Sound in service of storytelling: L-Acoustics and Puy du Fou

Most recently, Puy du Fou has deployed L-Acoustics L-ISA immersive audio technology in “Le Dernier Panache,” an attraction whose 2,400-seat amphitheatre rotates to follow the show on a 260° stage and Le Mime et L’Etoile, which won a THEA Award this year for best live show. L-Acoustics joined the Puy du Fou Partners Club in 2017.

L-Acoustics continuous innovation gives Puy du Fou the complete flexibility to envision and create ever-more-dazzling spectacles, just as Puy du Fou is the ideal showcase for L-Acoustics systems. To learn more about the partnership, we spoke to Arnaud Delorme, senior application project engineer at L-Acoustics, and Ugo Poletto, manager of audio projects at Puy du Fou.

Innovation at L-Acoustics

L-Acoustics was created in 1984 using technology that empowers audio professionals to enhance the listening experience. Its goal is to shape the future of sound through innovation and exceptional product designs.

L-Acoustics is now a global leader in immersive audio technology and sound system design. It has 700 accredited providers in the industry and a presence in 80 countries.

“L-Acoustics is a French company that has always been very innovative,” says Arnaud Delorme, senior application project engineer at L-Acoustic. “For instance, we pioneered the line source, a revolution in sound reinforcement that completely changed how PA systems in live shows work. Since then, we’ve continued introducing new technology, including L-ISA hyperreal immersive sound technology. This is rapidly being adopted by live shows and venues worldwide.”

Over the last four decades, L-Acoustics revolutionised sound design with a scientific approach that makes performance prediction possible. Its extensive research into every facet of the industry, from high-end technology, software, and electronics to raw materials, results in a distinctive and diverse set of skills that influence the future of sound.

“The next revolution will be in spatial and immersive audio,” he adds.

Sound requirements at Puy du Fou

Discussing some of the main requirements for sound technology at Puy du Fou, natural sound quality is one of the most critical considerations.

However, the system must also combine power, precision, and discretion to leave the field free for sound engineers. It also needs to be durable. Due to the park’s nature and range of outdoor shows, it must be resistant to inclement weather, such as high heat or rain. This durability also minimises the need for repairs in the long term.

“These sound systems will be outside for months on end, so durability and reliability are key factors because it’s almost impossible for us to do maintenance with visitors in the park,” Ugo Poletto says, manager of audio projects at Puy du Fou. “And as shows are playing up to 7-8 times a day, it’s not an option to cancel because of technical issues.”

From an operational point of view, it also needs to be easy to use, install and maintain.

Poletto adds that finding the right sound solution for the type of shows Puy du Fou creates can be challenging. The technology must be invisible; it needs to enhance the guest experience without them knowing it is there. Therefore, it needs to be discrete and easy to integrate:

“The technical equipment must be invisibly integrated into the scenography so we can stay true to the artistic visual proposal. Yet, it must still be powerful and precise so that the mixing engineers are completely free to operate their magic.”

With large openings and stage depths, it can also be difficult to guarantee homogeneous and uncompromising acoustic pressure and to offer an equal listening experience for all audiences. Precise localisation is the priority for the park’s shows to maintain consistency between the visual and the audio. This reinforces the immersion effect.

Rising to the challenge

Speaking about how the relationship with L-Acoustics has helped Puy du Fou overcome some of these challenges, Poletto says:

“When we first installed an L-Acoustics system in the Stadium (the Roman Arena), it was a big step up in the quality of sound reinforcement. Then, it became natural to use L-Acoustics products in all the shows. This solid relationship led to a direct contact for sales and technical support with L-Acoustics as a manufacturer. This gave us the added value we needed, as we have all the competencies in-house for integration and operation.”

“The partnership evolved naturally as we sought to improve ourselves with each new show, and at the same time, L-Acoustics continually improved their technologies, evolving in pace with our needs. We really appreciate the pristine sound that the full range of the L-Acoustics products offers. Their speakers reproduce the mix without any colouration, which leaves the artistic vision intact.

“The artistic ideas of Puy du Fou for each project have always been answered with the technological advances of L-Acoustics.”

L-Acoustics and Puy du Fou

In addition to its technology, L-Acoustics support helps the park continue achieving its goals.

