Zactrack delivers immersive audio in Natale in casa Cupiello
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
In the latest production of Natale in casa Cupiello, theater meets technology with the use of zactrack mini.
Transforming theater audio: For the first time in spoken theatre, sound now follows the actors in real time—creating a natural and immersive listening experience for the audience. This innovation is being showcased in Natale in casa Cupiello, a beloved Italian classic currently on tour with director Barbara Napolitano and lead actor Vincenzo Salemme.
Zactrack to reinvent sound experience
“The artist’s initial request was for the most natural and transparent sound amplification possible. Sound localization on stage is dramatically important in spoken theater, where there’s a strong visual connection between the actor and the audience. With the traditional L/R sound system, this simply isn’t possible due to the technology itself, especially because voices are typically reproduced in mono”, shares Fabio Venturi, the sound designer of the show.
The zactrack mini system captured the real-time position of each wireless microphone on stage and connected with the software that controls vocal spatialization. This allowed the sound designer to create a layout similar to Dolby systems, using seven speakers arranged under the proscenium in a Wave Field Synthesis setup with Holophonix software. The result was a precise, even sound across the entire audience—without the need for delay speakers typically required in traditional L/R systems.
Simple and efficient solution
Venturi also expresses his enthusiasm for using zactrack: “It’s a very effective system and simple to program. The hardware part of the zactrack mini is similar to the one of wireless microphones. Actors wear small transmitters called ‘Trackers’, which are integrated into their costumes like traditional mic body packs. These communicate with receivers or antennas known as ‘Anchors’, which are strategically positioned around the stage.”
Marco Di Febo, zactrack specialist at RM Multimedia, gives insights into the technical setup onsite. “The zactrack mini is a fairly simple system to install, with three main phases: mounting the Anchors, system calibration (creating a 3D mesh of the space with the Trackers), and writing OSC strings for the audio software.” Di Febo also oversaw the training of the technicians on how to use zactrack and was impressed by how quickly they felt comfortable with it.
Creating a deeper connection with the audience
In an interview, lead actor Vincenzo Salemme highlights the effect of the enhanced audio system on actors on stage: “I asked Fabio if there was a system that could make the voice reach the audience from the exact spot where the actor is standing – as if we weren’t using a microphone at all,” Salemme explains. “The result with zactrack was absolutely satisfying. You wear this small device hidden in the costume, and your voice reaches the audience exactly from where you are speaking. It’s a beautiful effect! Your voice sounds completely natural – unlike the usual microphone sound.”
The use of zactrack for audio in spoken theatre marks a milestone. “What I love most about this system is the immersive experience it offers. It adds a whole new dimension! Even during setup, my colleague Gianluca and I didn’t run into any major issues. I found it very plug & play – super simple and intuitive”, says Luca Iovino, the show’s sound engineer.
A big thank you to our partner MR Multimedia!
