The Hippodrome de Longchamp pulsed with energy this summer as Solidays Music Festival marked its 25th year, drawing a record-breaking 260,000 attendees. At the heart of this sonic spectacle? L-Acoustics professional sound systems, ensuring every beat and every message rang out with crystal clarity.
Solidays isn’t just about the music – it’s a movement. For a quarter-century, this unique festival has fused chart-topping performances with powerful advocacy, raising funds and awareness for AIDS prevention and support. “L-Acoustics has been our go-to choice for Solidays for over 15 years,” said Samuel Birais, Site Manager for B Live, the L-Acoustics Certified Provider supplying audio for the event. “Their professional sound systems consistently deliver the punch and precision required for such a diverse lineup of artists.”
To create powerful, consistent sound over multiple stages spanning from intimate 1,000-person areas to the massive 50,000-strong main stage, B Live rose to the occasion, using L-Acoustics technology from the design phase through to show management. The design process began with Soundvision, which allowed B Live to plan systems to match the various audience configurations. For rapid and precise calibration, the team leaned on the P1 processor and M1 measurement suite, while show control was managed through LA Network Manager. “This integrated approach allowed us to achieve our objectives of covering all audiences as fully as possible, with the best sound quality in terms of SPL and contour,” Birais added.
The main stage system featured an impressive array of L-Acoustics K Series loudspeakers, including left/right hangs of four K1-SB subwoofers over 12 K1 with two K2 down. A further 24 KS28 subs were ground-stacked in front of the stage, while 28 K2 were used as out-fills with 14 Kara II and A10 for in-fills. Delay systems consisted of 16 K2 and six Kara II, while X12 and X8 provided concert-grade sound to the VIP area. The main stage system was driven by LA12X amplified controllers using Milan-AVB networking.
“With L-Acoustics professional sound systems, we’re able to craft exceptional audio experiences,” Birais explained. “The system’s flexibility allows us to adapt to various musical styles, from pulsing EDM sets to soul-stirring acoustic performances, ensuring optimal sound quality for every act.”
