Nearly a century after Victor Horta designed Brussels’ Palais des Beaux-Arts (Bozar to by locals) the 2,150-seat Henry Le Bœuf Hall has furthered its history with the installation of a permanent sound system after decades of rented systems brought in for amplified performances. This never quite match the venue’s artistic ambitions – a situation now resolved with L-Acoustics’ L-ISA Hyperreal Sound and L Series line arrays.
‘The new sound system is specifically designed to support Bozar’s non-classical music programming,’ says Aurore Aubouin, Head of Music. ‘This autumn, we are proud to welcome Sigur Rós, Kae Tempest, Bob Dylan and Zaho de Sagazan, as well as Scylla with BNO among other world-class artists. This installation is also a strategic investment: by having our own permanent system, we no longer need to rely on renting equipment, allowing us to deliver the highest-quality experience to both artists and audiences.’
At the core of this upgrade is L-Acoustics’ L-ISA technology, which allows sound engineers to position individual instruments and vocals with pinpoint accuracy across the listening area. Working with L-Acoustics Certified Provider XLR and integrator ARTO, Bozar chose to go beyond traditional stereo configurations into the future of immersive audio.
‘While the initial request was for a traditional stereo configuration, it became clear that the most meaningful choice was to invest in Hyperreal Sound,’ explains Louis Lukusa, CEO of XLR. ‘The L-Acoustics L Series system in an L-ISA configuration is the only solution that could provide uncompromising tonal balance, clarity, and realism for every seat in the hall.’
‘This new system transforms the way audiences experience music at Bozar,’ adds Nicolas Bernus, Technical Production Manager at Bozar. ‘The L-ISA spatial audio technology allows us to create a truly frontal realistic soundscape where every detail of the performance is delivered with stunning clarity and depth. It’s a major leap forward that aligns Bozar with the highest international standards, ensuring our audiences enjoy an unparalleled listening experience.’
The team mapped coverage for every seat across the auditorium’s curved geometry and multiple balconies with the help of Soundvision modelling software. The final configuration features five precisely positioned hangs of L2D loudspeakers paired with two centrally flown hangs of four KS28 subwoofers.
Strategically placed pairs of Syva and Syva Low cabinets at the stage edges serve orchestra seating, while a distributed system of 15 compact 5XT enclosures along the stage lip and balcony fronts ensures intelligibility the front rows. The entire system is powered by LA7.16i, LA7.16 and LA12X amplified controllers.
‘Soundvision is the key to success when designing this kind of project,’ Lukusa emphasises. ‘Everything starts with it; it is the first and most important step in the L-Acoustics ecosystem. With our long experience in designing and installing L-Acoustics systems, we know we can rely on Soundvision – what we see is what we will hear.’
Henry Le Bœuf Hall’s acoustic has always challenged sound engineers, but the new L Series system delivers intelligibility and uniform coverage all the way to the back row without raising sound pressure levels or unnecessarily exciting the room’s natural reverberation.
‘The L-Acoustics L Series handles Bozar’s diverse programming effortlessly,’ Lukusa reports. ‘Whether it’s classical, pop, rock, jazz or urban productions, the system adapts instantly. The ease of deployment offers valuable time savings, and the L-ISA Processor’s control tools make it adaptable to any configuration. We can switch from a hyperrealistic immersive system to a stereo configuration with a single click.’
The installation received the support of the L-Acoustics Applications team, who collaborated with XLR from initial design through final calibration. Training played a crucial role, with Bozar’s technical staff completing dedicated courses at the L-Acoustics Education Centre to ensure complete mastery of their new sonic weapon.
Bozar and XLR are already preparing to extend the immersive experience to the venue’s Salle M, which will receive a 360° immersive L-Acoustics A10 system early next year.
‘It is a long-term investment,’ Lukusa says. ‘By offering artists, producers, and audiences the most advanced sound system available, Bozar has positioned itself at the forefront of the international stage.’
‘This system represents a major step forward in Bozar’s technical capabilities,’ Bernus adds. ‘With L-ISA spatial audio, we can create a truly immersive soundscape where every nuance of a performance reaches every seat with stunning clarity. It’s a leap that brings Bozar in line with the highest international standards and enhances our ability to host a diverse range of artists and productions.’
More: www.l-acoustics.com