La Villette Transforms Historic Space into Immersive Audio Experience for Diverse Performances with L-Acoustics L-ISA Hyperreal Immersive Sound La Villette Transforms Historic Space into Immersive Audio Experience for Divers...

Meeting the growing demand for spatial audio live events, Paris cultural landmark upgrades with eco-conscious L Series line source arrays and L-ISA hyperreal immersive sound technology by B Live

PARIS, France – May 2025 – In the northeast corner of Paris, the sprawling 55-hectare Parc de la Villette has evolved into one of Europe’s most dynamic cultural districts where science, music, and art converge. This vibrant urban park hosts an exceptional concentration of cultural institutions, from the acoustically renowned Philharmonie de Paris to Europe’s largest science museum, the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie. Dominating the landscape is the breathtaking Grande Halle de la Villette, with its distinctive 19th-century industrial architecture featuring soaring glass and intricate cast iron framework. Originally commissioned by Napoleon III as an abattoir in 1867, this impressive 20,000-square-meter structure was reimagined as a versatile cultural venue in 1985, now showcasing everything from international art exhibitions to rock concerts to avant-garde theatrical productions.

Building on a long-standing partnership with L-Acoustics that began with one of the world’s first V-DOSC installations in the mid-1990s and continued with a K3 system upgrade in 2022, the Grande Halle has now reinforced its position at the forefront of performing arts technology with an L-Acoustics L-ISA Immersive Hyperreal Sound system featuring L-Acoustics newest eco-conscious L Series line source arrays. The L Series combines sustainable manufacturing practices with energy-efficient amplification technology, reducing the system’s overall carbon footprint while delivering uncompromised audio performance. The installation also includes a dedicated pre-production studio with L-Acoustics X Series coaxial speakers, completing the comprehensive L-ISA ecosystem at the Grand Halle.

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—continuing a tradition of audio innovation that began when the venue hosted the world’s first major live event using L-ISA technology during the 2016 Jazz à La Villette festival.

“We’ve observed a significant shift in production requirements over recent years,” explains Olivier Olry, Head of Audiovisual at La Villette. “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 ambitious project emerged through close collaboration between La Villette’s technical team and L-Acoustics Certified Partner B Live. Alexandre Tramontin, Technical Director at B Live, who designed the solution through continuous dialogue with La Villette’s technical staff explains 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.”

Implementing immersive audio technology within a protected historical structure presented considerable challenges. The Grande Halle’s soaring glass ceiling and metal framework required a creative solution to deliver consistent spatial imaging throughout the performance space.

“The physical constraints were significant when planning the five L2 array positions needed for the L-ISA implementation,” Olry explains. “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.”

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 fundamentally transforms how different performance types connect with audiences. For dance productions, choreographic movements can now be precisely tracked and sonically mirrored throughout the space, creating a synesthetic experience where sound follows motion. 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 that transcend traditional stereo limitations.

“What’s particularly revolutionary is how L-ISA adapts to each artistic discipline,” notes Tramontin. “From the subtlest theatrical whisper precisely positioned in space to explosive musical moments that completely surround the audience, the system’s flexibility matches the creative versatility of La Villette’s programming.”

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.

With the system now operational, La Villette’s technical team has begun exploring additional technologies, including performer tracking systems for dynamic spatial positioning in real-time. The initial response from creative teams has been overwhelmingly positive. The L-ISA Stereo Mapper functionality, a feature within the L-ISA 3.0 platform that allows users to seamlessly integrate existing stereo content into an immersive L-ISA speaker configuration, provides an additional safety net, ensuring productions remain coherent even when translated to traditional stereo formats.

“With this landmark installation, La Villette not only houses one of the most comprehensive L-Acoustics ecosystems in Europe but serves as a beacon for the future of immersive performance,” concludes Olry. “The L Series with L-ISA technology doesn’t just reproduce sound—it fundamentally transforms how audiences connect with artistic expression in this historic space, bridging centuries of cultural heritage with sound innovation that must be experienced to be fully understood.”

For more information on La Villette visit: https://www.lavillette.com/en/

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