Press Releases

LONDON, UK – November 2024 – London’s O2 Academy Brixton, one of the world's most celebrated and iconic music venues, has raised the bar on its live experience with a permanent L-Acoustics K Series professional sound system. This Grade II listed marvel of architecture, featuring a unique 140-foot domed ceiling, Art Deco interior, and a signature stage, has anchored countless legendary performances since its 1929 debut. From The Clash to Coldplay and Chappell Roan, the best in live music have graced this hallowed stage.

Academy Music Group has now raised the bar, investing in a state-of-the-art audio system for the venue's elite status. After extensive consultations with touring sound engineers and meticulous room modelling, Academy Music Group has once again partnered with Adlib to install a sophisticated L-Acoustics K1 concert sound system. This innovative design ensures world-class audio for O2 Academy Brixton’s diverse schedule, delivering exceptional sonic experiences while radically streamlining tour setups.

L-Acoustics was the ideal choice for its rider-friendly reputation, superior sound quality, and reliability," says Rob Crossland, Installation Project Manager at Adlib. "L-Acoustics Soundvision modelling software was instrumental, allowing us to create an optimal design that overcomes the room's unique challenges.

The major question in the system design was to keep acoustic energy off the deep, flat front of the raked balcony. We overcame this by creating an array with L-Acoustics K1-SB halfway down, allowing us to maintain pattern control of the LF while avoiding mid/high frequency reflections on stage, resulting in a very clean sound, adds Crossland.

The precisely engineered L-Acoustics setup includes dual hangs of four K1-SB, eight K1 and three K2 per side. 16 KS28 subwoofers are ground-stacked on the stage eight per side in four stacks of four. Four A10 Focus are placed across the stage lip to provide front-fill. An additional two A15 Focus per side increase imaging for those stood towards the front. Under balcony fill is catered to by two X8 coaxial loudspeakers and ten A10i Wide. LA12X and LA4X amplified controllers, driven by P1 processors, provide ample power and seamless system management.

O2 Academy Brixton is one of the world’s most prestigious venues and the new L-Acoustics system elevates our audio capabilities to meet the highest standards expected in touring” says Steve Hoyland, Chief Operating Officer at Academy User Group. “Our objective was to have a system that is respected amongst industry professionals to deliver the best-in-class audio, and the K1 does exactly that.

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 850 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 Academy Music Group (AMG)

Academy Music Group (AMG), whose shareholders include LN-Gaiety Holdings Ltd, SJM Concerts and Metropolis Music, is the UK’s leading owner and operator of multi-award winning, nationwide live music, club and entertainment venues. For more information, visit academy-music-group.co.uk.

Academy Music Group venues include: O2 Academy Brixton, London (4,921), O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London (2,000), O2 Forum Kentish Town, London (2,300), O2 Academy Islington, London (800), O2 Academy Birmingham (3,009), O2 Institute Birmingham (1,500), O2 Academy Bristol (1,600 – 1,800 clubs), O2 Academy Bournemouth (1,875), O2 City Hall Newcastle (2,135), O2 Academy Glasgow (2,550), O2 Academy Edinburgh (3,000), O2 Academy Leeds (2,300), O2 Academy Leicester (1,600), O2 Academy Liverpool (1,200), O2 Academy Oxford (1,020), O2 Ritz Manchester (1,500), O2 Academy Sheffield (2,350), O2 Victoria Warehouse Manchester (3,500).

About O2 Academy Brixton

An internationally renowned, Grade II listed, award-winning entertainment venue, O2 Academy Brixton opened in 1929, and provides a magnificent backdrop that lends itself to an electrifying arena-style atmosphere. It has a sloping auditorium floor for superb views, with a vast curved ceiling, iconic stage arch and Art Deco interior. Capacity: 4,921 O2 Academy Brixton 211 Stockwell Road, London, SW9 9SL