Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has opened a new campus in Whitechapel, London, with the launch of NTU London. The venue features a cutting-edge, up to 600-capacity performance space equipped with an L-Acoustics Kara II line array system – the same technology used at some of the world’s largest music festivals, providing hands-on learning for aspiring live sound engineers.
The system was designed and installed by L-Acoustics Certified Provider Solotech, following a request from NTU staff members who are themselves Nottingham campus alumni and wanted to continue their success with L-Acoustics technology.
Building on the success of NTU’s Nottingham Metronome venue, where Solotech installed an L-Acoustics Kiva II system in 2018, the London campus required a sound system that could be scaled up to meet the needs of its larger performance space, while maintaining its critical educational element. The venue is designed as both a commercial performance venue for touring acts, and as a space where students gain practical experience using equipment they will subsequently encounter in their careers.
‘We wanted to create an environment where students could transition from classroom theory to real-world application,’ says NTU Head of Technical Events, Bryan Rankin. ‘The Kara II system mirrors the professional set-ups our graduates will use in the field. Having this technology available in-house gives our students a distinct advantage as they enter the industry.’
Students will gain experience with the L-Acoustics ecosystem, including hands-on opportunities to rig the systems, work with the LA Network Manager drive system, and use the M1 measurement module for system optimisation. The programme also includes training with L-Acoustics Soundvision simulation software, allowing students to model audio coverage and make informed adjustments before physical set-up.
The NTU London installation presented several challenges, particularly related to the venue’s height restrictions and the need for acoustic isolation in a densely populated area. The design of the venue included a fully floated room-in-room construction to minimise sound transmission to neighbouring spaces.
‘With residential buildings and music studios nearby, we needed to go beyond standard isolation techniques,’ says Rankin. ‘The floating design and specialised mounting solutions allowed us to maintain high-performance levels while ensuring minimal disruption to our neighbours – an absolute necessity in this bustling area of London.’
Acoustic Architects Whitemark suggested the use of specialised solutions such as acoustic springs (from Christie and Grey) for the main speaker arrays and isolated plates for the subwoofers to mitigate the risk of transmitting vibrations through the concrete floor.
The system design’s use of L-Acoustics Soundvision software enabled Application Project Manager Ross Brett and the team to model and fine-tune the design before installation. This simulation was instrumental in overcoming the venue’s architectural constraints and ensuring even coverage throughout the space.
The installation includes two hangs of six Kara II with six flown SB18 subwoofers, three per side behind the main hangs. Two groundstacked KS28 subwoofers are placed on isolated plates to prevent trnsmission of vibrations through the concrete floor.
Eight X12 coaxial enclosures are on hand for monitors, and the system is powered by 11 LA2Xi and two LA12X amplified controllers with a P1 processor.
‘Height restrictions meant we had to get creative with our design,’ Rankin says. ‘We prioritised even coverage over sheer volume, which was a perfect fit for our educational goals. The Kara II system delivers the high-end sound quality needed for professional performances while also providing an accessible training environment for students.
‘This system ensures that our students get hands-on experience with the same professional audio systems they’ll encounter throughout their careers,’ he concludes.
