Pro audio specialist L’Acoustics has released details of a recent installation of one of its systems by Bestec Audio at Sakura Hall, part of the The Kitakami Cultural Exchange Centre, in Japan.
According to Sakura Hall’s Tatsuya Sato, the original sound system was no longer holding up to the Great Hall’s current needs. “This is the first renovation since the Hall’s opening, 17 years ago,” he said. “The renovation became necessary as the original system deteriorated. We needed a new, flexible system capable of presenting the various programmes that we carry now and a system that would grow with us for future programmes. The system had to be high quality, to stimulate the public’s awareness of creative activities.”
The main objective of the installation was to deliver clear sound with even coverage, free of feedback, especially for story-telling performances known as ‘Rakugo’ where members of the audience will be seated on the third floor. Because of this, Sakura Hall was scoping out a line array system. “Choosing the system was challenging, but in the end, L-Acoustics was decided on for its sound clarity and company status as a leader in line arrays. We also appreciated that their solution included amplified controllers and LA Network Manager show control,” Mr Sato explained.
On the decision to partner with Bestec Audio, Mr Sato said, “The Bestec Audio team approached this project with as much enthusiasm as we did. Their ultimate goal was to offer the best experience to the theatre clients, just as we do. Collaborating with a team who shares our same outlook was a great experience.”
The main installation comprises seven Kara in the centre of the proscenium, with the support of a pair of Kiva II flown under it as front fills. Speaker placements on either side of the auditorium theatre are divided into three tiers. Three Kara per side covers the upper section’s third-floor seats, while seven Kara enclosures are used in the middle section along with two SB18 subs to reinforce the low frequencies, with a lone X12 deployed to reinforce sound for the front rows of this middle tier.
Two Kiva II enclosures are placed on each side to cover the seats in the upper third tier, with an additional A15 Wide per side dedicated to cover a small segment of obscured seats on this floor. Bestec topped the system off with a mobile component of three A15 Focus and two KS21 subs, which can be deployed when the large hall hosts live music performances requiring more dynamic reinforcement or for ad-hoc use in the other smaller hall.
The venue is now ready to showcase the spirit and energy of Kitakami’s artists. “At Sakura Hall, we strive to keep a high standard of quality and to deliver an outstanding experience to the audience and performers alike,” concludes Mr. Sato. “With the new L-Acoustics system installed by Bestec, we feel that we’ve achieved that.”
