Teatr Syrena in Warsaw, Poland has transitioned to an L-ISA immersive audio system, upgrading its existing L-Acoustics installation without retiring any original components.
The project, delivered by Audio Plus, builds on a system first installed in 2016 and demonstrates how legacy infrastructure can be reconfigured to support object-based spatial audio.
The theatre, known for its focus on musical productions, required an upgrade that would expand spatial capabilities while maintaining continuity across its existing inventory. The result is a full L-ISA configuration delivered in under a week, with every loudspeaker and amplifier from the original system remaining in active use.
From stereo reinforcement to object-based audio
The move to L-ISA introduces object-based mixing, allowing performers and instruments to be positioned spatially across the stage rather than constrained to a traditional left-right stereo image.
Jakub Kowalik, tech and sales representative at Audio Plus, said: “L-ISA’s object-based mixing allows instruments and performers on stage to be positioned with far greater precision, producing a more realistic and spatially accurate experience. At the same time, the increased number of front arrays allows overall volume levels to be reduced without any loss of impact, creating a comfortable listening experience.”
Expanding the system without replacing it
A key requirement of L-ISA is the use of multiple front arrays. To meet this, the original four ARCS II arrays were replaced in the main hang with five arrays of A10i Focus and A10i Wide, enabling a Scene System configuration.
Rather than removing the ARCS units, Audio Plus redeployed them within the system. Two now operate as rear stage monitors, while the remaining pair function as side-fills. Existing X8 surrounds, SB18i subwoofers, and X12 loudspeakers were also retained and reassigned, ensuring continuity across the system.
The upgrade also extended the front-fill system, adding an additional 5XT to improve coverage for front-row seating.
Managing legacy infrastructure
One of the more complex aspects of the upgrade was integrating older amplification with newer networked audio protocols. The existing LA8 amplified controller, which predates Milan-AVB networking, was retained and reassigned to drive the subwoofer system via an AES/EBU feed from the L-ISA Processor II.
Only two additional amplifiers, an LA4X and an LA2Xi, were introduced, alongside an LS10 network switch. This approach minimised cost and system disruption while enabling full L-ISA functionality.
Lukasz Kazmierczak, head of projects and installation at Audio Plus, said: “Using the existing infrastructure, we were able to significantly expand the theatre’s technical capabilities with relatively few additional resources. It was far more cost-effective than replacing the entire system.”
Rapid deployment in a live production environment
The full installation was completed in under a week, with much of the preparation carried out offsite to minimise disruption to the theatre’s schedule. System integration was led by Audio Plus, with post-installation tuning and training delivered in collaboration with L-Acoustics.
Kowalik added: “Ten years on, every piece of equipment we installed at Syrena is still working - and now it is part of one of the finest immersive audio installations in the country.”