Returning to stages across the country with a new production touring Zéniths and arenas throughout France, David Hallyday performs each night to audiences of between 3,000 and 6,000 people. Blending energetic pop-rock, modern electro textures and intimate ballads, the show demands high levels of clarity, control and dynamic range.
To deliver the precision this repertoire requires, Front-of-House engineer and mixer Stéphane Plisson, with the support of MAWIP, selected a full L-Acoustics K Series concert sound system, supplied by Potar, continuing a collaboration that stretches back nearly four decades.
Plisson’s relationship with the Hallyday family spans many years, including his role as mixer on Johnny Hallyday’s Flashback Tour in 2006. Personally contacted by David for this new phase, Plisson brought in MAWIP — the company he co-manages — to provide the complete audio package.
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I have worked almost exclusively with L-Acoustics since their very first models in 1987. From DOSC and V-DOSC to K1, K2, K3 and now the L Series, I have followed every step of the brand’s development. For this reason, I choose L-Acoustics on the tours I mix, he explains.
Facing the acoustic challenge of arenas and Zéniths
The tour itinerary presents a wide variety of acoustic challenges. Zéniths and mid-sized arenas are known for their complex reverberation profiles, variable audience geometry and unpredictable low-frequency behaviour. Hallyday’s show, driven by a high-precision FOH mix, requires stable SPL, a coherent stereo image and a controlled yet impactful low-end response from front row to upper tier.
“Zéniths are difficult for the low end, which I actually enjoy,” notes Plisson. “I mix with the vibrations, and the audience feels them too. The challenge is to avoid low-end build-up, cancellations and pressure hotspots”. In addition, to support a demanding touring schedule, the system needed to be deployed and calibrated quickly, delivering consistent results regardless of local crew or venue specifics.
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Sculpting the sound: a custom K Series configuration with subtle precision
To meet these requirements, Plisson and MAWIP designed a system architecture based on the power, versatility and musicality of the L-Acoustics K2. The main arrays typically comprise fourteen K2 per side, providing wide bandwidth, generous headroom and articulate mid-frequency performance essential for Hallyday’s dynamic vocal and instrumental arrangements. In venues with rigging limitations, the array is adapted to twelve or ten cabinets while maintaining the target coverage.
Low-frequency impact and control are delivered through a combination of six flown KS21 in omni mode and six ground-stacked KS28 in an end-fire configuration at 60 Hz, carefully spaced to project a clean, directional low end while reducing rearward energy on stage. Eight K3 out-fills extend coverage to the sides, six Kara II in-fills shape the near field, and a combination of three A15 Wide and three X8 cabinets ensures seamless tonal continuity across the lip of the stage.
The system is powered by LA12X amplified controllers housed in custom racks produced by the rental company to streamline network and power connectivity during daily load-ins. Processing flows through a fully redundant Milan-AVB network anchored by a P1 processor, which receives an AES feed from Plisson’s Midas Pro HD96 before distributing audio over AVB via LA-RACK II AVB and LS10 switches.
To ensure a consistent sonic signature from one city to the next, the team relies on L-Acoustics Soundvision. Rigging, coverage, SPL distribution and tonal balance are modelled in advance, while Autofilter and synchronised zoning groups help achieve a predictable and repeatable result, even under tight touring schedules.
Consistent impact, from the first note to the final applause
Three hours. That’s the timeline from truck opening to a fully calibrated system ready for showtime — a testament to both the efficiency of the design and the crew’s familiarity with the workflow. Throughout the tour, the system has performed flawlessly, maintaining a stable FOH reference and consistent show quality across all venues.
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The artist, band members and technical teams have responded very positively to the sonic results, highlighting the clarity of the mix, the precision of the stereo image and the controlled yet impactful low end. Musicians report excellent comfort in their in-ear mixes, while audiences in different venues have experienced consistent coverage and immersive sound.
Reflecting on the production, Plisson’s advice to other sound companies is direct:
Stay flexible, trust your ears, work closely with your system engineer and never underestimate the importance of low-frequency control. And above all, choose a system you truly know and feel comfortable with — it makes all the difference on tour.
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Image descriptions:
- LA_David_Hallyday_1 – L-Acoustics K Series delivers powerful audio on David Hallyday arena tour
- LA_David_Hallyday_2 – David Hallyday shows place high demands on clarity, control and dynamic range, delivered by a full L-Acoustics K Series concert sound system
- LA_David_Hallyday_3 – The main arrays typically comprise fourteen K2 per side, delivering wide bandwidth, generous headroom and articulate mid-frequency performance essential for Hallyday’s dynamic arrangements
- LA_David_Hallyday_4 – Hallyday’s show, driven by a high-precision FOH mix, calls for stable SPL, a coherent stereo image and a controlled yet impactful low-end response from front row to upper tier
- LA_David_Hallyday_5 – Three hours: the timeline from truck opening to a fully calibrated L-Acoustics system ready for showtime
- LA_David_Hallyday_6 – Throughout the tour, the L-Acoustics system has delivered without failure, maintaining stable FOH reference and consistent show quality
- LA_David_Hallyday_7 – Low-frequency impact and control are achieved with six flown KS21 in omni mode and six ground-stacked KS28 in an end-fire configuration at 60 Hz
- LA_David_Hallyday_8 – A combination of three A15 Wide and three X8 cabinets ensures seamless tonal continuity across the lip of the stage
- LA_David_Hallyday_9 – Front-of-House engineer and mixer Stéphane Plisson chooses L-Acoustics K Series supplied by Potar, continuing a partnership of nearly four decades
- LA_David_Hallyday_10 – Front-of-House engineer and mixer Stéphane Plisson and David Hallyday on tour
