Edge Sound Research Targets Broadcast Audio Market with AI-Powered Virtual Sound Engine

Audio innovation startup Edge Sound Research is expanding its focus from in-venue fan experiences to the broadcast production space, with its new Virtual Sound Engine (VSE) offering a solution to one of sport media’s most complex technical challenges: dynamic, personalised audio feeds.

Initially developed through NBA Launchpad in 2023, VSE has evolved into a multiple system that uses visual tracking and AI models to isolate and mix individual audio sources in near real time.

The company has since worked with the NBA (also an investor), MLS, and Fox Sports to test and refine the system during live broadcasts of basketball, football and soccer.

MLS, which produces over 1,000 matches annually for Apple’s platform, sees VSE as a solution to standardise and automate audio outputs.

Commenting on Edge’s potential impact on broadcast that intrigued the league during the process of selecting its latest Innovation Lab cohort, SVP of emerging ventures, Chris Schlosser, said: “We run really complex productions, to the extent that we can isolate player, ref, and coach audio without wearables — it’s a really exciting opportunity.”

Traditionally, one audio engineer produces a single mix that is shared across production, replay and post-production teams. VSE’s approach decentralises this process, enabling customised mixes for each function, or potentially even individual viewers.

The platform stems from Edge’s original product, Embodied Sound, which converted arena seats into sound-radiating surfaces using vibrations.

In developing that fan-facing product, Edge Sound Research discovered a broader application for its audio isolation technology in broadcast, particularly in sports where field-worn microphones are prohibited, such as football.

Fox Sports has piloted the system in NFL and UFL broadcasts, with plans to expand to baseball and motorsport. According to VP of Field Operations Brad Cheney, sport-specific sound templates are in development to support live deployment later this year.

Edge recently secured funding from USTA Ventures to explore use cases in tennis. While it is still in development, VSE has potential commercial implications — from enhanced production efficiency to personalised audio features that could brace for a premium or interactive fan experiences.

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