A Successful Partnership: The Jókai Theatre and ESAudio
The collaboration between the Jókai Theatre and the Szeged-based company proved to be a fortunate and timely partnership. The manufacturers and developers were looking for an indoor venue where they could test and refine their system, and the theatre happened to be in the right place at the right time. As a result, the theatre gained access to advanced audio technology at a fraction of its usual cost.
The Hungarian-developed ES (Engineering Sound) Audio system, which had already demonstrated its capabilities at the Szeged Open-Air Festival, made its indoor debut in Hungary at the Jókai Theatre. Its first indoor application was the musical The Count of Monte Cristo, while its premiere in a dramatic production took place during a performance of King Lear.
Immersive Sound Design and Installation
The sound system was carefully designed to create a fully immersive acoustic environment throughout the theatre. Above the stage, high-, mid-, and low-frequency loudspeakers, along with a subwoofer, were installed on the left, center, and right positions. At both sides of the proscenium, combinations of sub-bass and mid-high speaker enclosures project sound toward the stalls. Additional loudspeakers were placed along the side walls and at the rear of the auditorium. In Békéscsaba, the system extends even further, with speakers installed in every box and even in the dome.
This configuration creates more than a conventional 7.1 surround stereo experience. Just as the visual design of a performance is three-dimensional, the sound can also move into a true 3D space, arriving from seven distinct directions. The sub-bass components operate partly in a frequency range that is barely audible to the human ear, yet they have a strong physiological impact—felt physically in the body rather than simply heard.
Artistic Control and Sound Realization
Sound engineer Lajos Pánczél and musical director Levente Gulyás use this advanced system to bring the director’s sonic vision to life. Mastering such a setup requires experimentation and continuous learning, as the technology offers a wide range of creative possibilities for both musical and dramatic productions.
The ESAudio sound system was designed with versatility in mind, allowing it to serve both small and large venues in indoor and outdoor environments. From concerts to conferences and theatrical performances, the system is engineered to deliver clear and consistent audio quality for every audience member.
Flexibility and Technical Innovation
One of the system’s key strengths is its unique E-Flexibility concept, which provides exceptional adaptability for users. By combining the NJ66 and NJ12 loudspeaker models, virtually unlimited configuration options can be achieved, whether symmetrical or asymmetrical. This flexibility is made possible by ESAudio’s proprietary standard coupling hardware, specifically developed to support diverse installation requirements.
The ESAudio system has been present at the Szeged Open-Air Festival for several years. The creators and musical team of István, the King were so satisfied with its performance that they also invited the system to their shows at the Papp László Budapest Sport Arena. Even in this enclosed venue, which is not known for ideal acoustics, the system earned significant praise from audiences and listeners alike.
Transforming the Theatre Sound Experience
Advanced audio technology such as this has the potential to revolutionize the sound experience in theatres, both in spoken drama and musical productions. However, like any powerful tool, it must be used responsibly. When applied thoughtfully, it enhances the audience’s enjoyment and deepens emotional engagement. When installed or used poorly, it can have the opposite effect and diminish the theatrical experience.
Ultimately, technology should never become an end in itself. Just as in cinema, where excessive technical spectacle can sometimes overshadow human stories, theatre sound design must always serve the performance. When used with artistic sensitivity, however, modern sound systems like ESAudio can elevate storytelling and create a richer, more immersive experience for audiences.
