundscapes that inspire. As pioneers in active variable acoustics, hall acoustics, electroacoustics, and room acoustics, we collaborate with distributors and integrators to transform venues into immersive auditory experiences. From grand concert halls to versatile multipurpose theaters, our innovative solutions bring performances to life, captivating audiences and performers with sound that feels natural, dynamic, and unforgettable.
Tell us about SIAP Acoustics and what makes you unique
[RG] Our unparalleled strength lies in the expertise and pioneering vision behind our proprietary electronic processor, engineered to deliver active variable acoustics with a patented principle that achieves a remarkably natural sound. Unlike systems that introduce artificial side effects, our approach enhances acoustics- encompassing envelopment and reverberation -by faithfully replicating the natural evolution of sound as it unfolds in spaces like concert halls. From the initial attack to early and late reflections, our system meticulously captures the authentic progression of sound, free from time variance or other artificial techniques commonly used to combat feedback or coloration.
This innovation is driven by a team deeply connected to music. At SIAP, our members share a rich musical heritage, whether through playing instruments, attending concerts, collecting records and gramophones, or working in live venues. This unique fusion of musicianship, acoustical mastery, and technical expertise has shaped a refined approach to acoustic design, delivering solutions that elevate every auditory experience.
How did you get started in the industry?
[RG] Our journey began with a deep passion for music and an unwavering commitment to creating exceptional auditory experiences. Driven by the limitations of traditional acoustic solutions, we set out to pioneer cutting-edge technologies designed to adapt seamlessly to the evolving demands of modern performance spaces.
What is your favorite part of a project?
[RG] What we love most is witnessing the remarkable transformation of a venue’s acoustics. Experiencing how our solutions elevate the auditory experience for both performers and audiences is truly rewarding. But the magic begins even earlier—there’s a moment during tuning when the hall and system “harmonize perfectly”. That feeling of unity? It gives us chills every single time!
What is the most challenging part of a project?
[RG] The greatest challenge lies in seamlessly integrating our system into the unique architectural and technical framework of each venue. Every space brings its own set of complexities, requiring customized solutions to deliver the best results. Sometimes, the acoustics deviate from the original design plans, requiring careful adjustments to compensate. Unexpected acoustic behaviors can also arise, testing our flexibility and expertise as we adapt to ensure a flawless and immersive auditory experience.
What is your most frequently used tool during the installation process?
[RG] At the heart of our installations is our proprietary SIAP processor. This advanced system empowers us to make real-time adjustments and fine-tune acoustics with unparalleled precision, ensuring that each project achieves the ideal sound environment. We use this tool to incorporate every nuance and refinement necessary, ensuring that every project meets our highest standards before it is marked as “successfully completed.”
What are your go-to songs for system testing?
[RG] We use a wide range of audio material to rigorously test our systems, including anechoic classical orchestral pieces, choral works, jazz, and contemporary music. This diverse selection ensures that our systems perform flawlessly across various genres and environments. However, we always request a grand piano, since the piano is a complex—and critical instrument, and live musicians with a variety of instruments to ensure beyond “perfect” measurements.
The sound we deliver is authentic, capturing the true resonance of a “real cello” without unwanted harmonics. For testing with PA systems and Spatial Audio, we also use a mix of audiophile and everyday tracks, including: Thriller (Michael Jackson), Angel (Massive Attack), Train Song (Holly Cole), Sex in a Pan (Béla Fleck), Sinner’s Prayer (Joe Beard), and London Paris Cardiff (Dominic Miller) and film music (Hans Zimmer).
How has your experience been working with lea?
[RG] Our collaboration with LEA Professional, through our distributor Benum Norway, has been key in enhancing the acoustic experience at venues like Kultursalen KIPO in Norway. By integrating LEA’s Connect Series amplifiers, we gained seamless control and exceptional sound quality, ensuring a truly immersive auditory experience. The amplifiers allowed us to quickly and effectively smooth out frequency response irregularities, delivering a flatter and more accurate sound profile. With LEA’s WebUI, the entire process was not only efficient but also precise, ensuring optimal performance with minimal effort. This collaboration helps us achieve our goal of creating natural, high-quality acoustics that elevate every performance.
Success Story | Kultursalen Kipo
Challenge: Active Acoustics, Surround and Spatial Audio for diverse performances.
Kultursalen KIPO, a versatile cultural venue in Norway, required a flexible acoustic system to accommodate a wide range of performances, from chamber music to full orchestras, all while preserving a natural sound quality. Additionally, the venue sought surround capabilities to create immersive soundscapes, enhancing the experience for both performers and audiences across various event types. A modern infrastructure with remote management capabilities was also essential to meet their operational needs.
Solution: SIAP’s Mark V Processor with Dante and AES67 Networking Products.
In partnership with Benum Norway and leveraging LEA Professional products, SIAP Acoustics deployed their Mark V Processor, integrated with Dante-enabled LEA amplifiers and an AES67-compatible Attero Tech D16mio for seamless handling of microphone and line inputs. This setup ensures dependable, low-latency audio transmission, ideal for active acoustics, and surroundapplications. To create a dense, diffuse, and immersive sound field tailored to high SPL requirements, wide-dispersion cinema surround loudspeakers were installed behind acoustically transparent wall panels. The hidden placement of the loudspeakers enhances the psychoacoustic effect, making the venue sound as if it naturally produces its own acoustics.
This creates the illusion that the space is generating its own sound, deepening the immersive experience and convincing the audience that the acoustics are intrinsic to the hall itself. Unlike DSP-controlled loudspeakers that precisely manage dispersion and lobes to focus sound directly on the audience, which is ideal for clarity in amplified or speech-based performances, the diffuse sound field created by these speakers is essential for achieving superior acoustics in unamplified performances, enriching the experience with natural, immersive sound. This approach effectively meets the venue’s contrary acoustic, spatial, and surround audio needs.
Outcome: Immersive and Adaptable Acoustic Experience.
KIPO’s active acoustic system has received widespread acclaim, with performers noting the clarity, depth and naturalness in sound, particularly in the diverse acoustic presets. Musicians benefit from enhanced timing, support and precision, as they can clearly hear one another’s nuances. Now recognized as one of Norway’s top active acoustic venues, KIPO provides a captivating auditory experience for both artists and audiences.
If you have any questions about our Connect Series amplifiers or would like to read the full case study on Kultursalen Kipo click here.
