Having relocated from the EC Dahls brewery site to Ladesletta in Trondheim, the one-day metal extravaganza that is Trondheim Rocks, the 2026 edition featured 12 bands, headed by Volbeat and Norwegian rock legends DumDum Boys, attracting thousands of rock fans. The sound system was supplied by NPro who deployed an Alcons Audio solution with system design led by Erwan Thomas.
As with many outdoor events, Trondheim Rocks is staged in a populated urban environment, where audience experience must be balanced with responsible sound management. For Thomas, the objective was simple: ‘The less you hear the system, the more you feel the music.’
Using Alcons’ portfolio, the system was tailored to the requirements of the Ladesletta site. At its heart were 32 LR28/80 large-format line array elements, configured 16 per side for the main left/right PA, supported by 30 BC543 cardioid subwoofers. Additional coverage was provided by LR24/90 and LR18/90 out fill systems, LR18/90 in fill, RR12 point source down fills, VR12/90 front fills, and a FOH near fill system comprising two BF181 subwoofers and two VR12/90 loudspeakers. The system was powered by Alcons Sentinel10 amplified loudspeaker controllers and managed through ALControl software.
The projection and controlled directivity LR28 helped to create a consistent listening experience, combined with the controlled low-frequency performance of the BC543 cardioid subwoofers to add impact.
The venue’s prominent wind corridor added environmental challenges, with changing conditions across the audience area placing increased importance on predictable system behaviour. Prediction and simulation tools were explored as part of the planning – Ease 5 prediction software and the newly integrated Wölfel IMMI workflow were used in the early stages of evaluation, generating useful data and insight for future sound management strategies. While the workflow was not fully implemented, the process was positively received by Trondheim Stage.
The deployment at Trondheim Rocks 2026 demonstrated how Alcons’ pro-ribbon technology can meet the demands of an outdoor festival while preserving clarity, consistency and musical connection. At the festival’s new home, the system helped keep the focus on the artists, the music and the shared experience.
More: www.n-pro.no