d&b upgrades sound at Finland’s Sibelius Hall

Sibelius Hall in Lahti, Finland, has upgraded its sound system with a d&b audiotechnik solution designed to support its varied programme of orchestral performances, amplified music and speech events.

A new XSL and U-Series system brings greater control, consistent coverage and flexible deployment to the 1,250-seat concert venue.

Home to the Lahti Symphony Orchestra, the venue is renowned for its acoustics. However, its ageing sound system was struggling to provide consistent tonal quality across an increasingly diverse range of productions. The reverberant auditorium and bowl-shaped rear seating also presented challenges with reflections and sound build-up on stage.

Following demonstrations of several systems, the venue selected d&b for its cardioid performance, software, reliability and support. The technical team’s existing experience with d&b equipment elsewhere in the building was another factor in the decision.

Installed by system integrator Oulun Kongressitekniikka Oy, the new system combines XSL8 loudspeakers and XSL-SUBs in the main left/right configuration, with two SL-SUBs at the stage front providing additional low-frequency support. U3 loudspeakers provide front fills, balcony delays and fills, alongside Y7P and Y10P point sources.

ArrayProcessing helps address the hall’s complex seating geometry, while the system’s directional control reduces sound spill onto the stage. The result is a more controlled environment for performers and clearer, more consistent sound for audiences.

Flexibility was also central to the brief. Touring racks and carts enable parts of the system to be moved to the lobby or congress centre when required.

“The system has been designed so that it can live in the main hall most of the time, but it’s straightforward to take parts of it to the lobby or the congress centre,” explains technical producer Jukka-Pekka Nissinen. “That mobility was a deliberate requirement.”

The upgrade provides the dynamic range and headroom needed for amplified performances, while retaining clarity and natural sound for speech and orchestral applications.

d&b audiotechnik is a Supporting Member of ISCVE.