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Bletchley Park, the legendary World War II codebreaking heritage site and museum, has further enriched its visitor experience with the opening of the Fellowship Auditorium. This purpose-built venue, unveiled in October 2023, is the latest addition to the Milton Keynes site. The auditorium features 250 seats and is part of a broader development that includes the Diesel House reception area and the Radley Room social space, as well as a new Learning Centre.

The auditorium’s distinctive 180-degree radial seating arrangement presented unique acoustic challenges that required expert attention. L-Acoustics Certified Provider Adlib won the tender to supply the complete audio solution for the space. Tim Robinson, System Designer at Adlib explains that speech intelligibility was paramount for this installation. "The unique configuration of the space, with seats arranged in a 180-degree arc around the stage, meant that crystal-clear speech reproduction was essential. As primarily a lecture venue, every seat needed perfect intelligibility."

L-Acoustics Soundvision played a crucial role in the system design process, enabling Adlib to model and verify proposed solutions while providing visualisation tools that helped other trades understand the final implementation. "Soundvision was invaluable not just for technical modelling, but also for helping everyone involved visualise the end result," Robinson explains. "Being able to show realistic 3D renders to the client and other contractors made a huge difference in communicating our vision for the space and coordinating with other trades who are not used to dealing with professional loudspeaker systems."

The project presented unique design considerations where the primary objective was to ensure sound would come from directly in front of every listener, rather than being biased towards one ear or another. This led to an innovative approach using a monaural system with a single source.

The installation comprises six horizontally arrayed L-Acoustics A10i Wide constant curvature enclosures providing the requisite 180 degrees of coverage, complemented by two KS21i compact subwoofers. The system is powered by LA4X and LA2Xi amplified controllers, providing precise control and optimal performance across the entire frequency range. The horizontal array configuration, facilitated by A10i-LIFT rigging elements and various linking plates, ensures even coverage throughout the space.

"We knew a fixed-curvature line source would be perfect for this application," says Robinson. "The coverage pattern of the A10i Wide was exactly what we needed, and its compact size meant we could achieve excellent results without overwhelming the space. The adjustable HF pattern control was particularly useful in managing reflections from the ceiling and the optional front screens were specified to minimise the system’s visual impact."

Users have been highly impressed with the system. While speech intelligibility was the primary focus of the installation, it has surpassed expectations in both performance and versatility. Its outstanding quality has even led internal event managers to plan a conference featuring a live musical performance, confident in the PA system’s capabilities.

The successful integration of L-Acoustics technology at Bletchley Park's Fellowship Auditorium demonstrates how modern sound reinforcement solutions can enhance historical venues while respecting their unique character and requirements. The installation sets new standards for audio clarity in educational and cultural spaces, ensuring that visitors to this historic site can fully engage with its rich history and ongoing legacy.

About L-Acoustics

L-Acoustics has been shaping the future of sound since 1984 through trailblazing innovation. Our European-designed and manufactured solutions deliver premium sound experiences from the most intimate immersive spaces to the largest stages. L-Acoustics is the #1 brand chosen by the world’s largest music festivals and installed in over 13,000 premium venues from music halls, theaters, and sports entertainment to wellness, hospitality, homes and yachts.

Our team of 1,000 employees, including 20% in design, research, and development, conceives the industry’s most award-winning and transformative sound reinforcement technologies, including the modern line source array V-DOSC, L-ISA immersive hyperreal solutions, and the eco-conscious, performance-leading L Series. These technologies have led to the company being honored with a Decibels d’Or and featured in Fast Company’s most innovative companies.

With major hubs in Paris, Los Angeles, London, and Singapore, and a network of trained service providers present in 80 countries, our technologies power the most demanding live events and memorable sound experiences: from Adele’s Las Vegas residency to the world's largest sports events, from the Zaha Hadid-designed Guangzhou Opera House to the Philharmonie de Paris Concert Hall.

About Bletchley Park

Bletchley Park is a vibrant heritage attraction and museum, open daily to visitors. It was the home of British World War Two codebreaking; a place where technological innovation and human endeavour came together to made ground-breaking achievements that have helped shape the world we live in today.

This unique site was previously a vast Victorian estate, where parts including the Mansion still survive, expanding during wartime to accommodate Codebreakers Huts and Blocks. During World War Two, the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS), now known as the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), was based at Bletchley Park.

It grew from a small team of specialists to a vast intelligence factory of thousands of dedicated women and men. This extraordinary combination of brilliant and determined people and cutting-edge technology contributed significantly to Allied victory. In tough conditions, they provided vital intelligence and developed pioneering technological innovation that had a direct and profound influence on the outcome of the war.

The site continues to reveal secrets and tell fascinating stories of our national legacy.
www.bletchleypark.org.uk