L-Acoustics line source arrays and L-ISA technology were recently installed at the Grande Halle de la Villette, a 20,000sqm cultural centre in the 55-hectare Parc de la Villette, in Paris. Originally commissioned by Napoleon III as an abattoir in 1867, the structure was reimagined as a versatile cultural venue in 1985, now showcasing everything from international art, to rock concerts to avant-garde theatre.
The semi-permanent 1,400-capacity Charlie Parker performance space, constructed each spring and operational for six months, serves as the primary home for the new L Series L-ISA system.
The project emerged through close collaboration between La Villette’s technical team and L-Acoustics certified partner B Live.
The Charlie Parker performance space features five hangs of one L-Acoustics L2 over an L2D spread across the stage, while 13 X8i across the stage lip provide spatial front-fill. Two centrally flown cardioid arrays of three KS28 subwoofers provide controlled low-frequency reinforcement. Twelve X12 coaxial loudspeakers – four each on the side and back walls – provide surround sound. The entire system is driven by 11 LA7.16, two LA12X and three LA4X amplified controllers.
The L-ISA technology at La Villette is designed to transform how different performance types connect with audiences. L-Acoustics says that for dance productions, choreographic movements can now be precisely tracked and sonically mirrored throughout the space, creating a synaesthetic experience where sound follows motion.
Meanwhile, theatrical performances benefit from voice localisation that “anchors performers’ positions regardless of audience sightlines”, while contemporary music showcases can now envelop listeners in three-dimensional soundscapes.
The purpose-built pre-production studio features a permanently installed coaxial L-ISA setup utilising X8i and X6i speakers and Syva subwoofers. Using L-ISA Scale Simulation, the studio environment can mimic the Grand Halle, allowing for easy transfer and optimisation during pre-production.
Both environments employ L-ISA Processor II for spatial audio rendering and signal management. A Yamaha PM7 RIVAGE digital mixing console with L-ISA DeskLink integration provides intuitive control over spatial parameters directly from the mixing desk.
Alexandre Tramontin, technical director at B Live, who designed the solution through continuous dialogue with La Villette’s technical staff explained that “the requirements for both the Charlie Parker theatre and the dedicated pre-production studio demanded meticulous planning to integrate seamlessly with existing workflows whilst delivering unprecedented spatial audio capabilities”.
Olivier Olry, head of audiovisual at La Villette, added: “We’ve observed a significant shift in production requirements over recent years. Increasingly sophisticated dance and theatre companies are specifically requesting immersive audio capabilities in their technical riders. Rather than merely keeping pace with this trend, we decided to position ourselves at its leading edge by investing in a complete L-Acoustics L-ISA ecosystem.
“The physical constraints were significant when planning the five L2 array positions needed for the L-ISA implementation. Beyond typical acoustic considerations, we needed to respect the building’s architectural integrity whilst maintaining ideal sightlines. The L Series exceptional size-to-performance ratio proved crucial, allowing us to achieve proper coverage without overwhelming the space visually.”
