“No matter where you sit in the small hall, the A10i delivers incredible resolution and positioning – it’s like listening in a studio,” raved Katsuhisa Mochida, Head of Sound at Itabashi Culture Hall. “This quality is what I’ve always envisioned for our performance venues.”
Tucked in Tokyo’s Itabashi ward, the Itabashi Culture Hall has been the community’s entertainment epicentre for nearly 40 years. This vibrant hub houses two performance spaces – the main hall, already boosted by a powerful L-Acoustics Kara II concert sound system installed in 2021 and the intimate 306-seat small hall. Now, Itabashi is elevating the sonic experience in its smaller venue by installing a premium A Series professional sound system acquired from L-Acoustics Certified Provider Distributor Bestec Audio. Music lovers can now enjoy pristine audio tailored for the small hall’s dimensions, from pop and rock concerts to classical recitals, piano showcases, and more.
Mochida, Head of Sound at Itabashi and Engineer at Sigma Communications Co. Ltd led the Kara II installation in the main hall. “We wanted the same renowned L-Acoustics quality in the small hall, too,” Mochida explained. I’m accustomed to L-Acoustics, and having the same brand throughout the venue allows efficient system management via LA Network Manager.”
Another key factor was flexibility. “By using L-Acoustics in both halls, the amplified controllers can also drive our complement of mobile speakers in either hall when events require it,” Mochida added.
As the A Series integration began, Mochida and his Sigma team underwent comprehensive L-Acoustics training to ensure optimal live audio production across both venues for the Centre’s packed weekly schedule. Multiple designs were considered before settling on a ground-stacked LR system of two A10i Focus with one A10i Wide atop two KS21i subs per side. The sleek A Series system is discreetly housed behind an acoustically transparent mesh wall, providing even coverage from front to back. A centre hang of A10i Focus also uses an acoustically transparent screen for a clean look. One X12 coaxial speaker per side is used for on-stage monitoring, with additional X12 and X8 enclosures serving as a mobile reinforcement rig. Seven LA4X amplified controllers power the entire system via AES/EBU connectivity to the console.
A pair of X8 are used in the closed-off front-of-house monitoring station.
“The upgrade transformed our workflow,” Mochida noted. “Every seat now gets fantastic sound from the LR system instead of relying on the old proscenium array.”
