China’s First L-ISA Concert Venue Raises the Bar for Immersive Live Experiences within the Country’s Thriving Music Scene

Beijing’s 1919LIVEHOUSE has made history as the first concert venue in China to permanently feature L-ISA immersive hyperreal sound technology from L-Acoustics. Located in the 2049 Cultural and Creative Park — a 500-acre hub dedicated to multidimensional music and cultural experiences — the 1000-capacity performance space is now positioned at the forefront of spatial audio innovation in China’s dynamic live music sector.

Working in collaboration with L-Acoustics Certified Provider Distributor Rightway Audio Consultants (RAC Pro), 1919LIVEHOUSE upgraded its 2024-installed L-Acoustics Kara system to a full L-ISA configuration. The move opens new creative avenues for both emerging and established artists by offering a truly three-dimensional sonic canvas that goes far beyond traditional stereo setups.

“China has an incredibly dynamic and creative music scene, with artists constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new forms of expression,” says Hu Hu, Founder of 1919LIVEHOUSE. “By introducing L-ISA, we’re giving these artists a completely new canvas to work with—one that transforms how audiences experience live music.”

The permanent L-ISA scene system comprises five hangs of three A15 Focus and one A15 Wide each, supported by four KS28 and four SB18 subwoofers for deep low-end extension. A surround system of seven X12 loudspeakers and an overhead system of six X12 units provide immersive coverage, while front-fill reinforcement is delivered via 10 units of the Kara II enclosures and rear-fill with two X8 speakers. Rounding off the loudspeaker system are eight X12 monitors that offer clear and consistent foldback for musicians performing on stage. And powering this meticulously designed comprehensive loudspeaker system are a precise mix of LA7.16i, LA12X, and LA4X amplified controllers.

L-ISA’s immersive capabilities place the audience “inside the music,” with full 360-degree coverage that includes overhead sonic projection, which enables artists to craft truly enveloping audio environments for the audience. This spatial sound experience was showcased during the venue’s inaugural L-ISA performances in May, featuring local acts More Feel and Electric Cherry – wherein both bands used the system to reimagine their sound in new, multidimensional formats.

More Feel’s composer and producer Ouyang Xuntao, who had previously encountered L-ISA at a Re-TROS concert in Nanjing, designed a custom intro for the show, employing surround-sweeping percussion effects that wrapped the audience in sound. “I’ve had so many ideas on how to demonstrate concepts from recorded songs in a live setting, but I struggled to find a sound system that could truly match them,” Ouyang explains. “L-ISA gives us the tools to place atmospheric elements around and above the audience, transforming linear movement into true 3D envelopment.”

To bring the vision to life, L-ISA mixing engineer Li Zitao set up a 5.0 surround pre-mix environment at the band’s studio before refining the mix at RAC’s L-ISA showroom and completing final tuning during venue rehearsals. “Every track sounded remarkably clearer through L-ISA as compared to stereo, with incredibly precise positioning,” says Li. “This precision opens up creative possibilities that simply don’t exist in traditional mixing.”

Guest drummer Wang Yu, who performed on opening night, added: “While other sonic elements swirl around and overhead, the drums keep the rhythmic foundation solid. It’s a completely new way to think about live performance.”

Currently the only venue in China equipped with both stereo and L-ISA immersive audio configurations, 1919LIVEHOUSE can flexibly support a wide range of performances. Using L-ISA’s Room Engine, the venue can even alter its acoustic environment to match the needs of each show — from intimate acoustic sets to boundary-pushing spatial audio experiences.

As the country’s live entertainment scene continues to evolve, 1919LIVEHOUSE is emerging as a key creative hub. “I think if sound truly can transcend time and expand space, then L-ISA is the perfect container for live music performances,” concludes Ouyang.