The iconic Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC) has unveiled a state-of-the-art L-Acoustics L-ISA immersive audio system in its Grand Theatre, marking a significant leap forward in the venue’s audio capabilities. Opened in 1989, the HKCC has been a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s cultural landscape, hosting a diverse array of performances from soul-stirring concerts and operas to mesmerizing dance performances and film screenings in its 1,743-capacity, three-tiered Grand Theatre.

Facing the challenge of maintaining its status as a world-class venue and attracting top-tier productions, the HKCC needed a sound system that could deliver unparalleled audio quality while addressing the unique acoustic characteristics of the historic space. The solution came in the form of L-Acoustics L-ISA immersive sound technology, promising to revolutionize the audience experience and future-proof the venue for years to come.

Over the past three decades, HKCC has staged the Hong Kong Film Awards Ceremony and musical classics like The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables. “The Grand Theatre requires the most up-to-date facility inventory to present a range of world-class productions and the best in Chinese performance arts,” explained Charles Chan, Business Development Manager of the Hong Kong office for Rightway Audio Consultants (RAC). “With L-Acoustics immersive sound technology, the Centre will be future-proof.”

Using L-Acoustics Soundvision 3D modelling software, the RAC team meticulously simulated sound coverage and SPL to create an ideal L-ISA immersive sound configuration. This approach not only ensured excellent coverage but also maximized the potential of each speaker in the L-ISA configuration, delivering unrivalled immersive sound.

RAC installed an L-ISA Wide configuration which begins with a Scene System of five hangs of eight L-Acoustics Kara IIi each, with two hangs of 10 Kara IIi per side for extension. Low end definition is provided by two centre-flown hangs of three KS28. Eight 5XT embedded across the stage lip, deliver spatial front-fill. Three arrays of Kiva II are used for delay. The surround system for the ground floor is provided by X8 while the balcony uses 5XT. Onstage, performers receive monitoring from X12 enclosures. The entire system is driven by LA12X, LA4X and LA2Xi amplified controllers and an L-ISA Processor II operating over a Milan-AVB network.

With this significant audio upgrade, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre’s Grand Theatre is poised to offer an unparalleled immersive sound experience, attracting more diverse performances and audiences. As Chan of RAC concluded, “I believe it will attract more people who love sound to attend all the world-class shows the Centre offers.”

This installation not only enhances the Grand Theatre’s technical capabilities but also reinforces Hong Kong Cultural Centre’s position as a premier destination for performing arts in Asia, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of audio technology in the region.

L-Acoustics