New Orleans’ Civic Theatre equipped with L-Acoustics loudspeakers

The 107-year-old Civic Theatre in New Orleans has reopened after sitting dormant for more than 30 years with a new L-Acoustics system in place.

In order to upgrade the historic performance venue to modern production standards, L-Acoustics Certified Provider Solomon Group specified and integrated a KIVA-KILO loudspeaker arrangement into the space.

The 1,150-capacity theatre will start hosting a wide variety of touring acts starting in September, such as Russell Brand, The Black Crowes, Passion Pit, Steve Earle and John Waters. Solomon Group – one of Civic’s trio of partners, alongside developers Brian Gibbs and Bryan Bailey – is coordinating the facility’s rentals for corporate functions, parties, receptions, films, fashion shows and other non-touring events.

According to Solomon Group partner Stephen Fink, the new house sound system features 11 KIVA units flown beneath three KILO low-frequency extension cabs per side, all custom-finished in white to match the room’s interior. Ground-stacked below each array are two SB18 subwoofers topped with a single coaxial 8XT enclosure for fill. The system is powered and processed by four amplified controllers – three LA8 and one LA4.

"L-Acoustics’ KIVA-KILO was one of the very few systems that could accommodate the Civic’s rigging weight limits yet still provide the broad vertical splay that the room’s geometry required," Fink said. "Beyond that, the stunning presence of these compact white arrays on either side of the stage perfectly complements the visual aesthetic of the venue. They almost look like part of the architecture, as if they were made specifically for the space. KIVA-KILO was the best fit for the Civic physically, sonically and financially."

Shortly after completing the installation, Solomon Group added a large L-Acoustics package to its own rental inventory, which consisted of 48 KARA enclosures, 20 SB18 and eight SB28 subs, 12 8XT and 115XT HiQ coaxials, as well as six LA-RAK amplified controller racks.

"In addition to our design and install projects, we stage a large number of live productions, especially corporate events," Fink added. "While the Civic install was getting underway, we had been looking to step up the audio side of our rental division and L-Acoustics presented itself as the ideal partner. Not only did they have the reputation and system performance we were looking for, but also the wide range of products and dedicated personnel we required to reach out to both potential rental/staging and permanent installation clients. So we’ve made a big splash with L-Acoustics and have already seen that it was the right choice."

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