The Sphere is a sound-proof spherical pod for one person to sit inside, with integrated omnidirectional microphone and loudspeaker system, vibro-acoustic chair and on-board spatial audio processing and data processing functions.

A personalized sound treatment is provided by projecting sound waves and vibrations onto the user’s body and real-time capturing the user’s individual acoustic profile to optimize acoustic entrainment. In this way, the Sphere guides the user towards improved homeostasis, which promotes greater physical and emotional health and resilience. A treatment session in the Sphere takes between 15–40 minutes, depending on the intended effect [1].

Effects of sound interventions with the Sphere have been observed relating to effective stress alleviation [1,2,3], regulation of arousal for mood and sleep modulation [1,3], promotion of cardiovascular functions and blood cell longevity [1,4], increased focus, attention, innovative thinking, heightened creativity and improved memory functions [1,2,3] and other reported benefits [1,2,3,4]. The effects during and after a treatment may vary among users depending on their personal condition and needs.

Assessment and monitoring of sessions is provided by personal reports accessible through an online app. The reports translate acoustic information captured in the Sphere to factors relating to the user’s physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.

Product Specifications:

Model: Sphere v1.5

System items:

• spherical pod
• 2 X multicable, 100 mm ⌀, 15 m length
• 2 X out-board 19” rack (1066.8 X 482.6 X 482.6 mm)

Internal user functions:

• vibroacoustic chair
• air, temperature and humidity regulation panel
• door automation panel
• light dimmer

External user functions:

• door automation panel
• web-based control and monitoring software app

Sphere dimensions:

• inner diameter: 2 m ⌀
• outer diameter: 2.8 m ⌀
• max outer dimensions with door closed: 2800 X 2800 X 2910.76 mm
• max outer dimensions with door open: 2800 X 3242.13 X 3934.92 mm
• weight: 1200 kg

System configuration:

• audio I/O: 15/9 channels
• data I/O: 24/143 channels

System calibration:

• system tuning: FQ = 43.32 Hz
• frequency response: 16 Hz–16 kHz, -3 dB/+1 dB at center
• frequency range: 10 Hz–96 kHz, -10 dB/-20 dB at center
• sensitivity: 90 dB/1 Pa(2.83V) at center
• inner directionality (±3dB): 360 degrees spherical

Acoustic insulation:

• outer noise reduction: -30 dB
• inner noise reduction: >0.95 NRC

Power:

• power handling: 1200W average, 2400W peak (IEC 268-5)
• min power source requirement: 16A/230V w 300 mA differential circuit breaker

Durability:

• all parts 100% recyclable

Background Studies:

[1] Oomen, P., et al. (2024). Resonant Phenomena of Sound Waves and their Expression in Physiology

[2] Oomen, P., et al. (2023). Deviations in Sound Waves Associated with Physiological and Psychological States

[3] D. Gentile, R. Geffen, N. Atassi, B. Farran, P. Oomen, “Effects of Sound Immersion on Emotional Wellbeing and Homeostasis”, 2024

[4] Geffen, R., Gentile, D., Atassi, N., Reid, J. S., Cuevas, V., Braun, C., Farran, B. M., & Oomen, P. (2023). Effects of Sound Immersion on In Vitro Blood Cells

Patents:

Oomen, P., & de Klerk, L. (2023). Environmental Sound Loudspeaker, WO2023/287291 A1

Oomen, P. (2022). Method for Generating a Reverberation Audio Signal, WO2022/045888 A1

Oomen, P., & Geffen, R. (2022). Method and System For Improving a Physiological Condition of a Subject, WO2022/039598 A1

Oomen, P. (2021). Generating an Audio Signal Associated with a Virtual Sound Source, WO2021/118352 A1