Field of Application: Human Health & Wellbeing

Applications: Acoustic Neurostimulation, Auditory Entrainment, Physioacoustic Assessment

Current status: TRL7 - Full-scale prototype in commercial context - Sphere v1.5 in preparation

About:

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

Sphere v1.5 is designed to deliver personalized sessions by projecting sound waves and vibrations onto the user’s body, measuring the user's individual acoustic profile [1], and optimizing the acoustic delivery in real time. A session in the Sphere takes between 15–40 minutes, depending on the intended effect [2].

Sphere is designed to guide the user towards improved homeostasis. In studies using the Sphere, sessions improved mood and modulated arousal, with measurable responses in brain activity, heart rate and skin conductance [2]. The effects during and after a session may vary among users depending on their personal condition and needs.

Session data is processed and reported through an online app, currently in a research version.

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] P. Oomen, B. Farran, L. Nadiradze, M. Csanád and A. Val Baker, "Experimental Investigation of Deviations in Sound Reproduction", Acoustics 8, no. 1: 7, 2026.

[2] P. Oomen et al., "Psychophysiological effects of low-frequency sound mediated by room size, room shape, and stimulus duration" Front. Cognit. 5:1806052. 2026.

Patents:

P. Oomen, Entrainment System and Method, WO2025/005790 A1, 2025.

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

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

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

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