Introducing Transcend™ Active Acoustics from Wenger
Architects designing performing arts centers and large performance spaces face a familiar challenge: creating rooms that deliver exceptional acoustics for a wide range of ensembles, programs, and uses, often within fixed architectural constraints. Ceiling heights, room volume, multipurpose requirements, and budget realities can all limit how well a space supports unamplified performance.
With the introduction of Transcend™ Active Acoustics, Wenger offers architects a new design tool, one that allows performance spaces to adapt acoustically to the music and the moment, rather than relying solely on fixed architectural solutions.
Transcend is not a digital effect layered onto a room. It is a scalable, integrated active acoustic system grounded in more than 30 years of Wenger expertise in performing arts venues. From smaller stages to full performance halls, Transcend expands what is acoustically possible, especially where traditional solutions such as acoustical shells and flown ceiling reflectors may be impractical or impossible.
Traditional orchestra shells can significantly enhance stage acoustics, but they also introduce design and operational challenges: storage space, fly tower requirements, and time-consuming setup. Transcend Stage delivers the acoustical benefits of a shell without consuming floor area or constraining architectural intent.
Using proprietary microphones and speakers, suspended above the stage, Transcend generates precisely timed acoustic reflections that improve ensemble cohesion, performer confidence, and sound projection into the audience.
From a design perspective, Transcend Stage offers:
- No need for shell storage or rigging infrastructure
- Multiple acoustic environments at the push of a button
- Automated calibration for different ensemble configurations
- Seamless integration with recording and AV systems
By separating acoustic performance from physical shell elements, architects gain greater freedom in stage geometry, sightlines, and multipurpose use while still delivering outstanding acoustic support.
For auditoriums, concert halls, and multipurpose venues, Transcend Venue provides full-room active acoustic enhancement tailored to unamplified performance. Unlike fixed architectural acoustics optimized for a single use case, Transcend Venue allows one space to serve choirs, orchestras, wind ensembles, chamber groups, and soloists equally well.
Through proprietary digital signal processing, high-performance microphones, and distributed loudspeakers, Transcend Venue adds early-, mid-, and late-acoustic energy to the room, creating natural reflections and reverberation that enhance clarity, blend, and audience experience.
Key advantages for venue design include:
- Custom-tuned acoustic presets commissioned by Wenger experts
- Advanced matrix routing for immersive, evenly distributed sound
- Integration with existing sound reinforcement and control systems
- Remote diagnostics that support long-term facility performance
For architects, this means fewer compromises between architectural expression, program flexibility, and acoustic outcomes.
Why Active Acoustics Matter in Performance Architecture
Even well-designed performance spaces face limitations. Low room volume, shallow stages, or irregular geometries can impact ensemble listening and projection. In multipurpose facilities, acoustic architecture that is ideal for musical performance, may not be suitable for speech or amplified events.
Transcend addresses these realities by supplementing, not replacing, architectural acoustics. The system is designed to work in concert with room geometry and materials, extending the effective acoustic range of the space rather than masking its character.
While Transcend Stage and Transcend Venue anchor large performance spaces, the same core technology scales throughout a facility, creating acoustic continuity from rehearsal to performance.
The Transcend product family includes:
- SoundLok® with Transcend Technology – Individual practice rooms
- Transcend Studio – Small music spaces up to 500 s.f.
- Transcend Classroom – Ensemble rehearsal rooms
- Transcend Stage – Performance stages
- Transcend Venue – Full performance halls
For architects and planners, this unified approach supports holistic acoustic design across an entire performing arts complex.
Designed for Collaboration and Long-Term Performance
Wenger works closely with architects, acoustic consultants, and venues to integrate Transcend into new construction and renovations. Each system is professionally designed, installed, and commissioned to ensure predictable performance over the life of the facility.
Every Transcend installation includes:
- Expert acoustic system design and commissioning
- Integration with building and AV systems
- Remote diagnostic support
- An industry-leading three-year warranty
Transcend represents a shift in how architects can think about acoustics in performance design. By combining architectural acoustics with adaptive, active technology, performance spaces can achieve greater flexibility, higher utilization, and more consistent acoustic excellence.
For architects planning the next generation of performing arts centers, Transcend offers a powerful way to deliver exceptional sound—without limiting design ambition.
At a Glance: The Transcend Product Family
Solution | Designed For | Typical Spaces |
SoundLok® with Transcend Technology | Individual practice | Wenger SoundLok Rooms |
Transcend Studio | Small music spaces up to 500 s.f. | Teaching offices, studios, traditional practice rooms |
Transcend Classroom | Ensemble rehearsal | Band, choir, orchestra rooms |
Transcend Stage | Performance spaces where a traditional shell isn’t an option | High school and university performance stages |
Transcend Venue | Full performance halls | Auditoriums, and multi-purpose venues |