RAISE Tokyo, the new 800 capacity, 740 square metre nightclub and DJ lounge in the Tokyo district of Ginza, situated on the sixth floor of the Tokyu Plaza skyscraper, has been fitted out with chrome Void Acoustics loudspeakers.
“The high-end audio installation in RAISEe is the first time we have specified Void Acoustics for a Lounge Operation venue – but the GM is a Void fan and was keen to see the brand deployed throughout the club, not only because of the audio excellence, but because of the design aesthetic of all Void products”, explained Tocci Satoru, Director of eastaudio inc. and Tokyo Sound System Laboratory – the long-term exclusive distributor for Void Acoustics in Japan.
Tocci and his team believe they have delivered a well-balanced audio-scape, despite the constraints of limited space and various other unique challenges. The distinct designs of bespoke chrome coloured Tri Motion and Airten V3 loudspeakers adorn the dancefloor, supported by a substantial number of Venu V2 and Stasys 118 subwoofers, which are deployed throughout the venue to ensure even diffusion, clarity and seamless sound. The ArcM 12 acts as a DJ monitor, whilst the amplification is supported with the Bias D1, Bias Q1 and Bias Q2. The system also includes the first Japanese installation of the Arcline 218 subwoofer, and is completed with Cirrus 6.1 ceiling speakers. As Tocci explains: “We aimed to create an even sound space by eliminating blind spots, and we made meticulous adjustments to reduce cancellation.”
A specific request from the operator was to have the Royal VIP area (located behind the DJ podium) to be enhanced with a significant bass ‘experience’, and so a Venu 215 V2 subwoofer has been embedded behind the VIP sofa.
But one of the biggest challenges for the team was unexpected and unique to the club. Within the venue there were no interior walls from which to hang fixtures, and so the entire sound system needed to be strategically mounted using bespoke structures. “The inability to hang speakers was a major constraint to the sound plan,” said Tocci, “and we really had to think outside the box to achieve the end vision desired by our client.
“The glass is polyhedral and has no parallel surfaces, so there are no standing waves from reflections,” he continued. “Acoustically, the room is not as bad as one might expect. The ceiling, however, has a height of twenty-seven metres and the glass is shaped to tilt inwards as it goes up, so the sound pressure of the bass is not reduced even on the upper floors. To reduce noise spill, we improved the absorption to minimise the transmission of the sub on the floor and used a Forward Directivity Isolator (F.D.I) system. F.D.I suppresses resonance by surrounding the array with a unique structure to prevent sound leakage, whilst at the same time improving the impulse response and directivity. This results in a ‘tighter’ bass and a more natural sound.”
The result is impactful and out-of-the-ordinary. “Of course, as well as the beautiful aesthetics of the speakers, the sound quality is outstanding,” commented Tocci. “And perfect for the discerning VIP club-goers at RAISE. As a nightclub in the heart of Tokyo’s prestigious Ginza district, the speakers needed to be stylish as well as of an exceptional audio design.”
According to Singapore-based Sean Iskhander, APAC sales manager for Void, having to advise the client remotely – due to the pandemic – was an additional challenge. “Having no option to travel to Japan, our advice and input was mostly over email and WhatsApp,” he said. “We had to ensure we were giving as much support to the team at eastaudio as we could in order to fulfil the project. Being thorough in our responses and advice, and with a keen attention to detail was key.”
Taro Fujita, general manager for RAISE Tokyo is thrilled with the results. “RAISE is a club located in an exclusive neighbourhood where Tokyo’s best VIPs and celebrities gather,” he explained. “We are pleased that the sound quality and aesthetics of Void’s speakers complements the high-end club perfectly. A Void sound system can accommodate the wide variety of music genres and the wide range of music played by the famous DJs who are playing at our club. In addition to which the bespoke silver chrome finish of the speakers are a significant visual addition to the interior design of RAISE Tokyo.”
