Bootshaus, the world’s number five ranked nightclub in DJ Mag’s 2024 poll, recently upgraded its sound system to L-Acoustic A series. The 1900-capacity venue, in Cologne, Germany, curates a mix of electro-house, dubstep, and drum’n’bass for clubgoers. One of the country’s first techno-culture hubs, Bootshaus built a reputation inside Germany, where it consistently ranks #1 in the nation.
Getting sound to each of the three dance floors has been difficult, however, and the previous system, installed over a decade ago, wasn’t reaching the full space.
L-Acoustics certified provider and distributor, Babbel & Haeger, was tasked with specifying the best system for the venue in consultation with production company Laserframe, whose relationship with Bootshaus extends over almost two decades.
Babbel & Haeger’s application delegate, Tobias Hemmersbach, and his team, landed on a final design comprising left/right hangs of two A15 Focus over one A15 Wide on either side of the DJ booth for the main dance floor. Seven KS28 subwoofers embedded under the stage provide a low-end thump.
Two further hangs of one A15 Focus over one A15 Wide ensure the entire floor is filled with energy. Nine X12 coaxial enclosures are used throughout the remaining spaces to ensure even, dynamic coverage. For the upper VIP Deck, three X12 and two KS21 subwoofers cover the space. DJs monitor via one A15 Wide and one KS21 per side.
“Together with L-Acoustics, we are ushering in a new era at Bootshaus,” explained Tom Thomas, managing director, Bootshaus. “This new system promises to fill the Bootshaus with an unprecedented sound experience and offers our guests a completely new musical experience.”
According to Tobias Hemmersbach, L-Acoustics mapping software, Soundvision, was invaluable in helping the team arrive at the solution. “We only had 20-year-old, 2D files, but things have changed a lot there in that time,” he explained.
“Because of all the different areas and heights of the venue – the dancefloor being the lowest point and the VIP decks being on the roof of the building – Soundvision was very crucial to simulating all the various heights of the different venue spaces and to achieving Bootshaus’ audio objectives for each one.”
Tom Thomas said the audience had already noticed an upgrade in sound. “We’ve achieved everything we wanted – great quality audio throughout, and of course, the excellent low-end that clubgoers expect. We have a lot of very happy DJs now,” he commented.
He concluded: “We invite all music lovers to experience this exciting new era with us. Be ready to become part of a revolutionary sound journey in the boathouse. It will captivate you and never let go.”
