LOA and Aki Restaurants, Malta

Context

The Team

L-Acoustics Professional Sound Systems Elevate Malta Dining Experiences

Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, just south of Sicily, lies the enchanting island nation of Malta. Here, amidst the sun-drenched shores and historic charm, two exceptional dining destinations have elevated their culinary experiences with the captivating power of sound.  

LOA, a South American-inspired oasis in St. Paul’s Bay, transports guests to a world of vibrant culinary flavors from Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Mexico. LOA presents a laid-back coastal vibe amidst a backdrop of the azure Mediterranean.

Aki, located in Malta’s capital city of Valletta, offers a modern twist on Asian cuisine in a sleek and stylish setting. This chic restaurant seamlessly blends Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian culinary traditions, tantalizing taste buds with artistic presentations and expertly crafted cocktails.

Both LOA and Aki sought to enhance their unique atmospheres and elevate their dining experiences. They found their solution in state-of-the-art L-Acoustics professional sound systems, creating immersive audio environments that perfectly complement their distinct culinary journeys.

The Challenge

Each restaurant presented unique acoustic challenges, with LOA featuring indoor and outdoor spaces and Aki having multiple rooms with varied ceiling heights. The sound system needed to cater to both relaxed dining during the day and lively DJ performances in the evening, providing subtle background music for dining and powerful sound for evening entertainment while maintaining clarity and dynamic range at both low and high volumes.

The Solution

DB Group partnered with Black Box, a Malta-based L-Acoustics System Integrator Partner since 2017, to design and install bespoke professional sound systems in both restaurants.

To address the unique challenges presented by each venue, Black Box conducted a thorough assessment of the acoustic environments of both restaurants. They used L-Acoustics Soundvision software to precisely model the sound requirements, ensuring optimal speaker placement and coverage for both background music and DJ performances.

The installation at LOA features a combination of 34 strategically placed 5XT coaxial enclosures and 10 SB15M subwoofers, providing balanced coverage both indoors and outdoors in the restaurant and lounge. Aki’s system includes 6 X4i and 12 5XT coaxial enclosures, 6 X8 coaxial point source speakers, and 4 SB15M subwoofers, carefully positioned to cater to different areas of the restaurant, bar, lounge, and private dining room.

The systems are powered by six LA4X and four LA2Xi amplified controllers, respectively, with LOA also utilizing an LA12X for additional power and control. This setup allows for precise control and adjustment of the sound system depending on the time of day and the desired atmosphere.

The Result

The L-Acoustics sound systems have been a resounding success at both LOA and Aki. The restaurant owners and staff have praised the systems’ ability to deliver exceptional sound quality while maintaining the desired ambiance.

Patrons have also noticed the difference, with many commenting on the clear and balanced sound that enhances their dining experience without being intrusive. The ability of the systems to transition seamlessly from background music during the day to high-energy DJ sets in the evening has also received positive feedback.

Moreover, the successful implementation of L-Acoustics sound systems at LOA and Aki has generated interest from other venues in Malta, demonstrating the growing demand for premium audio solutions in the hospitality sector.

Project photos