Within the 120,000 square-metre Peace Memorial Park in downtown Hiroshima, Japan, the International Conference Centre Hiroshima (ICCH) stands as a beacon of global dialogue and cultural exchange.
At its heart lies the 1,504-capacity Phoenix Hall, a multipurpose space that hosts a wide array of events throughout the year.
However, the ICCH faced a significant challenge — the Phoenix Hall’s aging sound system no longer met the exacting standards required for international conferences, academic meetings, and live performances. Full-range clarity was lacking, and coverage to balcony audience seats was notably reduced in SPL.
Recognising the need for a transformative solution, the ICCH team turned to L-Acoustics certified provider distributor Bestec Audio.
Using L-Acoustics Soundvision 3D modelling software, Bestec Audio crafted a bespoke solution that met several requirements. The new system needed to provide even coverage throughout the hall without interfering with the acrylic soundboard above the stage proscenium, swiftly adapt to various staging and seating configurations, and ensure full coverage of the balcony seats.
To meet these requirements, an L-Acoustics Kiva II professional sound system was deployed in the Phoenix Hall. The main LCR system features nine Kiva II per hang, optimised to cover both ground floor and the first balcony seats. An additional L/R system of four Kara II per side serves the second balcony. For arena setups, the bottom Kiva II enclosures are deactivated to prevent sound spillage onto the larger stage area. In this configuration, three X12 boxes are added to cover audience seats behind the stage.
Additional X12 and X15 HiQ speakers ensure high-fidelity sound reaches balcony overhangs, while a mobile system of three L-Acoustics A10 Focus atop one KS21 subwoofer offers enhanced flexibility for live concerts. The entire system is driven by 12 LA4X amplified controllers installed in the hall’s control room, where Hiroki Shimizu, the hall's professional PA system operator mixes with a pair of L-Acoustics 108P active monitors.
The new L-Acoustics system complements the ICCH's existing technological infrastructure, which includes on-site transmission capabilities for speeches and presentations, simultaneous interpretation in up to six languages, and hybrid online streaming broadcast solutions.