Alpexpo has transformed Grenoble’s arenas and intimate live venue into a 'box in a box' concept that carves out a 3389 sq m auditorium within their existing Greater Hall, powered by an L-Acoustics L Series professional sound system.
This architectural feat transforms what was once a traditional exhibition space into a chameleon-like venue that adapts between intimate seated concerts for 1,495 and energetic standing shows for 2,100.
"Our challenge was creating an adaptable system that could be everything to everyone – pristine audio whether hosting a morning keynote or an evening concert – and the transformation had to be instant," recalls Antoine Maurel, sales & installation manager at L-Acoustics certified partner M+ Equipment, part of M Group. "They wanted to build a complete auditorium inside their existing hall”
The challenge went beyond mere logistics. For over five decades, Alpexpo—a venue with Olympic heritage dating to 1968—has served as the Alps region's premier event destination. But evolving audience expectations and a growing demand for venues that could handle everything from stand-up comedy to hybrid and immersive multimedia experiences, the traditional approach no longer sufficed. “With the existing attachment points, we needed to have a lightweight and efficient system adapted to the type of events, hence the L2,” Maurel adds.
The weight-to-power ratio of the L Series means the team could deploy a full concert-grade line array system: two L2D arrays as the main system, complemented by three flown KS21 subwoofers per side in cardioid configuration for controlled low-frequency management. A centre cluster featuring A10 Wide and A10 Focus speakers ensures perfect coverage for the first audience rows.
The installation includes monitoring systems with permanently hung A10 speakers and mobile X8 units, plus six additional X8 speakers for stage lip coverage when needed. Every element was meticulously modeled using Soundvision software, giving stakeholders—including venue management, structural engineers, and government consultants—complete confidence in the coverage and performance.