Figure 53’s software is being used at two of the Winter Olympics’ biggest events

Software made by Baltimore-based Figure 53 is on one of the world’s biggest stages.
QLab, which controls light, audio and video playback during a live performance, was providing the sounds for a pair of big events during the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
According to Figure 53 CEO Chris Ashworth, the platform’s audio playback was used during the opening ceremonies of the games at Pyeongchang’s Olympic Stadium on February 9. It’s also been used during figure skating competitions.
“For audio, QLab is usually the software that is playing audio files out to speakers or a broadcast room,” Ashworth said. “It can play back many files, and send audio to up to 64 distinct speakers or outputs, at the same time.”

QLab at the Olympics!

Delighted to share these photos from Sun Hee (Sunny) Kil, Associate Sound Designer of the PyeongChang Olympics Opening Ceremony, where they used QLab for audio playback: pic.twitter.com/uhrEMY6tcH

— Figure 53 (@Figure53) February 12, 2018

Ashworth said live theatrical shows from local theaters to Broadway productions remain the largest market for the company. But as the turn at the Olympics shows, it’s being used in larger arenas, as well.
When the software is being used, members of the company’s 13-member team provides support from Baltimore, answering questions via email.
“We’re obsessed with providing really great support and are very proud of this part of our company,” Ashworth said.