Press Release

YOU Community Centre in Hokkaido’s Sunagawa City Upgrades Large Hall with L-Acoustics K Series Concert Sound System YOU Community Centre in Hokkaido’s Sunagawa City Upgrades Large Hall with L-Acou...

YOU Sunagawa City Community Center installs L-Acoustics Kiva II line array system, transforming audio experience for diverse events

HOKKAIDO, Japan- August 2024 – In Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, a cultural cornerstone has received a notable audio upgrade. The YOU Sunagawa City Community Center, a 4,000-square-metre hub of community engagement, has enhanced its 500-capacity Large Hall with a new L-Acoustics K Series concert sound system.

For nearly two decades, this versatile venue has been central to Sunagawa’s cultural life, hosting a variety of events from concerts and musicals to film screenings and industry seminars. After 17 years of service, the Large Hall’s audio system was due for an update.

Yuji Denpo, Head of Stage Technology at the Center, explains, “We were experiencing issues with sound quality, particularly regarding clarity in the back rows and volume management in the front. We sought a solution to better meet the expectations of our diverse audiences and performances.”

YOU Sunagawa City Community Center enhanced its Large Hall with a new L-Acoustics K Series professional sound system
YOU Sunagawa City Community Center enhanced its Large Hall with a new L-Acoustics K Series professional sound system
The Large Hall at YOU is a versatile venue that has been central to Sunagawa's cultural life, hosting a variety of events from concerts and musicals to film screenings and industry seminars.
The Large Hall at YOU is a versatile venue that has been central to Sunagawa’s cultural life, hosting a variety of events from concerts and musicals to film screenings and industry seminars.

Drawing from his experience with L-Acoustics in the live audio rental sector, Mr. Denpo collaborated with K’s Sound Co., Ltd. Managing Director, Yasutaka Shinada to design an ideal sound system. “We focused on achieving uniform coverage and clarity throughout the hall,” Mr. Shinada notes. “After thorough analysis and 3D modelling with Soundvision software, we determined that the Kiva II line array system would deliver the optimal sound experience for this unique space.”

The design, which integrates discretely into the hall’s architecture, comprises a main L/R system of five Kiva II speakers atop two SB15m subwoofers per side, housed behind acoustically transparent mesh screens within recessed enclosures flanking the stage. Six X4i speakers along the stage lip ensure comprehensive front-fill coverage. Three LA4X and one LA2Xi amplified controllers power the entire concert sound system, offering ample headroom and precise control.

Mr. Shinada praises the system’s adaptability: “The compact design of the Kiva II allowed for seamless integration into the existing architecture. Its installation flexibility, precise angle adjustments, and the complementary X4i front-fill created an effective solution for the hall’s diverse needs.”

A main L/R system of five L-Acoustics Kiva II speakers atop two SB15m subwoofers Concert Sound System per side is housed behind acoustically transparent mesh screens
A main L/R system of five L-Acoustics Kiva II speakers atop two SB15m subwoofers per side is housed behind acoustically transparent mesh screens
L-Acoustics Kiva II line array speakers Concert Sound System at YOU Sunagawa City
 L-Acoustics Kiva II line array speakers at YOU Sunagawa City

The new system achieves consistent coverage, with minimal variation from front to back of the hall. This uniform sound field ensures that every seat experiences similar audio quality, whether for a classical concert, a contemporary performance, or a speaking engagement.

Mr. Denpo is pleased with the results: “The improvement is significant. The clarity and presence of the L-Acoustics professional sound system greatly enhances our audio capabilities. We’re now able to deliver improved sound quality to our community across various events.”

Initial feedback from guests has been positive. Post-event surveys indicate widespread appreciation for the improved sound quality, with attendees noting consistent clarity throughout the venue.

L-Acoustics X4i boxes installed along the stage provide front-fill coverage at YOU Sunagawa
 L-Acoustics X4i boxes installed along the stage provide front-fill coverage at YOU Sunagawa
From left to right: Yuji Denpo, Head of Stage Technology, YOU Sunagawa Community Center; Yamaki Kimifumi, Secretary General, YOU Sunagawa Community Center; and Yasutaka Shinada, Managing Director of K's Sound Co., Ltd.
From left to right: Yuji Denpo, Head of Stage Technology, YOU Sunagawa Community Center; Yamaki Kimifumi, Secretary General, YOU Sunagawa Community Center; and Yasutaka Shinada, Managing Director of K’s Sound Co., Ltd.

More information on the YOU Sunagawa City Community Center can be found at www.you.or.jp

Learn more about K’s Sound at www.kssound.net

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