Le Pin Galant, one of the leading performing arts centres in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, has completed a major audio upgrade based on L-Acoustics L2, continuing its long-standing relationship with the company after more than 30 years using the iconic V-DOSC system.
The 1,400-seat auditorium, located in Mérignac within the Bordeaux metropolitan area, welcomes nearly 100,000 visitors each year for a diverse programme including music, dance, comedy and theatre.
The upgrade became a priority when Fimalac Entertainment, one of Europe’s leading entertainment venue operators, acquired Le Pin Galant in 2025.
The venue’s technical team had clear objectives: maintain the exceptional sound quality achieved with V-DOSC while adopting technology capable of meeting the demands of modern productions. The goal was to preserve the venue’s reputation, continue attracting top-tier artists, and respond to increasingly complex programming needs, from symphonic concerts to corporate conferences.
Le Pin Galant turned to Audio Pro, L-Acoustics Certified Provider and systems integrator for Nouvelle-Aquitaine, to design and implement the solution. The project also came with a tight deadline: the system needed to be operational for the start of the 2025-2026 cultural season, coinciding with France’s September cultural season launch.
Acoustic precision under a tight schedule
The complexity of the project required meticulous planning, and we relied on Soundvision throughout the design process. Soundvision has been an essential tool for us for years, allowing us to model venues and predict how our systems will perform, explained Philippe Chassereau, Audio Pro’s Sales and Purchasing Manager.
Audio Pro used Soundvision to configure loudspeaker placement, as well as amplifier settings including equalisation and delay. This comprehensive approach saved crucial time during installation by refining the design before the equipment even arrived on site, which proved essential for meeting the demanding schedule.
Designed for versatility
The installed system is centred around the L Series, with one L2 and one L2D enclosure per side for the main left and right hangs. “The system clarity and exceptional coverage that L2 delivers made it the obvious choice to address our main challenge: adapting to different types of events”, said Chassereau.
Eight KS28 subwoofers, four flown per side in cardioid configuration, provide powerful yet controlled low frequencies, enhancing musical performances without overwhelming the space during speech-focused events.
A central cluster comprising one A15 Wide and one A15 Focus adds greater clarity for speech-heavy events, while two Syva and two Syva Low provide fill reinforcement. In addition, eight X6i speakers handle front-fill coverage, ensuring excellent intelligibility even in the seats closest to the stage.
The system is powered by four LA7.16i amplified controllers, two LA12X and four LA4X units, while processing is managed through two P1 processors.
The network infrastructure includes four LS10 audio switches and one LC16D format converter. The latter expands connectivity by acting as a bridge between the Milan-AVB network and legacy digital connections, while also enabling signal distribution to additional rooms and monitor amplifiers throughout the venue.
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The team selected Milan-AVB as the primary protocol, considering it the current benchmark standard for professional sound reinforcement systems. Thanks to L-Acoustics network devices, the system can be managed directly through LA Network Manager, simplifying operations for the venue’s technical team.
Ready for its official debut
The new L-Acoustics system was calibrated and commissioned as scheduled. Two weeks later, it faced its first major test during two sold-out performances by French artist Calogero on September 26 and 27.
“The response from the venue’s technical team, artists and audiences has been very positive”, added Chassereau. “The technical team adapted to the new system remarkably quickly, supported by a comprehensive four-day training programme covering all the modules necessary to operate the system effectively”.
L-Acoustics’ support was also highlighted:
L-Acoustics’ support was essential for this project. We had direct access to company specialists at every stage, from commercial support provided by the sales team to technical expertise from the applications team and logistics coordination. Everyone was committed to meeting the project’s needs and delivering it on time, which made all the difference to its success.
Le Pin Galant is now in a privileged position to attract an even broader range of top-tier artists and productions. “The project is already generating interest from other nearby venues considering similar upgrades”, concluded Chassereau. “We believe this installation is setting a new benchmark for sound across the Bordeaux region”.
Image captions:
- LA_Le Pin Galant_1 – Performing arts centre Le Pin Galant upgrades to L-Acoustics L2 after decades with V-DOSC
- LA_Le Pin Galant_2 – The clarity and exceptional coverage delivered by L-Acoustics L2 made it the ideal choice for accommodating different types of events
- LA_Le Pin Galant_3 – A central cluster comprising one A15 Wide and one A15 Focus adds greater clarity for speech-focused events
- LA_Le Pin Galant_4 – Eight L-Acoustics X6i speakers handle front-fill coverage, ensuring intelligibility even in the seats closest to the stage
