For nearly 140 years, Nalen has hosted performances that have shaped Swedish culture—from the legendary artists who graced its stage in the 1950s and 60s to the diverse lineup of contemporary acts that keeps its calendar filled with more than 100 concerts and events each year.
But a historic venue comes with historic challenges. The architectural constraints of the 19th-century concert hall—strict weight limits, sightline restrictions, and its protected building status—meant that the aging sound system needed to be replaced with something both powerful and ingenious.
Working with consultant Fredrik Martinsson of Comet Audio, Nalen assessed these challenges and identified the requirements for a premium solution. Several integrators were asked to propose systems. JLE Audio AB, an L-Acoustics Certified Provider with more than 20 years of experience with the brand, was selected for the strength of their proposal and the confidence Nalen and Comet placed in their expertise.
JLE recommended the L-Acoustics L Series, a system designed to overcome what conventional installations could not: delivering premium audio coverage while respecting the very constraints that make Nalen architecturally irreplaceable.
The venue is no stranger to L-Acoustics. For years, L-Acoustics systems have served Nalen’s performance spaces with distinction. But technology evolves, and the system in the main concert hall—over a decade old—had reached the point where an upgrade made sense. Nalen needed something capable of handling the demands of modern touring artists, controlling problematic reverberations bouncing off the side walls, and doing so within a ceiling weight limit of 200 kg.
An iconic venue with several challenges
Nalen’s acoustic renovation presented a unique set of challenges. The first obstacle was the aforementioned side-wall reflections, which reduced acoustic clarity and caused uneven coverage throughout the space. Added to this was a strict ceiling weight limit of just over 200 kg, as well as height and sightline restrictions. Perhaps most importantly, the venue is classified as a historic building, meaning that many architectural modifications typically used to address such issues were not viable.
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We needed a high-end solution that could deliver maximum power with a minimal footprint. The system had to be sustainable, long-lasting, and capable of meeting the complex needs of a wide range of artists, explains Johannes Jonsson, CEO and sound engineer at JLE Audio AB, an L-Acoustics Certified Provider who led the installation.
From demonstration to reality
The original project timeline was affected by the pandemic, but this delay ultimately proved beneficial. When the project was first conceived, L-Acoustics had not yet launched the L Series. However, by the time work resumed two years ago, the L Series was available—and turned out to be the ideal solution. “Nalen was specifically interested in this line from the outset”, notes Jonsson. “They knew it would meet their needs”.
JLE used Soundvision to assess the viability of the L2D, mapping all possible options to find the perfect placement. With the proposed design approved, the team arranged a demonstration. Because JLE also rents L-Acoustics equipment, they were able to temporarily install the exact proposed configuration in Nalen’s main hall in January 2025. The results were convincing, and with that, the project was underway.
The installation was executed with precision timing. Nalen closes for one month each summer, but with other renovation work taking place simultaneously, scheduling was critical. After the final show in late June, the team removed the old system and began installing new cabling—the most time-consuming phase of the project. The JLE team arrived in early August and completed the physical installation in just three days, taking advantage of existing hoist infrastructure and rigging points.
Precision engineering and acoustic innovation
The final deployment consists of one L2D per side, four KS21 subwoofers in cardioid configuration, and two additional A10 Wide for added front impact. It was designed to address every challenge and remain flexible for reconfiguration.
The highly controlled cardioid dispersion of the L2D focuses sound energy on the audience, ensuring full coverage while reducing energy directed toward the side walls. The total weight of the L2D units amounts to 190 kg, well below the ceiling limit.
The subwoofer solution is equally elegant. Four KS21 in cardioid configuration minimize low-frequency energy bouncing off rear and side surfaces and deliver powerful bass response. Finally, the two A10 Wide provide greater front-of-stage impact during rock concerts, and because they can be pole-mounted over the KS21 subwoofers, they are easy to adjust for different types of events.
These configurations may include, for example, a cube setup for concerts with all elements deployed for optimal coverage. For conferences or dinner events where a cleaner stage appearance is preferred, an end-fire subwoofer configuration is available. A third, rarely used configuration allows the foldable stage to be reduced in size for spoken-word events, with front fills repositioned and two subwoofers removed.
The new system is Nalen’s first Milan-AVB installation and represents a significant step forward in the venue’s audio networking technology. The system runs through a P1 processor and three LA7.16i amplified controllers—a compact configuration that delivers exceptional power and control. Audio distribution uses the AVB protocol via an LS10, ensuring reliable, low-latency digital audio transmission with built-in redundancy.
“Nalen is the second L2 installation we’ve completed”, Jonsson says. “The first was in 2024 at Jönköping Concert Hall. There is great interest in this system across Sweden, and we’re pleased to meet this demand”.
Resounding success
The first performance after the system calibration featured artist SYML, and Jonsson stayed on-site to supervise and provide support during the inaugural show. The response from artists, engineers, and venue staff after the performance has been positive.
Everyone is excited about the installation. For many of the visiting technicians and artists, it is their first time working with the L Series, and they are delighted to experience it. We wouldn’t change a thing; we are very satisfied. I’ve known Johannes for years, and his team’s work has been impeccable. After the exhaustive tests we conducted with the actual system in the venue before installation, we were confident it would meet our expectations—and it has done so completely, concludes Eijerstam.
Image descriptions:
- LA_Nalen_1 – Nalen concert venue solves nearly 140 years of acoustic challenges with the L-Acoustics L Series.
- LA_Nalen_2 – The L-Acoustics L Series was chosen as a high-end solution that delivers maximum power with a minimal footprint.
- LA_Nalen_3 – The L-Acoustics sound system delivers premium audio coverage while respecting the constraints that make Nalen architecturally irreplaceable.
- LA_Nalen_4 – Four L-Acoustics KS21 subwoofers in cardioid configuration minimize low-frequency energy bouncing off rear and side surfaces and deliver powerful bass response.
