Mexico's National Auditorium updates its sound system with L'Acoustics

Both in the main hall and on the Lunario stage, the K series equipment has been used to replace the original system.

Widely recognized as one of the best concert venues in the world, the National Auditorium of Mexico was built in 1952 as a venue for equestrian events. The building is constructed of riveted iron – the same technique used in the Eiffel Tower– and has undergone numerous renovations over the years. It is known both for its architectural design and for housing the largest pipe organ in Latin America..

The main hall of the enclosure consists of almost 10.000 elevated seats above and around its huge stage of 23 metre, which is mainly used for national and international music concerts and singing festivals, dance and film.

The Lunario, the alternative stage of the National Auditorium, has capacity to 1.200 people and is used for small and medium-sized events. Both spaces have hosted notable companies such as the Vienna Philharmonic, the LA Phil, the English National Ballet, the Bolshoi Ballet, the San Francisco Ballet or the New York Philharmonic.

The venue has also hosted renowned events, as two Miss Universe pageants, multiple film premieres and even the gymnastics competition of the Olympic Games of 1968.

The K series replaces the original system

A few months ago the entire installation has been renovated and a team of L-Acoustics of the K series to replace the original sound system, that he had 12 years.
“We make productions every day. With some 30 millions of people who have attended events here in the last few years 25 years, we knew it was time for a big update”, comments Nico Peláez, Director of Production of the National Auditorium.

After an evaluation of the enclosure, Peláez and his team identified ten projects within the space, encompassing lighting improvements, visual effects, audio and internal installations. Projects were established in order, with audio as a priority.

“The Auditorium has always been known for its extraordinary acoustic properties, so to continue our legacy and remain one of the best concert venues in the world, audio enhancement received top priority”, continues Peláez.

The company has been responsible for the integration of this project Vari International. “L-Acoustics not only fully integrates with existing Auditorium systems, but it is also prepared for the future, allowing you to deploy and configure new items with ease as needed”, clarifies the engineer Juan Francisco Álvarez, Sales Director of Vari International.

For main scenario configuration, Vari supplied two main systems with 14 K1, two K2 down and 12 K2 per side for filling.

Behind the K1 have been placed two systems with eight subwoofers K1-SB, with two other kits of four KS28 subwoofers placed left and right on the stage floor.
Front padding is provided by eight X12s placed in front of the stage edge. Two A15 Focus and two A15 Wide per side provide the side filler for the monitor system. Delays are covered with two six-Kara matrices.

The entire system is powered by 39 LA12X amplified controllers and seven LA4X. Four P1 processors are used for AVB distribution to amplified controllers. last, the scenario monitoring package consists of two ARCS Focus and 22 X15 HiQ.

Lunario Stage

The Lunario consists of two hanging systems, composed of six Kara, and two SB18 subs per side, with four sb28 subs hidden under the stage. Twenty short-throw X8 coaxial enclosures were supplied, which were used as stage monitors and frontfill as needed, with four A10 Wide and four KS21 subs for sidefill. Nine LA4X and one LA12X provide power and control, along with two P1 processors.

The entire audio system is compatible with analog and digital technology using the AVB/Milan protocol, to simplify the distribution of audio and control data, in addition to offering a guaranteed quality without drops in a live sound reinforcement system.

“With the rich history of the National Auditorium, which has hosted events of all scales and sizes, we wanted to offer a sound system that was fully scalable and that really did justice to the legacy of this venue as one of the best concert halls in the world.”, says Álvarez.

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