Le Pin Galant adopts L-Acoustics L2 system in major audio upgrade

Background and context

Le Pin Galant, a 1,400-seat performing arts venue in Mérignac on the outskirts of Bordeaux, has completed a full sound system renewal after more than three decades with its previous setup.

The venue, which attracts close to 100,000 visitors each year, hosts a mix of music, dance, theatre, comedy and corporate events. In 2025 it became part of the Fimalac Entertainment network of venues, prompting a review of its technical infrastructure.

The existing V-DOSC system from L-Acoustics, installed in the 1990s, had been central to the venue’s reputation for sound quality. However, growing production requirements and more complex touring shows pushed the team to look for a modern replacement that could handle a broader range of uses.

Key announcement

The venue has now installed a new system built around L-Acoustics’ L Series, designed and integrated by regional provider Audio Pro. The project was driven by the need to have the new system ready for the start of the 2025–2026 season in September, a key period for cultural venues in France.

Audio Pro used L-Acoustics’ Soundvision software to model the auditorium and plan loudspeaker placement, amplifier settings, equalisation and delay in advance. This pre-configuration work aimed to minimise on-site adjustment and keep the installation within a tight delivery window.

The main system consists of one L2 and one L2D enclosure per side for left and right hangs. Low-frequency coverage is handled by eight KS28 subwoofers, with four flown per side in cardioid configuration to control bass energy in the room.

A central cluster of one A15 Wide and one A15 Focus is used to reinforce speech-focused events, while two Syva and two Syva Low cabinets provide additional in-fill coverage. Eight X6i loudspeakers are installed as front-fills to support the seats closest to the stage.

Amplification and processing are provided by four LA7.16i, two LA12X and four LA4X amplified controllers, with system management via two P1 processors. The network backbone uses four LS10 audio network switches and one LC16D format converter, enabling Milan-AVB as the primary protocol while maintaining connectivity with existing digital infrastructure and feeds to other rooms and monitor amplifiers.

The entire system is supervised through LA Network Manager software, giving the in-house team central control of routing, monitoring and configuration.

Industry impact

The upgrade at Le Pin Galant reflects a broader shift in theatre and performing arts venues towards networked, Milan-AVB-based audio infrastructures and more flexible line source systems. By replacing a long-serving V-DOSC rig with L2, the site joins an early group of European venues adopting the newer L-Acoustics platform.

The installation is likely to serve as a regional reference point, particularly for mid-size auditoriums needing to support both touring productions and in-house events without frequent reconfiguration. According to Audio Pro, neighbouring venues are already looking at similar projects inspired by the Mérignac deployment.

The system’s first major test came two weeks after commissioning, during two sold-out concerts by French artist Calogero in late September. The shows provided an early demonstration of the rig’s performance with a high-demand touring production.

Why this matters

For event and venue professionals, the Le Pin Galant project highlights several current trends: the move from legacy line arrays to newer, high-density formats; the standardisation around Milan-AVB for distribution; and the growing importance of detailed predictive modelling before installation.

The choice to build a system that can serve orchestral concerts, amplified music, spoken-word events and corporate bookings without substantial re-rigging underlines the pressure on venues to maximise room utilisation.

For L-Acoustics, the project extends a relationship with Le Pin Galant that dates back more than 30 years, and positions L2 as a replacement option for ageing V-DOSC systems in comparable venues. More information on the L2 platform is available via the manufacturer’s official website at l-acoustics.com.

The Mérignac venue now has a contemporary audio infrastructure aligned with current touring expectations, giving it scope to attract a broader range of productions within the Bordeaux metropolitan area.