Shibuya's Spotify O-WEST recently upgraded its space to include a fresh L-Acoustics K Series professional sound system.
Located in the Shibuya neighbourhood, the epicentre of Tokyo’s youth culture since the seventies, O-WEST accommodates 600 music fans in a standing-room space.
Sound engineer Yuki Tanaka of Sonic Corporation, who manages live sound at O-WEST, had noted that the old system was in need of an upgrade. He commented: "I've worked as a venue operator and sound engineer both in Japan and overseas, so I know L-Acoustics signature sound. It has pristine audio quality and expressive power. When I see L-Acoustics on touring riders from international acts, I know it's the real deal. I was confident this was the right choice for O-WEST."
L-Acoustics Certified Provider Bestec Audio designed a main left-right system consisting of four K2 enclosures stacked atop two KS28 subwoofers, placed on both sides at the front of the stage, while in-fill is delivered by a pair of A10 Wide speakers. Rigged to the ceiling above each stack is an array of two A15 Focus boxes delivering sound to audiences seated on a second-floor mezzanine. The entire system is driven by six LA12X amplified controllers.
Installed by Nagoya-based system integrators, A&V Corporation, the K2 enclosures — normally flown in a line array configuration — were ground-stacked using custom-made hardware due to the venue configuration. The system was angled precisely so that engineers in the operations room at the rear of the main floor could receive a similar sound quality to audiences on the main floor.
While Tanaka’s initial specification listed L-Acoustics K3 for consideration, the venue ultimately chose K2 for its maximum SPL of 147dB and low end extension down to 35Hz, crucial headroom for the venue's wildly diverse bookings, from intimate acoustic sets to high-energy electronic shows.
Tanaka concluded: "O-WEST has established itself as a venue for musical expression across several generations, from future stars to established Japanese icons. With this system upgrade, we can now accommodate even more modern expressions. We hope many more people will come experience the sound of O-WEST."