Osaka International Convention Centre, commonly known as the Grand Cube Osaka, has completed its first-ever audio system overhaul, installing an L-Acoustics professional sound system.
The project integrated A Series, K Series, and X Series components into existing architectural spaces, upgrading the sound quality throughout the 2,754-seat main hall without compromising the iconic building's metabolist movement design.
Yasufumi Kametani, office manager of the stage management division at Comens Co, the centre’s technical service provider, commented: "Delivering consistent coverage throughout the Main Hall with our previous mobile speakers had become increasingly challenging. We needed a complete solution that could support everything from academic conferences to concerts while maintaining exceptional clarity in every seat."
The facility's management recognised that upgrading to tour-quality audio would attract more premium events to the venue. Shinichi Furugane, manager of the centre’s facilities management department, said: "Introducing a modern, tour-level sound system from a world-renowned brand would significantly enhance our appeal to potential clients.”
The venue's two proscenium speaker positions presented challenges, as new equipment needed to fit existing architectural openings. Using L-Acoustics Soundvision 3D modelling software, the implementation team from JATO with support from L-Acoustics certified provider distributor Bestec Audio, conducted precise simulations that identified potential obstacles before physical installation began.
Yoshihiro Iwakawa, sales manager of JATO, commented: "Some auxiliary speakers for the second-floor balcony couldn't be installed according to our initial design. With Soundvision, we quickly replotted positions, simulated coverage data, and ensured the system would deliver optimal results.”
The comprehensive solution includes two proscenium configurations, both utilising L-Acoustics. Above the front of the stage, the first proscenium LCR configuration consists of two L-Acoustics A15i Wide boxes per hang. In contrast, a second proscenium further away from the front of the stage consists of three A15i Wide boxes per hang, all hidden behind an acoustic grill.
A mobile system of eight L-Acoustics Kara II atop four SB18 subwoofers is placed on each side of the stage, each flanked by an X15 HiQ enclosure for in-fill. Four 5XT coaxial boxes are embedded across the stage lip for front-fill.?
Audience seated on the first floor under the balcony are served by 24 5XT boxes while seats on the second-floor balcony have 12 X8 enclosures mounted in three ceiling positions. Nine X8 boxes installed in the ceiling above the stage serve as fixed monitors, while six X12 provide flexible monitoring options when the hall is sectioned into a small hall configuration. A total of nine LA4X and four LA2Xi amplified controllers drive all the components of the entire system.