Press Release

Blue Note Tokyo Shows its True Colours with L-Acoustics A Series Blue Note Tokyo Shows its True Colours with L-Acoustics A Series...

5XT
A10 Wide
A15
A15 Focus
A15 Wide
LA2xi
LA4X
X12

Bestec Audio delivers professional sound system transformation for Tokyo’s legendary jazz venue

TOKYO, Japan – January 2025 — Blue Note Tokyo, a cornerstone of Asia’s jazz scene since 1988, has revolutionized its sonic signature with a new L-Acoustics A Series sound system. The Minato City venue, which has evolved from its jazz roots to host diverse musical genres in its intimate 280-seat space, faced a unique challenge: delivering consistent, warm sound throughout its wide seating layout while maintaining the nuanced balance between amplified sound and live instruments that jazz performances demand.

“Our previous system struggled to reach the venue’s rear sections without compromising the intimate feel we’re known for,” reveals Toshiharu Yamauchi, Sound and Lighting Manager and Chief Sound Engineer at Blue Note Japan. “I didn’t want the sound to just pop out from the speakers – it needed to emanate naturally from the stage.” After extensive evaluation of potential solutions, the choice became clear. “L-Acoustics possessed that warm feeling and sense of space our venue needed. Other systems we tested offered clarity but felt mechanical, lacking the natural sound we were after.”

Blue Note Tokyo has revolutionized its sonic signature with a new L-Acoustics A Series professional sound system
Blue Note Tokyo has revolutionized its sonic signature with a new L-Acoustics A Series sound system
Blue Note Tokyo main L/R installation of two hangs of one L-Acoustics A15 Focus and two A15 Wide per side
Blue Note Tokyo main L/R installation of two hangs of one L-Acoustics A15 Focus and two A15 Wide per side

Working with L-Acoustics Certified Provider Distributor Bestec Audio, the club implemented a precision-engineered solution that transformed both audience experience and operational workflow. The main system features two hangs of L-Acoustics A15 arrays per side, each combining one A15 Focus and two A15 Wide models for optimal coverage. Two groups of twin KS21 subwoofers, ground-stacked on either side of the stage, provide rich low-end definition, while A10 Wide speakers handle front-fill duties and L-Acoustics X12 speakers cover out-fill seating. Four LA4X amplified controllers drive the system, ensuring precise control throughout the space.

A game-changing addition to the installation is the addition of 5XT coaxial boxes driven by an LA2Xi amplified controller to the FOH booth, which is located in the mezzanine. “This upgrade has revolutionized our workflow,” says Blue Note Japan Sound Director, Akihiro Mito. “The sound quality of the 5XT perfectly matches the main system, eliminating our previous need to constantly verify mixes from the first floor. It’s dramatically improved our efficiency and confidence in delivering the perfect mix.”

Blue Note Tokyo required L-Acoustics professional sound system to deliver coverage to 280 seats across its wide venue layout
Blue Note Tokyo required L-Acoustics professional sound system to deliver coverage to 280 seats across its wide venue layout
Blue Note Tokyo main installation of L-Acoustics A Series, L-Acoustics A10 Wide for front-fill and L-Acoustics X12 for out-fill
Blue Note Tokyo main installation of L-Acoustics A Series, L-Acoustics A10 Wide for front-fill and L-Acoustics X12 for out-fill

Sound Engineer Asogi Komiya adds, “The consistency between our booth monitors and the main system has elevated our entire operation. While the system challenges us to perfect our craft, it’s incredibly rewarding. Every night presents a new opportunity to enhance Blue Note Tokyo’s immersive live music experience through the A15 system.”

The impact was immediate. Visiting artists and engineers have praised the improved audio environment, noting the system’s ability to maintain clarity and warmth from the front row to the furthest seats. For a venue that pairs world-class performances with French-inspired cuisine, this audio upgrade represents another step in its 35-year commitment to delivering premium entertainment experiences.

L-Acoustics 5XT in the FOH booth located in the mezzanine
L-Acoustics 5XT in the FOH booth located in the mezzanine
From L-R: Blue Note Japan’s Sound and Lighting Manager and Chief Sound Engineer, Toshiharu Yamauchi; Sound Engineer, Asogi Komiya; Sound Director, Akihiro Mito
From L-R: Blue Note Japan’s Sound and Lighting Manager and Chief Sound Engineer, Toshiharu Yamauchi; Sound Engineer, Asogi Komiya; Sound Director, Akihiro Mito
L-Acoustics KS21 subwoofers ground-stacked on either side of the Blue Note Tokyo stage
L-Acoustics KS21 subwoofers ground-stacked on either side of the Blue Note Tokyo stage

For more information on Blue Note Tokyo, please visit www.bluenote.co.jp. Learn more about Bestec Audio in Japan at www.bestecaudio.com

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