SHION Active Acoustic Panels

[The Computer Audiophile]

Has anyone heard of these or does anyone have an opinion the technology being used?

 

  

 

AI-Powered Acoustic Treatment that
Adapts to Your Space & Your Position:
Worldwide Preview of SHION Active Acoustic Panels
at AXPONA 2022
  
 
SHION is developing a revolutionary modular system of smart acoustic treatment panels. Each panel features a motion-sensing algorithm that uses AI and ultrasound to cancel noise, calibrate the acoustic performance of any space and deliver the optimized sound to the listener’s position in real time — while offering an elegant visual statement that can complement any interior design.
*  No more sweet spots: the system tracks the listener’s position, and the optimized sound follows them around the space in a “sound bubble in motion.” The listener becomes the sweet spot!
* Cancel unwanted noise and enhance the performance of any audio system
* Changing from jazz to rock? Opera to classical? Change the acoustic response of your space with one click in the app
* After initial setup, the system self-calibrates in real time
* Active noise cancellation up to 11 dB
* Easy-mounting wall panels or free-standing options available
* A great replacement for passive soft panels or spaces using multiple sets of treatment
* Suitable for both home theaters/listening rooms as well as hotel lobbies, restaurants and event venues looking to cancel noise and create focused acoustic zones.
 Smart is Beautiful: Introducing the AI Sound Treatment with a Luxury Aesthetic
Atanis Zhelev and Maria Korolova — the husband/wife team behind SHION — have roots in high-end design: they’re both part of the world-renowned Zaha Hadid architectural studio, which has extensive experience developing innovative interior solutions in challenging spaces. In 2020, Korolova and Zhelev established SHION to solve a particular design and engineering problem: conventional acoustic treatment systems are inflexible and often insufficient, frequently suffering from performance issues, to say nothing of their appearance.
“No acoustic system before could cover both issues: acoustics and aesthetics,” says Zhelev. “The biggest challenge usually is in big spaces with reflective surfaces, panoramic glazing, home theaters, minimalistic design approach and lack of performance of conventional systems.”
Seeing an opportunity in the fields of active noise canceling and immersive sound technologies, they brought together engineers from the fields of IoT, automotive and aeronautical design. SHION’s debut product, soft-launching with a preview of its forthcoming features at AXPONA 2022, “bridges the gap between modern acoustic room treatment and exquisite interior product design.”
“It is a unique product with great attention to detail. And have you heard how it sounds and what can it do? Definitely something new to experience,” says Heinz Lichtenegger, CEO of Pro-Ject Audio.
“Sound Bubble in Motion” Technology
Using a technique akin to whale song, SHION’s AI will analyze the listening room, locating and motion-tracking the listener. Multiple frequency actuators produce fine-tuned vibration cycles over the surface of the panels, a specially engineered carbon-wood composite — sending a targeted response through the actuated surface that mediates and enhances the sound, similar to a musical instrument. The vibration cycles of the acoustic surface control the amount of sound absorption at different frequency ranges.
Say Goodbye to Soft Panels & Passive Treatment
Material design is a key component in SHION’s formula of beauty + acoustic performance + active optimization. “Any surface can be activated, but for excellent sound quality and frequency range you need a carefully arranged ratio of hard and soft composites to properly distribute the sound and work with different frequencies,” says Korolova.
The proprietary material developed for SHION’s modules is called Active Grid Monocoque (AGM) — a reference to the micro-structure of the engineered material. “It offers the sensual and aesthetic quality of natural wood, and can be 3D-shaped in an organic manner. Every panel is acoustically optimized and treated with fire retardant coating.”

 Worldwide Soft Launch at Axpona 2022:
Visit SHION in Room #366 on April 22 to experience an alpha version of the  SHION Sound Bubble with your own senses. 

Press Contact:
Roy Feldstein
(631) 983-3481
[email protected] 
 
SERENITY ONE Specs:
* Sample panel size: 19.7” W x 35.4” H x 3.9” D
* Sample panel weight: 14.3 lbs
* Min number of panels: 3
* Power: 50W (when both actuators operate)
*  Transmission range: 200 Hz to 5000 Hz
* Sound pressure: 70dB (SPL)
*  Impulse response: dependent on room acoustics and number of panels
* All panels come with the complete computing system, embedded electronics and all necessary wiring 
ABOUT SHION: SHION was established in 2020 in Vienna, Austria by Maria Korolova and Atanas Zhelev after successful sound treatment project and working with world-leading architects. It is a high tech company in IoT and Speakerless Audio sector with patent-pending technologies both in hardware & software. SHION means “Sound of Stillness” and it comes from Japanese SHIN-kan (the silence of natural stillness) and NO-oto (sound). Combined it is an experience that you have in a deep forest or during a snowfall, when you hear something that is very harmonical but quiet, yet it is not a vacuum silence. It is a perfect environment where the sound is harmonious with the listener. SHION. When you don’t want to compromise on the design of the space and sound quality. SHION making what supposed to be the best, the best.
ABOUT VANA : Founded in 2010, VANA Ltd is a full-service importer/distributor of fine audio products from specialty manufacturers around the world, including Atlas Cables from Scotland, Audio Physic loudspeakers from Germany, European Audio Team (E.A.T.) turntable products from Austria, Ferrum electronics from Poland, Marten loudspeakers from Sweden, and Okki Nokki record cleaning machines from the Netherlands. 
 Based in Nesconset, NY, VANA provides dealer support and sales channel management at the highest level and maintains relationships with North America’s most respected high-end audio retailers.

[ShawnC]

Interesting, they need power though, making installation more challenging. 

[MJH]

Interesting, thanks for sharing. 

 

It looks like a similar principle to the AVAA C20 but with a higher frequency range. 

 

This brief lecture by Roger from PSI Audio goes into some detail about the patent behind their technology.

 

I'd love it if it was possible to design something like these panels for nightclubs.