Iconic London Venue Sets New Standard for Live Music Experiences

The iconic, Grade II listed O2 Academy Brixton has undergone a transformative renovation, solidifying its status as one of the world's premier live music destinations. This comprehensive upgrade, which includes state-of-the-art audio and lighting systems, aims to deliver an enhanced and consistent concert experience for artists and audiences.

The internationally renowned O2 Academy Brixton has been a long-standing pillar of the UK music scene for generations. Its journey from its beginnings as a cinema in 1929 to its current status as a world-class music venue is legendary, hosting the world’s most celebrated artists over the years from The Clash to Chappell Roan. This latest renovation ensures it remains at the forefront of live entertainment, equipped to welcome the biggest names in music.

Adlib, a leader in professional audio and lighting installations, has maintained its well-established relationship with Academy Music Group by completing an extensive upgrade to the venue’s technical infrastructure. This four-month project included designing and installing a flagship, in-house audio system alongside a robust, high-efficiency lighting setup.

The project's centrepiece is the installation of an L-Acoustics K1 Audio System, custom-engineered to complement the unique architectural features of O2 Academy Brixton’s unique auditorium.

Rob Crossland, Adlib's Installation Project Manager, provides insight into the project's scope and execution: "The focus of this project was a flagship audio and lighting system that would allow visiting productions to use an in-house system in what is often the only theatre venue on an arena tour. The new systems are designed to make life easier for touring crews, offering what they are accustomed to using, and typically taking out on the road.”

The audio upgrade introduces a comprehensive suite of features designed to deliver an unparalleled sound experience throughout the venue. L-Acoustics K1-SB and K1 line-array elements form the system's core, providing expansive coverage for the balcony areas. A10i Wide under-balcony rows ensure crystal-clear audio reaches every corner for the rear stalls and side walkways.

The world-class monitor system incorporates L-Acoustics X15HiQ wedges, SB18 subwoofers, and KS28 and A15-wide units, offering performers on stage exceptional sound quality. To maintain consistent coverage across the entire auditorium, strategically placed distributed systems have been implemented, ensuring every attendee experiences the same high-quality audio, regardless of location.

The audio control system features two DiGiCo Quantum 225 Mixing Consoles with Waves and HMA Optics upgrades alongside two SD-Racks. This advanced setup provides comprehensive control for both front-of-house and monitor applications, allowing for precise sound mixing to maximise the venue's newly installed loudspeaker system.

The entire setup has been meticulously designed and optimised using advanced Soundvision 3D software modelling, ensuring precise acoustic performance tailored to amplify the venue’s unique characteristics.

Crossland notes, "Brixton's auditorium has always been celebrated for its unique atmosphere. With this new installation, we've embraced these features and created a world-class sound experience that rivals any venue globally. The combination of the L-Acoustics loudspeaker system and the DiGiCo Quantum consoles equips visiting engineers with the tools to deliver exceptional sound for any performance."

Complementing the audio upgrade, a state-of-the-art lighting system now provides maximum flexibility and visual impact. The new “three-truss system” incorporates energy-efficient LED light sources rigged to the Tyler GT Plus Pre-Rig Truss, featuring Martin MAC Ultra Performance lights, GLP JDC1 strobes, and Chauvet Strike Array 4s; all controlled via grandMA3 Light and Avolites Tiger Touch II consoles. Data distribution is handled by Luminex Gigacore network switches and LumiNode 12 nodes for DMX data are seamlessly delivered to each truss. This versatile setup allows easy customisation for both in-house productions and touring artists' specific requirements.

The newly designed lighting rig is built with adaptability in mind, offering maximum flexibility to meet the needs of any performance. It can be easily supplemented, partially modified, or even entirely removed to accommodate larger, custom designs, ensuring the venue can cater for everything from intimate gigs to elaborate productions.

Key to its design is the inclusion of all essential show elements that visiting artists and production teams expect, such as spot, wash, flood/strobe, and blinder capabilities. This comprehensive setup provides lighting designers with a full range of options while seamlessly allowing for the integration of custom lighting elements.

The system’s flexibility not only enhances creative possibilities but also streamlines the setup process for touring productions, making it easier to adapt and customise each unique performance.

Beyond elevating the concert experience, these new systems support crucial sustainability initiatives within the live music industry.

“We are all aware of the environmental challenges our sector faces, and Academy Music Group is committed to helping artists and promoters reduce their carbon footprint by offering a top-tier, in-house technical solution,” says Steve Hoyland, Chief Operating Officer at Academy Music Group. 

“As one of the world’s most prestigious venues, O2 Academy Brixton’s new in-house PA and lighting systems meet the highest production standards expected by touring professionals, allowing them to use either the full or partial in-house set-up,” Hoyland concludes.

As the venue gears up for a packed year-end schedule, featuring acts including Barry Can’t Swim, Faithless, Courteeners, Benson Boone, You Me At Six, Vampire Weekend and The Prodigy, music fans can look forward to an unparalleled live experience. The fusion of Brixton's iconic atmosphere with cutting-edge technology promises performances that will leave a lasting impression.