Almost a century after Victor Horta designed its majestic spaces, the legendary Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels — known locally as Bozar — is once again making history.
The 2,150-seat Henry Le Bœuf Hall now features its first permanent sound system: an innovative L-Acoustics L-ISA Hyperreal Sound installation equipped with the high-performance L Series system, promising to redefine the live music experience in one of Europe’s most prestigious venues.
The inauguration of the new system took place on September 2, led by Nicolas Bernus, Technical Production Manager at Bozar. Syla and the Belgian National Orchestra performed for the occasion, with both specialized and general media in attendance.
For decades, amplified performances in the iconic hall relied on rented systems that never fully matched the venue’s artistic ambitions. Now, with world-class artists such as Sigur Rós, Bob Dylan, Kae Tempest and Zaho de Sagazan taking the stage this autumn, Bozar has equipped itself with technology that finally matches its legendary status.
The new sound system is designed to support Bozar’s non-classical music programming. This autumn, we are proud to welcome Sigur Rós (23 & 24 September), Kae Tempest (12 October), Bob Dylan (26 & 28 October) and Zaho de Sagazan (23 & 24 October), as well as Scylla with the BNO (6, 7 & 10 November), among many other top-tier artists. This installation is also a strategic investment: with a permanent system, we no longer depend on rented equipment, allowing us to offer the highest quality to both artists and audiences, explains Aurore Aubouin, Head of Music at Bozar.
Pioneering innovation with L-ISA immersive technology
At the heart of this upgrade lies L-Acoustics’ L-ISA technology, which allows sound engineers to position instruments and voices with pinpoint precision throughout the listening area. Working closely with XLR, an L-Acoustics Certified Provider, and integrator ARTO, Bozar chose to go beyond traditional stereo configurations and step directly into the future of immersive audio.
“While the initial request was for a traditional stereo configuration, it soon became clear that the most meaningful choice was to invest in Hyperreal Sound”, explains Louis Lukusa, CEO of XLR. “The L-Acoustics L Series system in an L-ISA configuration is the only solution capable of delivering impeccable tonal balance, clarity and realism in every seat of the hall”.
“This new system transforms the way audiences experience music at Bozar”, adds Bernus. “L-ISA spatial audio technology allows us to create a truly realistic frontal soundscape, where every detail of a performance is delivered with stunning clarity and depth. It is a major leap forward that aligns Bozar with the highest international standards, ensuring an unrivalled listening experience”.
L Series: power and precision in perfect harmony
The technical achievement is as impressive as it is elegant. Thanks to the Soundvision modelling software, the team mapped coverage for every seat, taking into account the curved geometry of the auditorium and its multiple balconies. The final configuration includes five precisely positioned vertical L2D loudspeaker arrays, along with two central flown arrays of four KS28 subwoofers delivering powerful low-end without overwhelming the hall’s natural acoustics.
The strategic placement of two Syva and two Syva Low cabinets at the stage edges broadens the sonic spectrum for the orchestra area, while a distributed network of fifteen compact 5XT enclosures along the stage lip and balcony fronts ensures crystal-clear intelligibility even in the front rows. The system is powered by LA7.16i, LA7.16 and LA12X amplified controllers, which provide abundant headroom and surgical precision across the frequency range.
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Soundvision is the key to success when designing this kind of project. Everything starts there; it is the first and most important step in the L-Acoustics ecosystem. With our extensive experience designing and installing L-Acoustics systems, we know we can rely on Soundvision — what we see is what we will hear, Lukusa emphasizes.
Solving the impossible: mastering a lively acoustic
The lively acoustic character of Henry Le Bœuf Hall has always posed a challenge for sound engineers, but the new L Series system has turned this challenge into an advantage. The system ensures everything is heard with total clarity and uniformity all the way to the back rows, without needing to increase volume or triggering more reverberation than the hall naturally produces.
“The L-Acoustics L Series handles Bozar’s diverse programming effortlessly”, notes Lukusa. “Whether classical, pop, rock, jazz or urban productions, the system adapts instantly. Its ease of deployment provides valuable time savings, and the L-ISA Processor’s control tools make it adaptable to any configuration. We can switch from a hyperreal immersive system to a stereo configuration with a single click”.
A partnership built on excellence
The installation benefited from the full support of the L-Acoustics Applications team, who worked alongside XLR from initial design through final calibration. Training was essential: Bozar’s technical staff completed specialized courses at the L-Acoustics Education Centre to ensure full mastery of their new sound tool.
The investment does not end here. Bozar and XLR are already working to bring this immersive experience to Salle M, which will be equipped with a 360° A10 immersive system early next year. This will provide the venue with a complete ecosystem of cutting-edge audio technology.
“It is a long-term investment”, says Lukusa. “By offering artists, producers and audiences the most advanced sound system available, Bozar is positioning itself at the forefront of the international scene”.
This system represents a major step forward in Bozar’s technical capabilities. With L-ISA spatial audio, we can create an immersive soundscape where every nuance of a performance reaches every seat with impressive clarity. It is a leap that brings Bozar in line with the highest international standards and enhances our ability to host a wide range of artists and productions, concludes Bernus.
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Image descriptions
- LA_Bozar_1 – The historic Henry Le Bœuf Hall at Bozar now features an innovative L-Acoustics L-ISA Hyperreal Sound installation with the high-performance L Series system.
- LA_Bozar_2 ©Alexandre – L-ISA technology allows engineers to position instruments and voices with precision throughout the listening area.
- LA_Bozar_3 ©Alexandre – The L Series system in an L-ISA configuration provides uncompromising tonal balance, clarity and realism for every seat in the hall.
- LA_Bozar_4 – The inauguration of the new sound system was led by Nicolas Bernus, accompanied by a performance from Syla and the Belgian National Orchestra.
- LA_Bozar_5 – XLR delivers an immersive hyperreal sound experience with the L Series system, transforming the connection between audiences and live music.
- LA_Bozar_6 – The team used L-Acoustics’ Soundvision software to map coverage for every seat in the auditorium.
