A new pop-up performance space specialising in comedy, Pavilion Naftule recently completed its debut season in Lausanne’s Place Bellerive using L-Acoustics’ Hyperreal Sound immersive sound.
Named after the late Pierre Naftule, a respected Swiss regional comedy producer, the dismantlable 1,200sq-m venue attracted nearly 30,000 spectators to 100 witness performances offering a diverse programme of comedy and music. To address the challenges of a temporary structure hosting up to 15 performers onstage simultaneously, Pavilion Naftule turned to L-Acoustics Certified Provider Hyperson for a full-surround L-ISA configuration using L-Acoustics A Series constant curvature line array loudspeakers.
The semi-permanent nature of Pavilion Naftule presented specific technical obstacles: the dismantlable structure, 6m-high stage and seasonal operation demanded a system capable of delivering vocal clarity while maintaining spatial accuracy across the tiered 456-seat space.
‘Having worked together on multiple productions where L-ISA has proven invaluable, integrating it into Pavilion Naftule was a logical step,’ says Hyperson Co-Director, Fabian Schild. ‘Having experienced L-ISA’s impact at the Corbak Festival for the past three years, Pavilion Naftule’s Technical Director was confident it was the right choice for both sound quality and visual aesthetics.’
One of the most innovative aspects of the installation process was Hyperson’s approach to pre-production. Since the Pavilion was still under construction during rehearsals, the team used its in-house ‘Auditoria’ system for planning. ‘Colin Roquier, the lead engineer, handled all positioning and tracking from our office ahead of time,’ Schild explains. ‘We recorded rehearsal footage, played it back in our auditorium, and completed all L-ISA positioning in just two days.’
This remote workflow allowed precise calibration of the mix before the venue was physically ready.
The installation features an A Series configuration with three clusters at the centre each comprising two A15 Focus and one A15 Wide for the main system, supplemented on each side of the stage by two A10 Focus and a single A10 Wide. Nine X8 loudspeakers provide spatial front fill, with six KS21 subwoofers for extended low-frequency support. Two LA7.16 and three LA4X amplified controllers power the system.
What sets this installation apart is its true 360° immersive environment: 12 X12 coaxial enclosures surround the room, creating an immersive soundscape for comedy performances, making sure the audience hear every word, no matter where they are seated.
‘The L-Acoustics A Series was the ideal choice for Pavilion Naftule,’ says Lead Sound Engineer, Tiercy. ‘Its compact yet powerful design ensures balanced sound distribution, while L-ISA technology enhances every element of the mix. For both musical and comedy performances, where clarity and spatial accuracy are paramount to audience comprehension and enjoyment, L-ISA creates a natural and immersive listening experience.’
Pavilion Naftule is already planning its next phase of development, exploring expansion to additional sites across French-speaking Switzerland from 2026, with the L-ISA configuration designed to travel with the structure, bringing spatial audio experiences to new audiences.
‘L-ISA has completely transformed how our audiences engage with performances,’ says Alain Boon, the venue’s Technical Director (Jocker’s Comedy Club). ‘For comedy and musical productions, where every detail matters, spatial audio doesn’t just enhance the experience, it deepens the connection between performers and audience, making every moment more engaging.’
