Bootshaus, Germany

Context

The Team

Bootshaus: Elevating Nightlife with the Cutting-Edge A Series Professional Loudspeakers

Bootshaus, located in Cologne, Germany, is the world’s fifth-ranked nightclub, renowned for its electrifying atmosphere and stellar line-ups. Over the past two decades, it has hosted top-tier artists like Skrillex, David Guetta, and Avicii, becoming a hub for techno, electro-house, and dubstep lovers. The 1,900-capacity space, which includes three dance floors, each with its own DJ booth, and a large outdoor area overlooking the Rhine, needed an upgrade to maintain its iconic status and provide an unparalleled auditory experience. And while the laser and pyrotechnic shows that regularly delight fans help illustrate its world-class status, as CEO Tom Thomas says, it’s the sound system that remains its beating heart. With a focus on ensuring that its sonic capabilities continue to be world-beating, Thomas decided the time was right for a significant overhaul of the club’s sound system.

The Challenge

Bootshaus’s layout, comprising three distinct dance floors and a spacious outdoor area, presented a unique challenge. The previous sound system, installed over a decade ago, struggled to deliver consistent sound coverage across the entire venue. This inadequacy risked diminishing the club’s reputation for top-notch audio quality. Bootshaus’s CEO, Tom Thomas, recognized the necessity of a system that could adapt to various event setups and provide impeccable sound quality throughout the venue.

The Solution

L-Acoustics Certified Provider Distributor, Babbel & Haeger, in collaboration with production company Laserframe, designed a comprehensive solution using L-Acoustics’ cutting-edge line array speakers. The team utilized L-Acoustics’ Soundvision mapping software to simulate the venue’s diverse heights and spatial configurations, ensuring optimal sound distribution. The final setup included left/right hangs of two A15 Focus over one A15 Wide on either side of the DJ booth for the main dance floor. Seven KS28 subwoofers were embedded under the stage for deep bass, while two additional hangs of one A15 Focus over one A15 Wide ensured the entire floor was filled with energy. Nine X12 coaxial enclosures were strategically placed throughout the remaining spaces to guarantee even, dynamic coverage. For the upper VIP Deck, three X12 and two KS21 subwoofers were installed to provide premium sound. DJs benefited from monitoring via one A15 Wide and one KS21 per side, ensuring they could deliver their best performances.

The Result

The new L-Acoustics A Series system transformed Bootshaus’s soundscape, delivering a uniformly powerful and clear audio experience across all areas. The enhanced low-end frequency coverage and dynamic sound ensured every beat and note resonated perfectly with clubgoers and performers alike.

Bootshaus’s investment in the L-Acoustics system has been met with overwhelming approval from both patrons and DJs. The upgrade has maintained and elevated the club’s standing as a premier destination for electronic music enthusiasts.

Tom Thomas, CEO of Bootshaus, proudly stated, “Our guests come to celebrate music, and the system needs to be at the highest level for that. We have achieved everything we wanted – great quality audio throughout and, of course, the excellent low-end that clubgoers expect. This system underlines our commitment to exceeding guest expectations and staying at the forefront of the club scene.”

Project photos