London’s O2 Academy Brixton had installed a permanent L-Acoustics K Series sound system. This Grade II listed marvel of architecture, featuring a 140ft domed ceiling, Art Deco interior and a signature stage, has anchored countless music performances since its 1929 debut, from The Clash to Coldplay and Chappell Roan.
After modelling the room and conducting extensive consultation with touring sound engineers, Academy Music Group partnered with Adlib to install the L-Acoustics K1 concert sound system.
‘L-Acoustics was the ideal choice for its rider-friendly reputation, superior sound quality, and reliability,’ says Adlib Installation Project Manager, Rob Crossland. ‘L-Acoustics Soundvision modelling software was instrumental, allowing us to create an optimal design that overcomes the room’s unique challenges.’
‘The major question in the system design was to keep acoustic energy off the deep, flat front of the raked balcony,’ he continues. ‘We overcame this by creating an array with L-Acoustics K1-SB halfway down, allowing us to maintain pattern control of the LF while avoiding mid/high frequency reflections on stage, resulting in a very clean sound.’
The set-up includes dual hangs of four K1-SB, eight K1 and three K2 per side. Sixteen KS28 subwoofers are groundstacked on the stage, eight per side in four stacks of four. Four A10 Focus boxes are placed across the stage lip to provide fill. An additional two A15 Focus boxes on each side increase imaging for those stood towards the front. Under balcony fill is provided by two X8 coaxial loudspeakers and ten A10i Wide. LA12X and LA4X amplified controllers, driven by P1 processors, provide power and system management.
‘O2 Academy Brixton is one of the world’s most prestigious venues and the new L-Acoustics system elevates our audio capabilities to meet the highest standards expected in touring’ says Academy User Group COO, Steve Hoyland. ‘Our objective was to have a system that is respected amongst industry professionals to deliver the best-in-class audio, and the K1 does exactly that.’
