Helsinki Music Center implements comprehensive audio solution with L-Acoustics

This Finnish cultural center has completed an important technical renovation that has a speaker system as its main element L-Acoustics of the L series, solution that has been chosen for its sound clarity and architectural integration.

He Helsinki Music Center, home of the two most prestigious orchestras in Finland, has completed an important technical renovation whose central element is a L-Acoustic L-Serie speaker system. This upgrade is part of a broader renovation that has included lighting systems and new mixing consoles. Provides high coverage and clarity in the demanding acoustic environment of the venue, while overcoming previous architectural and visibility limitations.

Intersonic has provided a comprehensive audio solution as part of the major technical renovation of the Helsinki Music Center, innovatively reusing existing L-Acoustics systems for an eco-friendly approach. For this project, L series equipment has been used for its clarity of sound and architectural integration..

The concert hall with capacity for 1.700 personas, which houses approximately 1.500 events per year in its various spaces, presents unique challenges for amplified performances. By hosting international artists, television productions and radio broadcasts, plus classical music, The venue requires a solution that delivers clear, controlled sound throughout its entire seating configuration. 360 degrees.

“The reverberation time in the room is quite long, which is a challenge for events with amplified sound”, explains Jori Tossavainen, director of studies at the Helsinki Music Center. “Our goal with this modernization was to improve coverage, achieve clarity throughout the space and better manage noise pollution, especially in the seating areas next to and behind the stage”.

The installation, performed by Intersonic, certified L-Acoustics supplier, demonstrates a commitment to sustainability by intelligently reusing the venue's previous systems.

He Systema Kara existing, who previously held the leading left-right positions, relocated to manage rear coverage in the configuration 360 degrees. Besides, he system Nice original of the enclosure, prior to Kara installation, was placed in another location to improve coverage in the balcony areas, creating an economical and ecological solution that maximizes value and minimizes waste.

Overcoming architectural challenges

A key challenge in the evolution of the venue's sound system has been reconciling architectural limitations with acoustic needs.. The previous Kiva system had been placed on a tall acoustic canopy, to some 15 meters above the stage, a decision that generated serious coverage problems, especially in the first rows.

The Kara system, which was installed later, The situation improved by being located under the marquee, but still had to be placed well in front of the stage and above the audience due to size limitations.

“The main goal was to move the speaker mounting points to a better location”, señala Tossavainen. “Since the L2 system is much smaller, while offering even better sound pressure and coverage, we were able to place it under the marquee and position it correctly on the stage instead of on the audience. This benefited clear visibility for lighting and video equipment”.

The comprehensive solution now has 22 discrete speaker arrays throughout the venue. The main system consists of two L/R sets, one L2 on another L2D, to cover the main seating area of ​​the flowerbed.

Two sets of four Kara II cover the side seats, while two other sets of six Kara II each cover the rear area of ​​​​the public. Twelve sets of three Kiva distributed throughout the space provide uniform coverage for the balcony sections.

Low frequency extension is provided by a four-way center hung system. subwoofers KS28, which can operate in standard or cardioid mode depending on the needs of the event. The system is powered by four LA7.16i, and LA12X, three LA4X and seven LA8 amplified controllers.

Noise management in complex environments

Las cardioid capabilities L2's inherent capabilities have proven especially valuable in controlling sound in the complex 360° seating arrangement.. “The main challenge in this room with 22 hanging speaker systems is the noise pollution when combining them”, explains Pauli Molnar, Intersonic sales director.

The inherent cardioid capability of the L2 helps with the long reverb time, especially in the mid-bass and bass. Significantly reduces noise pollution and makes the sound much clearer.

Initially, the team implemented the system in cardioid mode, but later it changed to supercardioid for better service to the public located on the sides, that was located

A key advantage of the L Series system was its smaller form factor compared to other alternatives..

Software controlled precision

The versatility of the L Series system has already proven itself beyond standard concert applications.. In a recent television production at the venue, The engineers used the software Soundvision y LA Network Manager to electronically adjust the L Series D-min configuration. This allowed them to precisely remove coverage from approximately ten first rows where a walkway and discussion area had been built., creating a clean cutoff point for high frequencies without requiring physical rigging adjustments.

“It worked like a charm”, says Oliver Siitari. “I was able to see the exact point where I wanted the sound to start in Soundvision's detailed CAD integration, and it was like cutting with a knife: high frequencies suddenly returned right where they were needed. Before, we had to mute the lower speakers and try to tilt the arrangements, which was neither fast nor efficient”.

Subwoofer layout provides greater flexibility, with four KS28 hung in the center of the venue that can operate in cardioid or omnidirectional mode, depending on seating configuration and program material. “Especially with subwoofers, the enclosures of 360 grades are difficult in many ways”, adds Siitari, Head of Sound at the Helsinki Music Center. “But put them all in the same place, in the exact center, works best in this room”.

“L2 coverage and tonality have been exceptional”, confirm Tossavainen. “Those who have mixed here before and return now have only given positive feedback. There are many things happening that are invisible to the naked eye., such as dramatically improving clarity and definition throughout the room, which has been a big part of the success. I think we are now at a point where all teams, including those who previously worried about the visual impact, recognize the value of the system, and the results speak for themselves”.