The historic Arènes de Nîmes, a remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater in southern France, is set to host an electrifying event on may 22, 2025. the FIP 360 concert promises to fill the ancient arena with the sounds of house, tech house, and electro music from 6:30 p.m. until midnight. This unique event blends the rich heritage of the venue with cutting-edge sound technology, offering attendees a one-of-a-kind auditory experience.

For U.S. readers, envisioning a similar event might involve attending a concert at red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. Just as red Rocks leverages its natural acoustics, the Arènes de Nîmes will use its inherent architectural design to amplify the sound experience. Imagine the echo of electronic beats resonating through stone walls that have stood for nearly 2,000 years. The blend of old and new promises an unforgettable night.

It is indeed with immense pride that the city of Nîmes welcomes this first date of the FIP 360 tour in the exceptional framework of our arenas. This innovative project, mixing heritage and sound innovation, perfectly illustrates our cultural ambition: to dialogue history and modernity, tradition and creation.

Jean-Paul Fournier, Mayor of Nîmes

Immersive Sound Experience

The collaboration between the City of Nîmes, FIP radio, and other partners aims to “plunge the public into the heart of sound.” A key element of the FIP 360 concert is its cutting-edge sound system. A 360-degree spatialized audio setup will envelop the audience,creating an immersive sonic environment that enhances the music’s impact. This technology allows sound engineers to precisely control the direction and distribution of audio, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for every listener.

This approach to sound design mirrors advancements seen in the U.S. at events like Coachella’s enhanced audio stages or the immersive sound installations at music festivals. Artists and engineers are increasingly experimenting with spatial audio to create a more intimate and captivating connection with their audience. The FIP 360 concert takes this concept to a historical setting, adding another layer of depth to the experience.

Stellar Lineup

The concert features a lineup of notable artists, including Boombass from the acclaimed French duo cassius, who will deliver a high-energy DJ set. Also performing is Australian Mall Grab, known for founding a prominent record label. Tatie Dee will perform live, further fueling the night’s vibrant atmosphere. The anticipation is high for these performers to harness the arena’s unique acoustics, promising memorable sets for attendees.

for U.S.fans, think of this lineup as a blend of artists comparable to a curated stage at Movement Detroit or Electric Forest. These festivals are known for showcasing both established and emerging talent within the electronic music scene. The FIP 360 concert brings a similar level of curation to a historical landmark, creating an prospect to discover new sounds within an iconic setting.

We look forward to seeing the arenas vibrate to the rhythm of this remarkable musical adventure!

Jean-Paul Fournier, Mayor of N

What challenges did Christophe Dubois and the team face when setting up the custom sound system within the ancient Arènes de Nîmes?

Archyde interview: Christophe Dubois on Bringing FIP 360 to the Roman Arena

March 26, 2025

Archyde News Editor sat down with music producer Christophe Dubois, the lead sound engineer for the upcoming FIP 360 concert in Nîmes, to discuss the technical marvel behind this unique event.

Interview

Archyde: christophe, thank you for joining us. The FIP 360 concert at the Arènes de Nîmes sounds amazing. Can you tell us a little about the concept?

Christophe Dubois: “Thank you for having me. The core of FIP 360 is about creating an immersive audio experience. We’re taking cutting-edge spatial audio technology and placing it within a historical,culturally rich location. It’s a marriage of the old and the new: ancient architecture with modern sound design.”

Archyde: The Arènes de Nîmes is a remarkable venue. How does the arena itself impact the sound design?

Christophe Dubois: “The architecture is central. The arena’s natural acoustics are amazing. We’re working *with* the space, not against it.Our 360-degree spatialized audio system uses the stone walls to create echoes and reflections that enhance the music,making it feel like you’re enveloped by sound. It’s almost like the amphitheater becomes its own instrument.”

Archyde: For our readers in the U.S., what would be a comparable experience?

Christophe Dubois: “Think of it like the feeling you get at Red Rocks, but amplified. Imagine the visual grandeur of the arena and then consider being entirely surrounded by the music. We’re aiming for an experience that’s both intimate and huge – intimate in its ability to draw you in, but huge in its scale and dynamic range.”

Archyde: The artists that will be performing at the concert have to be vrey excited about this. What has been the reaction from Boombass, Mall Grab, and Tatie Dee?

Christophe Dubois: “They are thrilled. They see the arena as a unique site in which to explore their music and create incredible sets. The ability to precisely control the sonic landscape, to direct the sound and create movement within the space, offers a lot of possibilities for the artists. Boombass,especially,is known for a great energy and they will be able to leverage the space,but they all are eager to push their sound in creative directions. It should be extraordinary.”

Archyde: The Mayor spoke on the blending of history and innovation. How is that reflected in the technology used?

Christophe Dubois: “We’re utilizing state-of-the-art spatial audio systems. This technology allows us to pinpoint the sound within three dimensions ensuring an audio experience.But at its core, it’s a dialog: the technology is the new element, the arena is the historical element. Together, they are communicating. The aim is not to overshadow the venue’s beauty but to enhance it with an unusual auditory event.”

Archyde: What are some of the primary challenges in executing an event of this scale and innovation?

Christophe Dubois: “Logistics, of course! Building a custom sound system within a historical site brings up specific security issues, and we are planning for the weather conditions. Beyond that, we want to make sure that sound fits and does not disturb the surroundings.”

Archyde: Last question, how are you hoping attendees will feel as they leave their places?

Christophe Dubois: “I want people to leave with a sense of wonder, having experienced something truly unique. Not just a concert, but a journey, a moment in time. It’s about feeling the past and present collide in a glorious sonic explosion. We want them to talk about it for years to come.”

Archyde: Christophe, thank you for your time and insights. We at archyde are eagerly anticipating the concert.

Christophe Dubois: “My pleasure. See you in Nîmes.”

readers, share your thoughts in the comments: What other historical sites would you like to see transformed into music venues, and why?

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