Dubbed ‘the yoghurt pot’, Le Volcan is presently one of France’s most important theatres. Since opening in Le Havre in 1982, it has consistently been in the top five in terms of ticket sales, and has recently seen major refurbishment – including the replacement of its original audio installation with an L-Acoustics Kara(i) system, chosen for its coverage, sound quality and ability to handle diverse types of music and performance.

Le Havre was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site when the 20-year post-war rebuilding by Auguste Perret was recognised as an ‘outstanding example of urban planning and architecture’. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, the unique concrete structure of Le Volcan (The Volcano) – and its adjacent sibling, Le Petit Volcan – sits in the heart of Le Havre’s cultural quarter. In 2010, the decision was taken to refurbish the entire area, improving access and lighting, making the atmosphere lighter, more airy and generally improving the original architecture.

A major part of the five-year project was refurbishing the venues themselves. Le Petit Volcan has started a new life as a reference library, while Le Volcan was rebuilt internally to bring it up to 21st century standards of equipment, décor, access and safety. Audiovisual company Auvisys supplied the new production technology, which includes a comprehensive L-Acoustics package.

The venue features three performance spaces: a 796-seat theatre and rooms for 125 and 150 people respectively. Installed by Audio Courtin, under the project management of Alain Szklarek, the system in the theatre comprises six L-Acoustics Kara(i), two SB18i and two SB28 subs per side. These are complemented by a centre cluster of three Kiva, 5XT front fills as well as two Arcs Wide in fills, with the passive loudspeakers powered by five LA4x and an LA8.

‘A jury of people from the venue, planners and A/V companies listened to a number of systems,’ says Le Volcan Technical Director, Philippe Lacroix. ‘They came away convinced that Kara(i) was the right choice. It had the best coverage, the best stereo image quality and was the most versatile of all the systems they heard.’

In addition, a mobile L-Acoustics system has been supplied for use in all spaces or, if required, outdoors. This features a range of loudspeakers, ensuring that any event can be catered for, and includes fourteen 115XT HiQ, ten 108P, eight 12Xti, four 8Xti, two 112P and two SB15P coaxial loudspeakerenclosures.

Meanwhile, the existing L-Acoustics stage monitors – which Lacroix describes as ‘indestructible’ – have been retained, which includes 12 MTD112b, eight MTD115b and four SB218. The building also has a Dante network, allowing any elements of the mobile system to be linked to Yamaha CL1, CL3, CL5 and M7CL-48 mixing consoles anywhere in the building.

‘The Kara(i) system is perfect for the diverse line-up at Le Volcan,’ explains Le Volcan sound engineer, José Michel. ‘From contemporary music to classic concertos or spoken word, our audience can now enjoy clear sound from any seat in the room.’

The project also includes a major overhaul of the acoustics in the theatre.