Press Releases

30Sep2024

Gemma Robinson

L-Acoustics L2 System Takes Center Stage at Berlin's Uber Arena

AEG and L-Acoustics partner to deliver unparalleled sound experiences for sports and entertainment events in the German capital

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BERLIN, Germany - September 2024 - Berlin's iconic Uber Arena is about to sound better than ever, thanks to a cutting-edge L-Acoustics L2 professional sound system – the first sports facility L Series installation in the world. Home to the Eisbären Berlin ice hockey team and Alba Berlin basketball club, this 17,000-seat multipurpose venue hosts up to 180 events annually, ranging from championship games to chart-topping concerts. The venue has hosted acts such as Metallica, Coldplay, Barbra Streisand, U2, and Foo Fighters, and high-profile events including the Euroleague Final Four, NBA and NHL games, the European Men’s Basketball Championship, the IHF Handball World Championship, and the MTV Europe Music Awards.

Our previous system, installed in 2008, had served us well but was no longer meeting the demands of today's events," says Sebastian Rossman, Director of Venue Operations at AEG, who manages the arena. "We needed a solution that could deliver crystal-clear sound for both sports fans and music lovers while also adapting to the 30 different configurations that our venue calls on to meet the demands of the diverse events that we host.

To tackle this challenge, Rossman enlisted the expertise of consultants MMT Network and long-term arena sound partners PAM Events. After rigorous systems testing from four different manufacturers, the L-Acoustics L2 emerged as the clear winner.

L Series: A Sound Solution for Every Occasion

Felix Maiworm, Project Engineer at MMT Network, explains why the L2 system stood out: "We faced unique challenges, including the need for uniform, long-term 99dB SPL across all seats and managing the venue's complex acoustics. The cardioid pattern of L Series proved crucial in controlling lower frequencies and taming the hall's reverberant field."

The new setup features five hangs of L2 speakers, two facing south, and one each facing north, east, and west. Eight X8 delay fills are used for the VIP restaurant and six X12 are placed underneath the video cube. The sound system is powered by L-Acoustics amplified controllers and managed by their processors. This configuration ensures optimal coverage for every seat in the house, whether it's for a high-stakes hockey match or a sold-out rock concert.

The L2 upgrade provides unparalleled flexibility," says Thomas Moritz, CEO of PAM Events. "We can now create delay lines for concerts and deliver exceptional sound for sports events, meeting all our diverse needs across all possible configurations.

A Sound Investment in the Fan Experience

The compact design of the L Series also addressed the arena's physical constraints, allowing for shorter hangs that don't interfere with sightlines or the venue's elaborate roof structure. This aspect is particularly beneficial for the arena's frequent transitions between sports and concert setups and means the system can be lifted and parked up above the main grid when the system is not in use.

The coverage of the system, which is significantly different between basketball and ice hockey, can be easily adjusted by using the FIR Autofilter algorithm in LA Network Manager, there is no need for mechanical adjustments, which saves cost of labour and time.

The success of this project is a testament to the seamless cooperation between L-Acoustics, PAM Events, MMT Network and our team at Uber Arena," Rossman adds. "Everyone involved was committed to achieving the best possible outcome for our fans and performers.

The new L-Acoustics L2 professional sound system is set to make its grand debut at the end of September with shows by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, promising to elevate the acoustic experience for both sports enthusiasts and music lovers at Uber Arena. For more information on Uber Arena and upcoming events, visit https://www.uber-arena.de/ For more information on Uber Arena and upcoming events, visit https://www.uber-arena.de/

More information on MMT Network can be found at www.mmt-network.de and PAM Events at https://www.pamevents.de/ For more details on L-Acoustics L Series and other products, visit www.l-acoustics.com.

About L-Acoustics

L-Acoustics has been shaping the future of sound since 1984 through trailblazing innovation. Our European-designed and manufactured solutions deliver premium sound experiences from the most intimate immersive spaces to the largest stages. L-Acoustics is the #1 brand chosen by the world’s largest music festivals and installed in over 13,000 premium venues from music halls, theaters, and sports entertainment to wellness, hospitality, homes and yachts.

Our team of 850 employees, including 20% in design, research, and development, conceives the industry’s most award-winning and transformative sound reinforcement technologies, including the modern line source array V-DOSC, L-ISA immersive hyperreal solutions, and the eco-conscious, performance-leading L-Series. These technologies have led to the company being honored with a Decibels d’Or and featured in Fast Company’s most innovative companies.

With major hubs in Paris, Los Angeles, London, and Singapore, and a network of trained service providers present in 80 countries, our technologies power the most demanding live events and memorable sound experiences: from Adele’s Las Vegas residency to the world's largest sports events, from the Zaha Hadid-designed Guangzhou Opera House to the Philharmonie de Paris Concert Hall.