Finnish National Opera and Ballet invests in Prism Sound Dream ADA

The Finnish National Opera and Ballet has invested in a Prism Sound Dream ADA, bringing versatile connectivity and high-channel-count audio conversion to the prestigious performing arts venue in Helsinki. Sound designers Erno Hulkkonen and Juha-Matti Vuo explain how they oversee an expansive and varied production schedule that includes traditional acoustic performances, sound-amplified musicals, and streamed content.

“Our productions span a wide spectrum,” explained Erno. “At one end, we have fully acoustic ballets like Swan Lake, where there’s no amplification or effects. On the other hand, musicals like The Phantom of the Opera require extensive sound reinforcement — up to 80 microphones in the orchestra pit, 50 wireless channels for performers, plus sound effects and returns.”

“The technical demands change completely from one production to the next,” Juha-Matti added. “It keeps things interesting. Most of our operas and ballets are now streamed, and we’re also responsible for studio work, podcast content, and recording dialogue for performances.”

The opera house comprises a 1,300-seat main auditorium, the flexible Almi Hall (200–500 seats), a full rehearsal hall capable of multitrack recording, and numerous studio and rehearsal spaces. The audio team handles all live, streamed, and pre-produced content, including managing internal video monitoring for stage and orchestra communication.

One standout project was Jekyll & Hyde, a horror-themed ballet with an hour-long non-looped soundscape. “It was one of the most creatively rewarding productions I’ve worked on,” said Erno. “It pushed the limits of sound design in dance.”

Another recent innovation came during a recording for the new Riders opera, premiering in May 2025. “To get a unique piano tone, we placed receipt paper between the strings,” recalled Juha-Matti. “That kind of experimentation is encouraged here, which is part of what makes this such a fulfilling place to work.”

Finding the right solution – When it came time to upgrade their audio infrastructure, Erno and Juha-Matti carried out detailed research. Their requirements included Dante integration, a high channel count of microphone preamps, Atmos monitoring capabilities, and sufficient I/O to interface with the house’s patch bays.

“This was our first time working with Prism Sound,” said Juha-Matti. “The DREAM ADA stood out as the only solution that could handle all of our needs in one unit. Many other options would have hit their limits on day one.”

“The expandability was a decisive factor,” Erno adds. “We can add cards, link units, and grow the system as our needs evolve. That flexibility gives us confidence we’ve made a future-proof investment.”

Support from MGIF – Finnish distributor MGIF played a key role in configuring the ideal system and supporting the integration process. “MGIF’s help was essential,” added Erno. “We had a lot of questions, and they made sure everything was covered. A 10 out of 10 experience!”

The Dream ADA has already been integrated into the studio workflow, with further installation across the building planned for the summer. The team is looking forward to exploring the full capabilities of the system in the seasons ahead.