Proof that an historic venue comes with historic challenges, the architectural constraints at Sweden’s Nalen concert hall meant that replacing the sound system at the 140-year-old venue demanded something both powerful and ingenious.
The constraints included strict weight limits, sightline restrictions and protected building status. Fredrik Martinsson of Comet Audio, invited several integrators to propose solution, with JLE Audio – an L-Acoustics Certified Provider with more than 20 years’ experience with the brand – was selected after recommending L-Acoustics’ L Series, a system engineered to overcome what conventional installations can’t.
L-Acoustics systems have served Nalen’s performance spaces for some time, but technology evolves and the system in the main concert hall – well over a decade old – had reached the point where an upgrade made sense. Nalen needed something that could handle the demands of modern touring artists, control the problematic reflections bouncing off the side walls, and do it all within a 200kg ceiling weight limit.
The first obstacle to be addressed were the sidewall reflections that were reducing acoustic clarity and causing uneven coverage, and had to accommodate sightline and height restrictions. ‘We needed a premium solution that could deliver maximum output with minimum footprint,’ explains JLE Audio CEO and sound engineer Johannes Jonsson, who led the installation. ‘The system had to be sustainable, long-lasting, and capable of meeting the complex needs of a wide range of artists.’
The original project timeline was affected by the Covid pandemic, but ultimately proved beneficial. When the project was conceived, L-Acoustics had not yet launched the L Series. By the time work resumed, however, the L Series was available and turned out to be the ideal solution.
‘Nalen was specifically interested in the L Series from the outset,’ notes Jonsson. ‘They’re tech enthusiasts and were aware that it would tick all of their boxes.’
JLE used Soundvision to assess the viability of L2D, carefully mapping every possible option to find the optimum placement. With a proposed design approved, the team went on to arrange a demonstration. Because JLE also rents L-Acoustics equipment, it was possible to temporarily install the exact proposed configuration in Nalen’s main hall in January 2025. The results were immediately convincing, and the project was underway.
The installation was executed with precision. Nalen closes for one month each summer, but with other building renovations taking place simultaneously, scheduling was critical. After the final show in late June, the team removed the old system and began installing new cabling, the most time-consuming phase of the project. The JLE team arrived in early August and completed the physical installation in just three days, taking advantage of existing hoist infrastructure and hanging points.
The final deployment comprises one L2D per side, four KS21 subs in cardioid, and an additional two A10 Wide for impact in the front.
The highly controlled cardioid dispersion of the L2D focuses sound energy on the audience, ensuring full coverage while dramatically reducing energy directed at the sidewalls. With the total L2D weight amounting to 190kg, well within the ceiling’s weight limit.
The subwoofer offering comprises KS21 subwoofers in cardioid configuration minimise low-frequency energy bouncing off the rear and side surfaces, and provide powerful bass response. Finally, the two A10 Wide offer enhanced front-of-stage impact during rock concerts, and because they can be pole-mounted over the KS21 subwoofers, they’re easy to adjust for different types of events.
These event configurations may include, for example, a cube configuration for concerts, with all elements deployed for optimal coverage. For conferences or dinner events where a cleaner stage appearance is preferred, an end-fire subwoofer configuration is available. And a third, rarely used configuration allows the foldable stage to be reduced in size for speaking events, with front-fills repositioned and two subs removed.
The new system is Nalen’s first Milan-AVB installation, and signals a significant step forward in the venue’s audio networking technology. The complete system runs through a P1 processor and three LA7.16i amplified controllers. All audio distribution uses AVB protocol via an LS10, providing reliable, low-latency digital audio transmission with built-in redundancy.
‘Nalen is the second L2 installation we’ve completed,’ says Jonsson. ‘The first was in 2024 at Jönköping Concert Hall. There is huge interest in this system throughout Sweden and we’re pleased to be meeting this demand.’
The system’s first post-calibration performance featured the artist SYML, with Jonsson remaining on-site to support the debut show. The subsequent response from artists, engineers and venue staff has been overwhelmingly positive.
‘Everybody is incredibly excited about this installation,’ says Eijerstam. ‘For many of our crew and visiting artists, it’s the first time they’re working on an L Series. It’s a fantastic new system and they’re thrilled to experience it.’
Looking back on the project, both Nalen and JLE express complete satisfaction with the results. ‘There’s nothing we would have done differently,’ Eijerstam reflects. ‘I’ve known Johannes for years and I’m extremely pleased with his team’s work. It’s been flawless. After the extensive testing we did with the actual system in the venue before installation, we were confident it would meet our expectations. And it has delivered completely.’