Breathing New Life into "Het Manuscript" – A Soulful Upgrade in Oostende

Background : A Café with a Soul


In the heart of Oostende, Het Manuscript has long stood as a beacon for music lovers, creatives, and soul aficionados. Known for its its selection of over 70 beers, its vibrant atmosphere and deep-rooted connection to the local cultural scene, the café recently underwent a stunning transformation... Not only architecturally, but also in its audio experience.

Het Manuscript offers a rich menu of live performances and soul-stirring soundscapes. Over the years, its stage has welcomed both local talents and internationally acclaimed artists such as:

The Delta Saints, Novastar, The War on Drugs, Triggerfinger, Das Pop, The Van Jets, Trixie Whitley, The Posies, Admiral Freebee, Fantastic Cat, The Goo Goo Dolls, Steve Conte, among many others.

Driven by a desire to enhance the sensory ambiance while preserving the venue’s authenticity, the owners envisioned a technical upgrade that matched their creative aspirations. That’s where Stereo Sonic stepped in.

Challenge : preserving character while enhancing performance


Glenn Rotsaert, the owner of Het Manuscript, was clear : the venue’s heart had to remain intact. 

The new setup needed to :

  • Offer top-tier sound without overwhelming the intimate space.
  • Be discreetly integrated within the aesthetic redesign.
  • Provide flexibility for different types of live performances and ambient audio needs.
  • Ensure ease of control for non-technical staff during daily operations.

Solution by Stereo Sonic & XLR : A bespoke audio ecosystem


To meet these demands, Stereo Sonic designed and delivered a system tailored to the café’s soul and structure, built around premium, future-ready components :

  • 8x L-Acoustics x8i – Powerful, discreet full-range speakers

The x8i is known for its studio-grade precision and smooth tonal balance. Compact yet powerful, these speakers were strategically positioned to provide even coverage throughout the venue, from the main bar area to the newly expanded dance floor.

Result : Immersive clarity for background music without visual clutter.

  • 2x L-Acoustics SB15M – Low-End warmth with precision

To enrich the atmosphere with full-bodied bass, the SB15M subwoofer was introduced. Its minimal footprint made it ideal for integration without compromising floor space.

Result : A warm, well-defined low end that enhances the listening experience without overpowering the room.

  • 2x L-Acoustics 8XTi 

DJ Monitors.

  • L-Acoustics 12XTi

Powerful speaker to provide sound in a separate room at the back of the café.

  • Allen & Heath AHM-16 Matrix Processor + Allen&Heath IP1 – Smart control in real time

At the heart of the system lies the Allen & Heath AHM-16, a matrix processor that offers both sophistication and simplicity. Thanks to custom user interfaces, the staff can easily adjust levels and zones via tablets or wall panels.

Result : Seamless day-to-night transitions in soundscapes, from relaxed brunch vibes to upbeat evening events.

Results : elevated atmosphere, retained identity


By combining architectural renewal with expert sound design, Het Manuscript in Oostende now offers an elevated cultural experience where great conversations, soulful sips and exceptional sound come together under one roof.

XLR, thanks to Stereo Sonic, is proud to support venues where the audience doesn’t just listen, they feel.