Ovation 11 Release

Building on the success of Pyramix 15, Merging Technologies is launching a game-changing update to its flagship media server and sequencer with Ovation 11. Ovation has been widely adopted across professional and commercial installation markets, and Merging’s new updates are guaranteed to transform the user experience for a range of AV applications, setting a benchmark for show control and immersive audio playback.

With a bold new design and streamlined usability, Ovation 11 introduces a refined dark-mode interface and intuitive navigation that puts powerful show control and audio playback at your fingertips. The redesigned integrated mixer, panner, and renderer are now fully customizable – giving users complete flexibility to tailor buses, strips, and aux channels to their workflow, whether for straightforward stereo playback, multizone or complex immersive formats. Support for VS3 plugins with up to 32 audio channels ensures Ovation 11 meets the demands of the most ambitious productions.

Originally developed for theme park applications, Ovation has since evolved into a leading solution for various AV applications, powering live-to-air broadcast productions, large-scale theatrical performances, immersive museum installations, and multi-zone retail experiences worldwide. “Ovation is trusted at some of the world’s most prestigious events – where failure is simply not an option – such as the Dubai Expo opening ceremony, the Fête des Vignerons in Switzerland, and the Puy du Fou theme park in Shanghai,” says Product Owner, Maurice Engler.

Ovation 11 is designed to improve operational speed and efficiency, enhancing precision in live and automated events and installations.

In theme parks, reliability and real-time performance are a crucial part of the immersive experience offered to visitors. Ovation 11 offers a built-in low-latency mixer for handling live inputs with precision. Full automation and support for both VST and Merging’s own VS3 plugins ensure seamless integration with show control systems. With multichannel, ambisonic, and immersive formats, as well as advanced scripting and redundant operation, it delivers unmatched performance for high-stakes attractions.

Broadcast environments can benefit from Ovation’s multichannel cue lists, which are clearly organised with detailed interaction rules, making it easy for operators to manage complex shows. It also excels in delivering instant, frame-accurate playback of multichannel cues across any format, sample rate, or bit depth.

For theatres and opera houses Ovation 11 can be used to support live cue recording and accurate automation playback, making it ideal for demanding performances. With several clear time code displays, it ensures perfect timing for every performance.

“Ovation 11 can handle multitrack formats and sample rates effortlessly without the need for conversion and integrates with leading automation systems such as Creston, Q-SYS, and Medialon, making it the go-to solution for complex audio applications,” says Engler. The new updates support all major control and synchronisation protocols – including Time Code, MTC, IP, GPIO, and ADM-OSC – and are compatible with industry-standard immersive audio renderers, lighting control systems, and video servers.

With Ovation 11, Merging Technologies reaffirms its position at the forefront of show control and immersive audio. “From world-class theme parks to prestigious theatres and dynamic broadcast environments, Ovation continues to empower professionals with the tools they need to deliver flawless, high-impact experiences,” concludes Engler. “It’s a real game-changer.”