Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has inaugurated its new campus in Whitechapel, London, with the launch of NTU London. The venue features a state-of-the-art performance space with a capacity of up to 600 people, equipped with an L-Acoustics Kara II line array professional audio system.
This system employs the same technology used at the world’s largest music festivals while also providing hands-on learning for aspiring live sound engineers.
The system was designed and installed by L-Acoustics Certified Provider Solotech, following a specific request from NTU staff members who are themselves Nottingham campus alumni and wanted to continue their success with L-Acoustics technology.
Educational excellence meets real-world audio standards
Building upon the success of NTU’s Nottingham Metronome venue, where Solotech installed an L-Acoustics Kiva II system in 2018, the London campus required a sound solution that could scale up to meet the needs of its larger performance space, while maintaining the critical educational element of working with industry-standard audio equipment. The venue is designed to serve both as a commercial performance venue for touring acts and as a space where students gain practical experience using the same equipment they will encounter throughout their careers.
The Kara II professional audio system is part of L-Acoustics' renowned K Series, which includes the flagship K1 and K2 systems—the most-requested sound systems by touring artists and festival engineers worldwide. By training on Kara II, students work with technology that shares the same sonic signature and design principles as these industry-standard systems.
We wanted to create an environment where students could transition seamlessly from classroom theory to real-world application. The Kara II system mirrors the professional setups our graduates will use in the field. Having this technology available in-house gives our students a distinct advantage as they enter the industry, says Bryan Rankin, Head of Technical Events at NTU.
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Students will gain comprehensive experience with the entire L-Acoustics ecosystem, including hands-on opportunities to practice rigging the systems, work with the LA Network Manager drive system, and utilise the M1 measurement module for system optimisation. The program also includes training with L-Acoustics Soundvision simulation software, allowing students to model audio coverage and make informed adjustments before physical setup—an increasingly essential skill in the professional audio world.
Urban acoustic isolation challenges solved by precision design
The installation process presented several challenges, particularly related to the venue's height restrictions and the need for acoustic isolation in a densely populated area. The design of the venue included a fully floated room-in-room construction to minimise sound transmission to neighbouring spaces.
With residential buildings and music studios nearby, we needed to go beyond standard isolation techniques. The floating design and specialised mounting solutions allowed us to maintain high-performance levels while ensuring minimal disruption to our neighbours—an absolute necessity in this bustling area of London, says Rankin.
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Whitemark the Acoustic Architects suggested the use of specialised solutions such as acoustic springs (from Christie and Grey) for the main speaker arrays and isolated plates for the subwoofers to mitigate the risk of transmitting vibrations through the concrete floor.
Compact footprint with comprehensive coverage
The system design was carefully optimised using L-Acoustics Soundvision software, enabling Ross Brett, Application Project Manager, and the team to precisely model and adjust the coverage before installation. This digital simulation approach was instrumental in overcoming the venue's architectural constraints and ensuring even sound coverage throughout the space.
The L-Acoustics professional audio system includes two hangs of six Kara II with six flown SB18 subwoofers, three per side behind the main hangs. Two ground-stacked KS28 subwoofers are placed on isolated plates to prevent vibrations on the concrete floor. Eight X12 coaxial enclosures are on hand for monitors, and the whole system is powered by 11 LA2Xi and two LA12X amplified controllers with a P1 processor.
"Height restrictions meant we had to get creative with our design", Rankin continues. "We prioritised even coverage over sheer volume, which was a perfect fit for our educational goals. The Kara II system delivers the high-end sound quality needed for professional performances while also providing an accessible training environment for students".
Professional technology powering next-generation audio careers
For Rankin, the Kara II professional audio system represents more than just a technical solution—it is a cornerstone of NTU educational philosophy.
This system ensures that our students get hands-on experience with the same professional audio systems they'll encounter throughout their careers. Our L-Acoustics professional sound system is not just about delivering great sound; it's about preparing the next generation of audio engineers to excel in the real world by understanding the complete ecosystem of modern audio production, from simulation and setup to performance and measurement, he concludes.
Images:
- LA_NTU_London_01 - NTU London’s 600-capacity performance space is equipped with an L-Acoustics KARA II line array sound system
- LA_ NTU_London_02 - Four flown L-Acoustics SB18 subwoofers are flowing behind the main hangs due to the venue's height restrictions
- LA_ NTU_London_03 - The L-Acoustics sound system was designed to provide exceptional sound coverage across the venue, despite its height limitations
- LA_ NTU_London_04 - The L-Acoustics KARA II system mirrors the professional setups that graduates will use in the field giving them invaluable hands-on experience
- LA_ NTU_London_05 - The floating design and specialised mounting solutions allowed high-performance levels while ensuring minimal disruption to their central London neighbours
- LA_ NTU_London_06 - Nine L-Acoustics X12 speakers are placed across the stage for monitoring
- LA_ NTU_London_07 - Nottingham Trent University’s Institute of Creative Technologies has unveiled its new campus in Whitechapel, London, with the launch of NTU London
