L-Acoustics, industry leaders in designing and manufacturing sound systems and technology, has shared how its L2 line source is being to drive the sound system at Arènes de Grand Paris Sud, the first official esports team home arena in Europe.
Arènes de Grand Paris Sud is the result of the €35 million renovation of Les Arènes de l'Agora, and brings a new cutting-edge cultural and sporting destination to southern Paris.
The arena, which has a capacity of up to 3,000 spectators, was envisaged as a versatile performance venue and regularly transforms from a seated theatre to a standing concert hall, sports venue, or central-stage esports arena. Notably, it became the first arena in Europe to be named as an official home venue to an esports team when it was commissioned by France's Karmine Corp.
Its varied programming includes live music, theatre, martial arts, conferences, and digital competitions, and requires a professional sound system that can adapt instantly to any configuration.
To meet this challenge, the arena engaged AV consultants Concept K, which partnered with Fleik, specialists in audiovisual integration consulting, and Monitoring Potar Hurlant for system integration.
Jérémie Kokot, co-founder at Fleik, says: "Versatility and modularity were the guiding principles from the start. The venue needed an audio solution capable of delivering consistent, high-quality sound across very different configurations, whether for a symphony, a rock concert, a basketball game, or a high-energy esports match."
Adaptable system
©Grand Paris Sud
The key issue at this location was to ensure immaculate coverage in a space designed for rapid reconfiguration. The arena's modular construction necessitated a powerful yet discreet installation, with great performance without impacting sightlines. Mounting restrictions required the system to merge seamlessly with the building's shape while also providing rapid adaptation for numerous stage setups.
To fulfil these requirements, Fleik and Concept K specified a system centred on the L-Acoustics L2 line source.
"L-Acoustics systems offer powerful tools such as Dmin/Dmax which allow the gauge to be precisely adjusted according to the event configuration. This provided us with great flexibility with perfectly controlled sound coverage, whether the venue is hosting an intimate concert or a large-scale esports competition. The compactness of L2 was also a determining factor in the final choice," says Kokot.
"The roof structure and bleacher positions demanded a system that could be flown relatively low without obstructing views. L2's form factor and sonic power made it ideal."
Prior to installing the system, the crew optimised performance using L-Acoustics Soundvision software. Audience areas were designed in Vectorworks before being exported to Soundvision to simulate various scenarios.
"Soundvision allowed us to anticipate acoustic challenges and fine-tune coverage. This streamlined calibration and reduced risks, making deployment far more efficient," says Kokot.
The completed design employs two L2 modules to cover the upper seating tiers, accompanied by two L2D modules to provide even coverage across the lower levels. Four KS28 subwoofers flown in a cardioid configuration adjacent to the L2 deliver powerful yet controlled low end.
A central cluster of two A15 Focus offers additional energy for the front rows, while an A15 paired with an X12 per side provides out-fill. For the very first rows, eight X8 front-fills bring clarity and balance, smoothly combining with the larger system.
Monitoring is managed by six X12 speakers. System management is anchored by an L-Acoustics P1 processor, which ensures adaptable connectivity with the venue's Yamaha DM7 mixing console or any visiting desk, while guaranteeing reliability and straightforward workflow. Processing is managed by four LA7.16i, two LA12X and five LA4X.
'Exceptional clarity and consistency'
Another important design decision was full integration into a unified AV network. Concept K recommended a Luminex-based infrastructure to support Milan-AVB, including redundancy across primary and secondary networks.
This integration connects audio, lighting, video, and intercom systems, providing reliable, low-latency synchronisation across all technologies while maintaining cost effectiveness and scalability for the future. All L-Acoustics electronics use Milan-AVB technology, which ensures flawless integration throughout the system.
Throughout the design process, Fleik communicated closely with the L-Acoustics applications team.
"Their support was invaluable in defining the best possible deployment," says Kokot. "It was a genuine partnership that ensured the system delivered exactly what the venue required."
As the venue uses freelance professionals already familiar in L-Acoustics workflows, it saw fast adoption. Operators have quickly adapted to the new system and use LA Network Manager and associated tools to streamline their daily tasks. Additionally, initial reactions from productions and artists have been overwhelmingly favourable.
Lucas Paez, director, Arènes de Grand Paris Sud, says: "The system delivers exceptional clarity and consistency. Whether hosting esports tournaments with Valorant RIOT Games, a Karmine Corp match, or a touring concert, the sound has been universally praised. It adapts seamlessly to every configuration."
The arena's operating efficiency has already increased due to the L2-based solution's adaptability. Faster turnover and more scheduling flexibility are made possible by the system's reduction of setup and calibration time between productions. As a result, technical teams save time and incoming shows experience smoother transitions.
Crucially, the positions the Arènes de Grand Paris Sud as a future-ready venue.
Kokot says: "This audio system ensures the arena can accommodate the most demanding productions while remaining adaptable to evolving audiovisual standards. It secures the venue's reputation as a leading destination for culture, sport, and digital entertainment in the Paris region."
Recently, L-Acoustics announced its strategic investment in MagREEsource, a company offering patented technologies for the manufacture of rare earth permanent magnets.
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