The National Auditorium of Mexico updates its sound system with L'Acoustics

In both the main room and the Lunario stage, K series equipment has been used to replace the original system.

Widely recognized as one of the best concert venues in the world, he National Auditorium of Mexico was built in 1952 as a venue for equestrian events. The building is built with riveted iron - the same technique used in the Torre Eiffel– and has been the subject of numerous renovations over the years. It is known both for its architectural design and for housing the largest pipe organ in Latin America..

The main room of the enclosure consists of almost 10.000 elevated seating above and around its huge stage 23 metros, which is mainly used for national and international music concerts and singing festivals, dance and cinema.

The Lunario, the alternative scenario of the National Auditorium, has the capacity to 1.200 people and is used for small and medium-sized events. Both spaces have hosted notable companies such as the Vienna Philharmonic, the LA Phil, el English National Ballet, the Bolshoi Ballet, the San Francisco Ballet or the New York Philharmonic.

The venue has also hosted renowned events, like the Miss Universe pageants, multiple film premieres and even the gymnastics competition of the Olympic Games 1968.

The K series replaces the original system

A few months ago the entire facility was renovated and a team of L-Acoustics K series to replace the original sound system, that I had 12 years.
“We make productions every day. with some 30 millions of people who have attended events here in the last 25 years, We knew it was time for a big update”, comments Nico Peláez, Production Director of the National Auditorium.

After an evaluation of the premises, Peláez and his team identified ten projects within the space, which included improvements in lighting, the visual effects, audio and internal facilities. The projects were established in order, with audio as priority.

“The Auditorium has always been known for its extraordinary acoustic properties, so to continue our legacy and remain one of the best concert venues in the world, audio improvement received top priority”, Peláez continues.

The company has been in charge of the integration of this project Vari International. “L-Acoustics not only fully integrates with existing Auditorium systems, but is also prepared for the future, allowing new elements to be easily deployed and configured as needed”, clarifies engineer Juan Francisco Álvarez, sales director of Vari International.

For main stage setup, Vari supplied two main systems with 14 Q1, two K2 down and 12 K2 per side for filling.

Two systems with eight K1-SB subwoofers have been placed behind the K1, with two further kits of four KS28 subwoofers placed left and right on the stage floor.
Front padding is provided by eight X12s placed in front of the edge of the stage. Two A15 Focus and two A15 Wide per side provide side fill for the monitor system. The delays are covered with two six Kara arrays.

The entire system is powered by 39 LA12X and seven LA4X amplified drivers. Four P1 processors are used for AVB distribution to the amplified controllers. Finally, The scenario monitoring package consists of two ARCS Focus and 22 X15 HiQ.

Lunar Scenario

The Lunario consists of two hanging systems, made up of six Kara, and two SB18 subs per side, with four SB28 subs hidden under the stage. Twenty short throw X8 coaxial enclosures supplied, which were used as stage monitors and frontfill as needed, with four A10 Wide and four KS21 subs for sidefill. Nine LA4X and one LA12X provide the power and control, along with two P1 processors.

The entire audio system is compatible with analog and digital technology using the AVB/Milan protocol, to simplify the distribution of audio and control data, in addition to offering guaranteed quality without drops in a live sound reinforcement system.

“With the rich history of the National Auditorium, which has hosted events of all scales and sizes, We wanted to deliver a sound system that was fully scalable and would truly do justice to this venue's legacy as one of the best concert venues in the world.”, Alvarez says..