In Éric Bureau’s Le Parisien article “Du bon son pour Céline Dion” (“Great Sound for Céline Dion”), shared by L-Acoustics, Denis Savage explained:
“This run of shows presents several challenges. Since becoming ill, Céline has been singing more softly to conserve her strength. The remarkable thing is that we have new software—Source Intelligence technology developed by L-Acoustics—which removes the unwanted sound entering the microphone. Her voice is clear and pure; it is extraordinary. The vocal was what concerned me most when I arrived. But from the very first soundcheck, everything was fine. Frankie and I looked at each other and said, ‘This is going to work.’”
Frankie Desjardins (François Desjardins), left, and Denis Savage, right.
Photo credit: L-Acoustics Facebook page.
Source Intelligence on the Vocal Channel
Source Intelligence processes the signal captured by the microphone.
L-Acoustics describes it as real-time vocal source separation running on the L-ISA Processor II Core. Its algorithm reduces instrument bleed, crowd noise, PA spill, and room reflections in the vocal signal.
The manufacturer specifies up to 40 dB of non-voice signal reduction and latency below 8.5 milliseconds. These are the technology’s published specifications, rather than measurements taken at each individual concert.
Photo credit: L-Acoustics Facebook page.
Coverage Design and the Audio Team
According to Denis Savage, Solotech spent more than six weeks installing the system at Plenitude Arena, also known as Paris La Défense Arena.
Instead of relying on one enormous system to produce very high levels, the engineers distributed more loudspeakers across more positions to achieve precise coverage. The large arena remains an acoustically demanding environment, which is part of what makes the project so engaging for the engineers.
Photo credit: L-Acoustics Facebook page.
The performers and musicians use in-ear monitors, keeping amplified sound on stage low. The mixing setup is described as having 25 signal channels. “We have more control while having to do far less,” François Desjardins explained.
The principal audio and production team includes:
- Denis Savage: Head of Audio and FOH engineer.
- Frankie Desjardins: system engineer.
- Jim Allison: producer, Concerts West.
- Shari Weber: tour manager.
- Bob Sandon and Charles Ethier: production managers.
