Belgium - The 2,150-seat Henry Le Bœuf Hall at Brussels' Palais des Beaux-Arts – known by locals as Bozar – now boasts its first ever permanent sound system: a L-Acoustics L-ISA Hyperreal Sound installation featuring the L Series. The inauguration of the new system took place on 2 September, led by Nicolas Bernus, technical production manager at Bozar. On this occasion, Syla and the Belgian National Orchestra performed, with both specialised and general press in attendance.
For decades, amplified performances in the iconic hall relied on rented systems that could never quite match the venue's artistic ambitions. Now, with artists like Sigur Rós, Bob Dylan, Kae Tempest, and Zaho de Sagazan playing its stage this autumn, Bozar has equipped itself with technology that matches its status.
"The new sound system is specifically designed to support Bozar's non-classical music programming," explains Aurore Aubouin, head of music at Bozar. “This installation is also a strategic investment: by having our own permanent system, we no longer need to rely on renting equipment, allowing us to deliver the highest-quality experience to both artists and audiences."
At the core of this upgrade is L-Acoustics' L-ISA technology, which allows sound engineers to position individual instruments and vocals with pinpoint accuracy across the listening area. Working with L-Acoustics certified provider XLR and integrator ARTO, Bozar chose to move into immersive audio.
"While the initial request was for a traditional stereo configuration, it 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 a L-ISA configuration is the only solution that could provide uncompromising tonal balance, clarity, and realism for every seat in the hall."
"This new system transforms the way audiences experience music at Bozar," adds Bernus. "The L-ISA spatial audio technology allows us to create a truly frontal realistic soundscape where every detail of the performance is delivered with stunning clarity and depth. It's a major leap forward that aligns Bozar with the highest international standards, ensuring our audiences enjoy an unparalleled listening experience."
Using Soundvision modelling software, the team mapped coverage for every seat across the auditorium's curved geometry and multiple balconies. The final configuration features five precisely positioned hangs of L2D loudspeakers, paired with two centrally flown hangs of four KS28 subwoofers that deliver low-end without overwhelming the hall's natural acoustics.
Strategic placement of two Syva and two Syva Low cabinets at the stage edges broadens the sonic spectrum for orchestra seating, while a carefully distributed network of 15 compact 5XT enclosures along the stage lip and balcony fronts ensures crystal-clear intelligibility even in the front rows. The entire system is powered by LA7.16i, LA7.16, and LA12X amplified controllers that provide abundant headroom and surgical precision across every frequency range.
"The L-Acoustics L Series handles Bozar's diverse programming effortlessly," notes Lukusa. "Whether it's classical, pop, rock, jazz, or urban productions, the system adapts instantly. The ease of deployment offers highly valuable time savings, and the L-ISA Processor's control tools make it adaptable to any configuration. We can switch from a hyperrealistic immersive system to a stereo configuration with a single click."
Bozar and XLR are preparing to extend the immersive experience to the venue's Salle M, which will receive a 360° immersive A10 system early next year.
