Among the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region’s most prominent performing arts centres, Le Pin Galant has completed a comprehensive audio upgrade featuring L-Acoustics L2, marking the venue’s continued partnership with L-Acoustics after more than 30 years with its pioneering V-Dosc line array system.
The 1,400-seat auditorium in Mérignac welcomes nearly 100,000 visitors annually for a diverse programme of music, dance, comedy and theatre. Its upgrade became a priority when Fimalac Entertainment European entertainment venue operator acquired Le Pin Galant in 2025. The venue’s technical team had clear objectives: maintain the audio quality they’d achieved with V-Dosc while introducing technology that would meet the demands of modern productions.
Le Pin Galant turned to Audio Pro, L-Acoustics Certified Provider and system integrator for Nouvelle-Aquitaine, to design and implement the solution. The project came with a hard deadline: the system needed to be operational for the opening of the 2025-2026 cultural season that kicks off in France’s September rentrée or back-to-school period. ‘The complexity of the project demanded meticulous planning, and we relied heavily on Soundvision throughout the design process,’ explains Audio Pro Sales & Purchasing Manager, Philippe Chassereau. ‘Soundvision has been an essential tool for us for years, allowing us to carefully model venues to predict how our systems will perform.’
Audio Pro used Soundvision to configure loudspeaker placement and amplifier set-up, including equalisation and delays. This comprehensive approach saved time during installation, allowing the team to fine-tune the system design before any equipment arrived on site.
The resuktant installed system centres on L Series boxes, with single L2 and L2D enclosures per side for the main left and right hangs. ‘The system clarity and exceptional coverage that L2 affords made it an obvious choice for addressing our primary task of catering to different types of events,’ says Chassereau.
Eight groundstacked KS28 subwoofers in cardioid configuration provide bass that enhances musical performances without overwhelming the space during speech-focused events. A central hang of one A15 Wide and one A15 Focus add clarity for speech-heavy events while two Syva and two Syva Low provide infill. Eight X6i handle front fill, guaranteeing intelligibility – including in the seats closest to the stage.
The system is powered by four LA7.16i, two LA12X and four LA4X amplified controllers, with system processing managed through two P1 processors. The networking infrastructure includes four LS10 audio switches and an LC16D format converter, which expands connectivity and acts as a bridge between the Milan-AVB network and legacy digital connections. This supports distribution to additional rooms and wedges throughout the venue. The team chose Milan-AVB as the primary protocol, recognising it as the current reference standard for professional sound reinforcement systems. With L-Acoustics network devices, the entire system can be managed directly through LA Network Manager, simplifying operations for the venue’s technical team.
The new L-Acoustics system was calibrated and ready on schedule. Two weeks later, the system received its first major test when French artist Calogero performed two sold-out shows in September. ‘The response from the venue’s technical team, artists and audiences has been overwhelmingly positive,’ Chassereau reports. ‘The technical team adapted to the new system remarkably quickly, helped by a comprehensive four-day training program that covered all the modules necessary to operate the system effectively.’
‘The support from L-Acoustics was essential to the project – we had direct access to specialists from commercial support from the sales team, technical expertise from the application team and logistics coordination. Everyone was committed to meeting the needs of the project and delivering it on time, which made all the difference in its success.’
‘We believe this installation is setting a new standard for sound in the broader Bordeaux region.’
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