Compact L2 System Delivers Arena-Scale Impact Across Diverse Venues in UK and Northern Europe

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – December 2024
L-Acoustics showcased the power and versatility of its L Series sound system on Il Divo’s recent UK and Northern European tour. The globally renowned classical crossover quartet, celebrated for their powerful vocals blending classical and pop genres, relied on the L Series to deliver consistent, high-quality sound across an array of venues—from intimate theatres to to concert halls and major arenas

Adlib Audio Ltd, providing its first full-service audio, lighting, and video solution for Il Divo, designed a flexible audio system centred around the L-Acoustics L Series. The setup featured main hangs of up to three L2 and one L2D enclosures per side, supported by 12 KS28 subwoofers, eight X8, and four X12 fill speakers. For larger venues, the configuration expanded to include Kara II side hangs with additional KS28 subwoofers, and in arenas like Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome, K1 arrays were introduced for the main hangs, with L2 serving effectively as side hangs.

“During planning, we proposed L2 as mains with Kara sides for smaller venues, scaling up to K1 for arenas,” explains Chris Beddall, Il Divo’s FOH Engineer. “L2’s lightness and excellent coverage ensured consistent sound throughout the tour. It was my first time using L2, and I was impressed by its coverage and the smooth high-end detail expected from L-Acoustics. Scaling up to K1 was like reconnecting with an old friend.”

Richie Nicholson of Adlib, who collaborated closely with Beddall, prioritised vocal clarity and coverage consistency. “We selected L2 for its adaptability across various venues. The decision proved transformative for the tour’s audio quality.”

Meeting Challenges with Adaptability

The L Series proved exceptional in managing Il Divo’s wide-ranging musical repertoire. Its cardioid dispersion pattern maintained clean stage sound without affecting flown Kara II side-fills, while delivering the power and precision required for commanding vocal performances.

The team used L-Acoustics Soundvision software to optimise system placement for each venue, addressing challenges like traditional architecture and weight restrictions. “In venues with strict weight limitations, L2’s compact design was instrumental,” notes Billy Bryson, Adlib’s System Engineer. “It allowed us to maintain flown arrays where split configurations would usually be required.”

The compact design also streamlined tour operations. “L2’s reduced weight and size improved truck packing efficiency while maintaining the same truck count,” says Nicholson. “It sped up load-in and load-out procedures, reducing  setup times, and  energy consumption during preparation.”

Arena Impact in a Compact Package

“This tour has proven that L2 can deliver arena-level impact from a theatre-sized package,” adds Bryson. “The adaptability and projection capabilities exceeded expectations, even in larger venues where compact systems often struggle.”

Beddall praised the collaboration with Adlib and the L-Acoustics system. “Working with Adlib’s friendly, experienced team ensured even the toughest days ran smoothly. Special thanks to Billy Bryson, who consistently delivered a fantastic-sounding system. Combining Adlib’s expertise with L-Acoustics PA made this tour seamless and enjoyable.”

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l-acoustics.com