L-Acoustics Aids in Upgrading Opulent, Historical Regency Ballroom with Advanced Audio Systems
For over a century, the Regency Center in San Francisco's Lower Nob Hill neighborhood has stood as a cherished cultural landmark. Having initially emerged as a Masonic Lodge three years after the destructive 1906 earthquake, the imposing structure showcases an impressive blend of Gothic, Neoclassic, and Beaux-Arts architectural styles. The Regency Ballroom, at the heart of the building, is a 1,400-capacity performance hall donned with 35-foot ceilings, 22 turn-of-the-century teardrop chandeliers, blonde hardwood floors, a horseshoe-shaped balcony, and a built-in stage.
Over the decades, the space has served as a movie theater, banquet hall, and dance studio before becoming one of San Francisco's premier live music venues. Since 2008, it has been under the management of promoter Goldenvoice, the regional affiliate of entertainment giant AEG. Recently, the room's sound quality was revamped to match its visual splendor with the installation of a new L-Acoustics L Series concert sound system.
"Word spread swiftly about the system's capabilities," said Regency Ballroom production manager Kelly McDowell. "Engineers who've mixed on it are unanimous - this rig sets a new standard." The first significant test came when the electronic duo Chase & Status performed, with McDowell remarking, "The Ballroom had never sounded like that before. It was incredibly clear and powerful."
One of the most notable improvements brought by the new L Series system addresses sightline challenges and on-stage noise concerns that arose with the venue's previous loudspeaker design. With the L-Acoustics L2/L2D offering a sleek, streamlined appearance and the impressive rear cancelation capabilities, the sound mixing process is much more efficient.
In choosing a new system, AEG Presents SVP of production Jonathan Baden noted, "L-Acoustics is an industry leader in audio and continually at the top of any artist rider requests for PA systems." The L Series system was found to be the best fit after a thorough analysis of the room, "Delivering pristine sound while its compact profile preserves sightlines and streamlines installation."
With L-Acoustics now installed, artists and engineers can rely on the venue to provide exceptional sound quality, ensuring that every performance resonates with audiences. "When the sound is perfect, you can feel the energy shift in the room," explained Baden. "By investing in the L Series system, we're demonstrating our commitment to creating experiences that keep audiences coming back."
"The installation of the new L-Acoustics L Series concert sound system has greatly improved the Regency Ballroom's sound quality, setting a new standard that engineers find unanimous in praise. This system addresses sightline challenges and on-stage noise concerns, offering a sleek, streamlined appearance and impressive rear cancellation capabilities, making the sound mixing process much more efficient."
"AEG Presents SVP of production, Jonathan Baden, emphasized the importance of L-Acoustics in their choice for a new system, stating that L-Acoustics is an industry leader in audio and continually ranks at the top of artist rider requests for PA systems. The L Series system was chosen as the best fit after a thorough analysis of the room, providing pristine sound while maintaining a compact profile that preserves sightlines and streamlines installation."
