Stockholm's Nalen Concert Hall gets a modern upgrade with audio from L-Acoustics

The new configuration consists of one L2D per side, four KS21 subwoofers in cardioid configuration and two additional A10 Wide for greater front-end impact. A solution, based on equipment L-Acoustics, that was designed to overcome any challenge and be easily reconfigured.

JLE Audio AB has implemented the L2D and KS21 systems from L-Acoustics to solve legendary Swedish concert hall's sound challenges Nalen.

For almost 140 years, Nalen has been the scene of performances that have shaped Swedish culture: from the legendary artists who performed on its stage in the decades of 1950 y 1960, to the varied programming of contemporary artists that fill their calendar with more than 100 annual concerts and events. But a historic site comes with historic challenges.. The architectural limitations of the 19th century concert hall (strict weight limits, visibility restrictions and its protected building status) They implied that the old sound system needed to be replaced with a powerful and ingenious one..

In collaboration with consultant Fredrik Martinsson from Comet Audio, Nalen evaluated these challenges and identified the requirements for a high-end solution.. Several integrators were asked to propose systems. JLE Audio AB, certified L-Acoustics supplier, was selected for the solidity of its proposal and the trust that Nalen and Comet placed in its experience.

JLE recommended the L-Acousts Series, a system designed to overcome the limitations of conventional installations: offer high-quality audio coverage while respecting the architectural features that make Nalen a unique place.

for years, L-Acoustics systems have provided optimal service in Nalen's performing spaces. However, technology evolves and the main concert hall system, more than a decade old, needed an update. Nalen required a system capable of meeting the demands of modern artist touring, control problematic reflections on side walls and comply with roof weight limit 200 kilos.

Iconic venue with numerous challenges

Nalen's acoustic renovation presented a number of challenges. The first obstacle was the reflections on the side walls, which reduced acoustic clarity and caused uneven coverage throughout the space. This was compounded by a strict roof weight limit of just over 200 kilos, in addition to visibility and height restrictions.

Besides, The site is listed as a historic building., meaning that many of the architectural modifications that would normally be used to solve these problems were not feasible.

“We needed a solution that offered maximum performance with the minimum footprint”, explains Johannes Jonsson, CEO and Sound Engineer of JLE Audio AB, who directed the installation. “The system had to be sustainable, durable and capable of meeting the complex needs of a wide range of artists”.

From demonstration to reality

When the project was conceived, L-Acoustics had not yet launched the L series. By the time work resumed, This was already available and turned out to be the ideal solution. “Nalen showed a particular interest in the L series from the beginning, Jonson.

JLE used Sound vision to evaluate the feasibility of the L2D system, analyzing all possible options to find the best location. Once the design proposed by Soundvision has been approved, the team organized a demonstration. Since JLE also rents equipment from L-Acoustics, was able to temporarily install the exact proposed configuration in the main room of Nalen. The results were convincing and the project was launched.

After the last performance at the end of June, The team removed the old system and began installing the new wiring, the most laborious phase of the project. The JLE team arrived in early August and completed the physical installation in three days, leveraging existing lifting infrastructure and anchor points.

Precision engineering and acoustic innovation

The final configuration consists of one L2D per side, four subwoofers KS21 in cardioid configuration and two A10 Wide additional for greater impact on the front. It was designed to overcome any challenge and be easily reconfigured.

L2D's highly controlled cardioid dispersion focuses sound energy on the audience, ensuring full coverage and reducing energy directed to the side walls. With a total weight of 190 kilos, the L2D is well below the roof weight limit.

Four KS21 subwoofers in cardioid configuration minimize low-frequency energy bouncing off rear and side surfaces, and provide powerful bass response. Besides, Two A10 Wide speakers deliver greater impact at the front of the stage during rock concerts, and thanks to its mounting on supports, above KS21 subwoofers, They easily adapt to different types of events.

These event settings may include, For example, a cubic configuration for concerts, with all elements deployed for optimal coverage. For conferences or dinners where a clearer appearance of the stage is preferred, Front-firing subwoofer configuration available. And a third configuration, less used, allows you to reduce the size of the folding stage for events with presentations, repositioning the front speakers and removing two subwoofers.

This new system is the first Milan-AVB installation from Nalen and represents a significant advance in venue audio networking technology. The entire system works with a processor P1 and three LA7.16i amplified controllers, a compact configuration that offers exceptional power and control. All audio distribution uses the AVB protocol through an LS10, providing reliable, low-latency digital audio transmission with built-in redundancy.

“Nalen is the second L2 installation we have completed”, affirms Jonsson. “The first was in 2024 in the Jönköping concert hall”.