In an exclusive interview, Nick Fichte, Global Business Development Lead – Home & Yacht, L-Acoustics, explains how HYRISS redefines immersive audio by seamlessly merging concert-grade acoustics with architectural design and everyday living. He also highlights the HYRISS Handbook, a key resource that outlines best practices to guide architects and designers through seamless integration.
HYRISS is a revolutionary leap in sound technology. Could you explain how HYRISS achieves hyperreal, distortion-free sound across a space, especially with speakers embedded in multiple surfaces?
HYRISS revolutionises residential audio by seamlessly integrating concert-quality sound technology into luxury living spaces. Through strategically placed in-wall speakers and advanced spatial processing, HYRISS creates multiple distinct sound experiences within a single environment—allowing homeowners to enjoy both stunning interior design and exceptional audio without compromise.
The system achieves hyperreal, distortion-free sound through three core L-Acoustics technologies working in concert: L-ISA precisely positions instruments in space, mimicking live concert settings; Ambiance uses state-of-the-art sensing microphones and the L-ISA Processor II to transform room acoustics; Anima utilises advanced algorithms and machine learning to localise, spatialise, separate, and immerse audio content beyond its original design, transforming ordinary sound and music into extraordinary experiences
Together, these technologies enable HYRISS to deliver concert-level audio quality through discreetly embedded speakers, maintaining the visual elegance of luxury interiors while providing uncompromising sound performance across every zone of the space.
What sets HYRISS apart from immersive audio systems?
With any audio system, whether stereo or immersive, there is always a golden seat, a reference listener position. This can be inhibitive and restrictive. L-ISA immersive audio technology, which L-Acoustics launched in 2016 for live events, started to break this mould by ensuring more of the audience gained an emotional connection to artists by enhancing the listener experience across the whole audience. HYRISS, using the same L-ISA technology allows you to position your stereo, or immersive listening golden spot, wherever you wish within a space, thus giving infinite possibilities in just one space.
How does HYRISS adapt to different spatial needs, whether it’s a luxury home, a boutique hotel, or a cultural venue? Is the system scalable or customizable based on architectural constraints?
The design criteria of HYRISS are fairly flexible, with just one main requirement: that loudspeakers be equally spaced throughout the space, whether a home, a yacht, a hotel conference room or any other place where sound is key to the experience. We know that sometimes a compromise is required and we can accommodate that at the design stage, in collaboration with the architects & interior designers.
What’s the ideal collaboration process like between L-Acoustics and interior architects, AV consultants, or hospitality designers when integrating HYRISS? Are there any integration best practices or creative freedoms that the system allows?
With new technology like HYRISS, being involved early in project development allows us to set the stage for success. Often projects come to us via AV systems integrators. We’ve developed a “HYRISS Handbook,” designed to be shared with interior designers & architects, which covers best practices. This helps them to understand the design and installation process, and how we work with them to ensure their creative freedom.
In terms of maintenance and longevity, how does HYRISS compare with traditional multi-speaker setups? Does it require specialist handling, or is it designed for long-term efficiency?
L-Acoustics is the leading creator of professional sound technologies, founded over 40 years ago, and trusted by the world’s biggest touring artists, festivals and prestigious venues like the Hollywood Bowl, which has boasted an L-Acoustics sound system since 2004. The same products that we manufacture for the pro market are used in our residential solutions. Even the L-ISA Processor II, which is the brain of HYRISS is often seen in flight cases at events like Weekend with Adele in Las Vegas or on tour with Andrea Bocelli. These are mission-critical events where sound is being delivered at a high sound pressure level day in, day out. Knowing that you have that same technology in your home should absolutely be a reassurance that you are buying the absolute best on the market.
As you look at international expansion, what is the scope of adoption for HYRISS in the Indian market?
Some of the projects that we have seen in India are truly spectacular. We are seeing the trend, much like in the west where clients are creating big entertainment spaces. Rooms that are dedicated to just one purpose are becoming less used as savvy clients look to maximise their space for as many impactful experiences as possible. For this reason, HYRISS is the perfect fit for luxury homes in India.
Given India’s growing appetite for luxury lifestyle technology, smart homes, and experiential design, how are you positioning HYRISS for architects and developers here?
We are still at the early stages of our journey with HYRISS, but we want to spread the word to architects and developers around the world. This is a solution which must be experienced! Today, the only place to experience it is London, but we are expanding soon. We look forward to opening the HYRISS experience to more locales.
Are there any standout global installations or case studies that you feel best showcase the full potential of HYRISS? Could you share any examples where the system dramatically transformed a space?
Because HYRISS is installed in private homes, we don’t have the opportunity to share details, but a typical end-user is using it for a space which had historically been a nightclub in their home. They wanted to keep the nightclub, but have other activities like karaoke, watching sports, listening to music anywhere in the room and just really achieving a “WOW Factor”. What could have been a space with just a great 2-channel PA system for a DJ has ended up as a fully immersive space for many different uses and the family is over the moon with the end results.
What kind of response did you receive at Smart Home Expo 2025 for this new technology? What are your plans for further expansion in the Indian market?
Our Indian distributor, HiTech has represented us for many years, but we had to wait until the time was really right for them to start adding L-Acoustics residential solutions to their focus. This year, we are showing a typical home cinema so that visitors can get to know us within the kind of project that they are familiar with. Now that the residential market knows us, we can start to demonstrate how much more we can do. Who knows, maybe we will see HYRISS at Smart Home Expo next year!
