Salsa Sound Launches Software Defined/Cloud Compatible Version Of AI-Based Audio Mixing Engine MIXaiR 2.0

Salsa Sound, a provider of AI-based audio mixing, has launched MIXaiR 2.0, the latest iteration of its AI-based automated platform for live audio mixing, transitioning to a pure software, cloud-ready version. Aimed at live sports applications and built on the company’s patented AI technology, MIXaiR 2.0 is designed to let sound engineers automatically create the best possible mix using standard microphone set-ups.

Giving fans the most immersive and enhanced experience, regardless of whether they are accessing content on the big screen or via social media, MIXaiR 2.0 delivers multiple automated spatial audio mixes for the ultimate listening experience whether over headphones or loudspeaker setups. Unlike other automated mixing systems, MIXaiR 2.0 requires no additional tracking or manual operation. Instead, the system takes audio feeds from existing broadcast microphones at a stadium, relying on its unique AI algorithms to detect, mix in and enhance the on-pitch sounds and create engaging real-time mixes.

MIXaiR 2.0 is designed to make life easier for the sound team and speed up audio workflows, automatically rendering to multiple formats and mixing multiple language versions or crowd flavors (e.g., home/away), with each mix automatically made compliant to the requisite loudness standards and parameters required for social media platforms, linear broadcast, VOD or OTT.

“We designed MIXaiR 2.0 to remove time-intensive, manual processes that sound engineers are faced with; instead, we give them the freedom to craft a mix, rather than chasing it,” said Rob Oldfield, co-founder and CEO at Salsa Sound. “We want amazing sound to be accessible to as many sports fans as possible for both high and lower budget games. By removing the need for additional infrastructure, we’ve ensured that MIXaiR 2.0 can be used by clubs of all sizes to give their fans the best experience that captures all the excitement of the on-field action and makes them feel like they are actually in the stadium with the fans.”

With this newest version of MIXaiR, Salsa Sound has transitioned its technology from a 1RU hardware-based offering to a pure software solution, supporting all the major operating systems (MacOS, Linux, Windows, etc.) as well as VMs and major cloud platforms. This highly scalable solution is cost-efficient and flexible and can be deployed onsite, as part of a remote production workflow, over IP or in the cloud.

Salsa Sound said that thanks to its AI-based approach, it “gives broadcasters and sports organizations a more robust and intelligent way to create automated mixes. MIXaiR 2.0 has been ‘trained’ with hundreds of hours of content from English Premier League and Championship games to learn what sounds make up a great mix. The system automatically recognizes the significant audio moments in the game and can even automatically reduce profanity from pitch-side mics getting into the broadcast.”

As well as for football, Salsa Sound has been testing MIXaiR 2.0 with live boxing and is working to train the system with content from American football and other sports.