MLS, EDGE Sound Research To Debut Immersive ‘Embodied Sound’ at LAFC vs. Austin FC Playoff Match

MLS application takes the company’s ball-tracking capability to broadcast

The MLS Playoff match between LAFC and Austin FC today will have an additional sonic dimension. Partnering with EDGE Sound Research, MLS will debut “embodied sound,” a technology that uses real-time object tracking to isolate the soccer ball as a unique audio source.

Powered by the company’s patent-pending ResonX technology, embodied sound is designed to combine both auditory and physical sensations of sound in what EDGE describes as “an optimized and singular embodiment that you feel throughout your body.” Today, in the first-ever deployment of the technology for a live soccer broadcast, it will allow broadcast mixers to capture the precise energy of each kick, post hit, and player reaction — all without overwhelming the natural stadium atmosphere.

“Over the past year,” explains EDGE Sound Research CEO Valtteri Salomaki, “we’ve collaborated closely with Major League Soccer to adapt our Virtual Sound Engine platform supporting the automation and enhancement of broadcasting [for] soccer. Early on, we optimized our audio-focus tools to leverage tracking data and automatically generate the field FX mix for broadcasts. As we began working in various stadiums, we quickly realized how the sheer loudness of the crowd can wash out the sounds from the field of play. That challenge led us to build a new machine-learning and DSP infrastructure that allows us to rapidly fine-tune models to specific sports sounds, such as the kick of a ball.”

This application marks the first-ever use of isolated-ball audio in a live soccer broadcast, offering audio engineers a new level of control and clarity. By routing the ball’s sound into a dedicated channel, the broadcast mix will deliver more-precise and -immersive effects and capture the energy of each kick, post hit, and player reaction, distinct from the venue’s ambient noise.

The audio initiative comes via a partnership with the MLS Innovation Lab, which identifies, supports, and accelerates startups driving the next wave of sports technology, fan engagement, and on-field performance.

“The system provides mixers with a clean, controllable ‘ball channel,’ enabling them to emphasize key moments in real time without affecting other ambient sounds,” says an MLS press release.

EDGE Sound, a member of the MLS Innovation Lab, had earlier applied versions of its technology to seating areas of the Minnesota Twins’ Target Field, combining both auditory and physical sensations of sound into a palpable experience. It was deployed to enhance the in-venue experience for hearing-challenged fans but could be extended to broader fan engagement. Later iterations of the technology were tested at the NBA’s Summer League in Las Vegas this year.

The MLS application takes the ball-tracking capability to broadcast. This week marks the first live production where the full Virtual Sound Engine platform will be deployed for MLS, automating the mix in real time based on ball position and using the fine-tuned DSP model to isolate the sound of the kicks.

“We are excited about where we are today,” Salomaki says. “As we continue to support more broadcasts, the accuracy and quality of in-game sounds will only keep improving, helping fans feel closer to the action all around the world.”

Adds MLS Senior VP, Emerging Ventures, Chris Schlosser, “MLS has always been at the forefront of integrating technology to enrich the fan experience. With the debut of AI-tuned audio on our broadcast, we’re not just showcasing innovation; we’re redefining how fans connect with the game, allowing them to hear the action like never before.”