Norway’s first permanent Alcons Audio LR24 installation up and running at the historic Byscenen venue, among Trondheim’s largest concert venues whose programme ranges from theatre and spoken word to rock concerts.
Established 1878, Byscenen reopened in 2010 after extensive modernisation and with a new house PA in mind. As touring artists’ expectations rose, the venue saw first-class sound as a way to distinguish itself in Trondheim’s competitive live music market. Kaizers Orchestra’s 14-show, sold-out residency in 2023 provided the opportunity to evaluate a new system under demanding conditions.
After opening performances using the existing PA, Byscenen’s technical management approached sound engineer and PA system designer Erwan Thomas, currently working independently through Metropolyd, to explore improvements. Having assessed the production’s requirements, Erwan proposed testing an Alcons LR24 system during the residency. Rather than relying on a one-off demonstration, Byscenen and the touring crew could hear how it performed night after night, in the room and in front of full audiences.
‘We had just spent two months working with excellent PA systems in Stavanger and Oslo,’ recalls Johan Berntsen, Kaizers Orchestra’s FOH engineer. ‘Moving from those systems to the old house PA at Byscenen was a massive step backwards. After the first night I had a couple of phone calls, and we ended up with the Alcons LR24 system.
‘It was a massive improvement, and suddenly the room was acting as it should. The crystal-clear sound was highly appreciated. There are several venues in Norway with a good PA, but this system is absolutely brilliant. Maybe the best PA in an 800-cap venue in Norway.’
Byscenen did not make its decision on the residency without investigating alternative systems, finally selecting Alcons for permanent installation. The process allowed the venue to assess different options against the demands of its busy, multipurpose programming.
The LR24’s compact, three-way design combines substantial output, headroom and low-frequency extension, making it suited to venues where space is limited but production demands are not. At Byscenen, a wraparound gallery holds roughly one-third of the audience during sold-out events. LR24/90 and wider-dispersion LR24/120 elements help maintain intelligibility and tonal consistency across the floor and elevated seating, supported by
Alcons’ pro-ribbon technology and controlled directivity.
Arnstein Fossvik developed the final permanent system design and, now with Nidaros Lyd, continues to provide local technical support. The installation includes eight LR24 loudspeakers per side, six BF362 double 18-inch subwoofers, VR8 pro-ribbon front fill and five Sentinel10 amplified controllers operating at 96kHz.
The system also adapts to the venue’s needs. When extra floor space is more important than deep sub-bass, the subwoofers can be removed while the LR24 arrays retain substantial low-frequency capability. The Sentinel10’s class-D amplification limits energy losses, with potential benefits for operating costs and environmental impact.
‘The best part of our Alcons Audio installation is that, night after night, we receive great feedback from visiting productions,’ says Byscenen Technical Manager, Erlend Solli Aune. ‘With excellent coverage and plenty of headroom, this full-bodied, no-compromise line array is the best we could have wished for. I look forward to using this system for many years to come.’