“While we may not be a rental company setting up a concert in a new venue each night, we need fast setup, intuitive tools for the operators and easy maintenance,” says Poletto. “L-Acoustics provides all of that for rental companies, and we integrators benefit from those features, too.”

“We offer direct support for them to help them achieve their artistic goals,” adds Delorme. “Because this relationship has been built over several years, there is trust. Our team respects their vision, and their team respects our technological expertise. Whenever we reach a challenge or a roadblock, we always work together to find the best solution.”

“With immersive shows, our main challenge is to help them achieve their artistic goals without the audience noticing the sound system. We know that the audience is aware of sound reinforcement because they can hear the action with excellent quality. However, the goal is for the visitor to forget about the sound system completely.

“L-Acoustics solutions, especially L-ISA, perfectly align with this objective.”

L-ISA technology

Thanks to L-ISA technology, artists can create and present immersive sound for live and recorded productions of any size. This all-inclusive ecosystem of audio tools offers a realistic and organic experience that intensifies feelings and draws the listener into it.

The firm refers to this sound as Immersive Hyperreal. In fact, the first worldwide L-ISA fixed installation was at Puy du Fou for Le Dernier Panache, which premiered in 2016.

“Once again, minimising the visual impact is key, but it needs to come with SPL levels, contour and homogeneity that are sufficient for the show,” says Poletto. “Any visitor must have a quality experience whatever seat they are in.”

Since the beginning, Puy du Fou has understood that audiovisual consistency, meaning that what you see is what you hear, is key to immersing visitors in the story.

“Thanks to L-ISA for ten years and even before, with efficient collaboration with L-Acoustics, we have a solution to respect that. You will not see a Left-Right show here, and the latest creations get the full benefit of L-ISA technology.”

Storytelling is key

Storytelling is the most essential thing in the park. In terms of where the team begins when meeting this goal on a new project, Delorme explains:

“First, the Puy du Fou team will give us a precise idea of what they want from the sound system. They have a list of sound sources within the scenography. They will work with us to ensure we know where each actor and musician is positioned throughout the show.”

“We use their guidance to decide which SPL level and bandwidth is needed to achieve their storytelling goals. From that, we recommend the right system to fit the audio needs while staying as discrete as possible.

“We also support them in finalising and calibrating the system so that when the mixer comes on-site, their job is quick, and the Puy du Fou team is entirely autonomous in using the system.”

L-Acoustics helps Puy du Fou shows shine

Speaking about some of the highlights from the relationship between L-Acoustics and Puy du Fou over the years, Delorme says a favourite show is the recent Thea Award-winning Le Mime et L’Étoile, an L-ISA  hyperreal immersive sound installation. The show begins with a silent film being made, and as the camera rolls, a love story unfolds with a dramatic plot twist. A revolving stage, incredible costumes, and impressive special effects enhance the production. 

“This show is a new level of artistic achievement that could be shown in any national theatre. Once again, the technology supports this amazing visitor experience while staying completely invisible. The audience is just listening to the musicians and actors on stage who feel like they are playing live. You forget the technology, and you’re just immersed in the show.  

“For me, that show is an incredible achievement in terms of the use of technology.”

A truly unique park

Reflecting on the guest experience at Puy du Fou and the reasons for its continued success, Delorme says:

“There is no compromise on anything. When you come to the park as a visitor, which I do from time to time with my kids, you enjoy the welcome, and everything is easy; from the moment you get into the park, everything is designed to enable you to immerse yourself fully in these worlds. There’s no anachronism; you don’t see anything that does not belong.”

Finally, commenting on the benefits of having this ongoing relationship between Puy du Fou and L-Acoustics, Poletto says:

“On each project today, we move forward with our colleagues at L-Acoustics, who know our constraints, needs and particularities. We present the desired project and, with the sound engineer, reflect on the technical and artistic choices based on the scenario.

“Our teams know each other well now, and our exchanges are easy. The team at L-Acoustics supports us and our project areas, allowing us to dream up the most amazing experiences possible. We found answers to all our artistic ideas and needs with L-Acoustics innovations, and we feel that we have a perfect level of support with people who understand our challenges.”