Helsinki Music Centre, home to Finland’s two most prestigious orchestras, has completed a significant technical renovation featuring an L-Acoustics L Series loudspeaker system as its centrepiece. The audio upgrade, part of a larger renovation that included lighting systems and new mixing consoles, is designed to provide superior coverage and clarity in the venue’s challenging acoustic environment.
The 1,700-seat concert hall, which hosts approximately 1,500 events annually across its various spaces, presents unique challenges for amplified performances. Hosting international artists, television productions, and radio broadcasts in addition to classical music, the hall required a solution that could deliver clear, controlled sound throughout its unusual 360-degree seating configuration.
The installation was executed by L-Acoustics certified provider Intersonic, who repurposed the previous L-Acoustics systems. The existing Kara system, previously in the main left-right positions, was repositioned to manage rear coverage in the 360-degree configuration. Additionally, the venue’s original Kiva system, which predated the Kara installation, was redistributed to improve coverage in the balcony areas.
The earlier Kiva system had been positioned above a high acoustic canopy approximately 15m above the stage, an architecturally driven decision that created severe coverage issues, particularly for front rows.
The comprehensive solution now features 22 discrete loudspeaker arrays. The main system consists of two L/R arrays of one L2 over one L2D to cover the main parterre seating area. Two arrays of four Kara II cover the side seating while two further arrays of six Kara II each cover the rear audience area. Twelve arrays of three Kiva distributed throughout the space provide even coverage for the balcony sections.
Low frequency extension is provided by a centrally flown hang of four KS28 subwoofers, which can be operated in either standard or cardioid mode depending on event requirements. The system is powered by four LA7.16i, one LA12X, three LA4X and seven LA8 amplified controllers.
The subwoofer arrangement provides additional flexibility, with four KS28 hung in the centre of the venue that can operate in either cardioid or omnidirectional mode depending on the seating configuration and program material.
Jori Tossavainen, head of the studios at Helsinki Music Centre, said: “The reverberation time in the hall is quite long, which is a challenge for events with amplified sound. Our goal for this upgrade was to improve coverage, achieve clarity throughout the space and to better manage noise pollution especially for the seating areas beside and behind the stage.
“The main goal was to move the PA rigging points to a better place. Since L2 is so much smaller, while delivering even better SPL and coverage, we could place it below the canopy and position it properly over the stage rather than the audience – which also had the benefit of clearing sightlines for the lighting and video teams.
“The inherent cardioid capability of L2 is helping us significantly with the long reverb time, especially in the low-mids and lows. It really reduces the noise pollution and makes the sound much clearer.”
