L-Acoustics L2 line arrays have been installed at Tonhalle Düsseldorf, a concert hall originally built as a planetarium in 1926 and converted during the 1970s. The venue, home to the Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra, hosts classical, rock, pop, comedy and cabaret performances.
The installation was executed by integrator Thomann Audio Professional following a system design by consultancy firm Bühnenplanung Walter Kottke Ingenieure (BWKI), which won an EU-wide public tender. L-Acoustics says the L2 was selected for its compact design and cardioid dispersion pattern, which is designed to reduce stage spill during classical performances requiring sound reinforcement.
The venue’s main space, the Mendelssohn Hall, features 1,854 seats within a dome-shaped room measuring 36m in diameter and 30m high. BWKI used Soundvision modelling to map coverage throughout the 17,000 cubic-metre space.
The main PA comprises one hang of L2 and L2D per side, with a centre array of three KS21i subwoofers in cardioid configuration. Eight X4i units are integrated into the stage edge for in-fill, while side-fill uses two hangs of one A10i Focus over two A10i Wide.
Under-balcony coverage is handled by 12 X6i speakers, with one A10i Focus and one A10i Wide per side delivering sound to seating behind the stage. Six LA7.16i amplified controllers power the system.
The subwoofers are mounted on a chain hoist system above the stage, allowing them to be lifted through a flap in the sound cover when not required during classical performances. The installation operates on Milan-AVB, with two system configurations accessible through Universe Control for different stage sizes.
Florian Denzler, head of department, sound and theatre technology at Thomann, said: “L2 was our recommended route for two compelling reasons: its relatively compact design and, perhaps more importantly, its cardioid dispersion pattern. Cardioid dispersion delivers significant acoustic improvements on stage, which is especially critical for classical concerts requiring sound reinforcement.”
Jürgen Meyer, project lead at BWKI, added: “From the beginning, our objective was to preserve Tonhalle’s pristine acoustics while introducing a rider-compliant reinforcement system. L2’s cardioid capabilities gave us the control we needed to minimise stage spill and maintain the hall’s celebrated natural sound field.”
