Les Gémeaux, Scène nationale de Sceaux, a leading cultural institution in the Hauts-de-Seine renowned for its rich and diverse programming across theatre, dance, concerts, and international jazz, has recently reimagined its acoustic identity. The venue has chosen Amadeus loudspeakers combined with HOLOPHONIX spatialization technology to transform the listening experience for audiences and performers alike.
The project stemmed from a clear and ambitious goal: to create a system capable of delivering a homogeneous, transparent sound image throughout the hall, faithfully reflecting the sonic landscape of the stage.
With a traditional left-right system, the image was fine for those in the center of the hall. But on the sides, it became unbearable. People would only hear the left or right loudspeaker, while everything was happening on stage in the middle. We tried adding clusters, but it never created a convincing image. That’s why we decided to install this system, so every member of the audience can enjoy great sound,
explains Thibault Hedoin, Technical Director at Les Gémeaux.
The installation, completed over nearly eighteen months to accommodate the theatre’s intensive programming, features a meticulously designed configuration.
Ten Amadeus C 15 loudspeakers were flown above the stage to ensure cohesive main reinforcement, while two additional C 15 units were positioned as near-field loudspeakers to provide optimal coverage for the front rows. The system is powered by three Powersoft Ottocanali 8K4 DSP+D amplifiers and a Powersoft T604, all driven by a HOLOPHONIX 64 spatial sound processor that forms the core of the immersive setup.
This precise deployment and calibration now enable spatialized sound characterized by exceptional clarity, depth, and warmth. The system supports a wide range of productions, from contemporary theatre and dance to large-scale concerts, ensuring a consistent and natural sound experience across all listening positions.
The Amadeus loudspeakers provide remarkable sonic transparency and flexibility, allowing engineers to sculpt each mix with precision and nuance, while the HOLOPHONIX processor manages spatialization with remarkable finesse.
They are always extremely pleasantly surprised. Even for major concerts, it always goes very well,
says Thibault Hedoin, referring to the visiting artists and engineers who discover the system’s capabilities.
Audience reactions have been equally enthusiastic.
For about a year now, people have been coming up to us after performances saying how comfortable the sound feels. It’s not too loud, not aggressive. They feel that the sound comes directly from the stage, with real depth, rather than a harsh or metallic quality. Some even say it feels like being at home, in a living room, with a warm and natural sound,
adds Hedoin.
From October to May, Les Gémeaux presents at least one performance each week, spanning genres and formats. For the theatre’s technical team, the Amadeus system has proven invaluable in adapting to the diverse acoustic demands of each production. Equalization can be fine-tuned in real time, imperfections corrected, and warmth enhanced, all while maintaining the integrity of the original artistic intent.
Through this installation, Amadeus once again demonstrates its mastery in designing loudspeaker systems that unite technical excellence with artistic sensitivity. Together with the HOLOPHONIX spatial sound processor, Amadeus has helped Les Gémeaux set a new benchmark for spatialized sound in live performance, one that delivers both precision and emotion.
