L-Acoustics Elevates Cultural, Immersive, and Arena Experiences with Pristine Audio Precision

Renowned for delivering cutting-edge audio solutions to some of the world’s most prestigious venues and productions, L-Acoustics continues to redefine sonic excellence across diverse applications. From an intimate cultural hub in Japan to an immersive theatrical spectacle in Macau and a sold-out arena concert in the Philippines, the brand’s innovative sound systems have elevated live experiences with unparalleled clarity, precision, and immersive depth.

These landmark projects—realised through collaborations with Bestec Audio, Rightway Audio Consultants (RAC), and Forscink Inc. — showcase the adaptability and technical prowess of L-Acoustics technology, cementing its position as the go-to choice for performance venues worldwide.

The Sapporo Education and Culture Center
The Sapporo Education and Culture Center in Japan, known locally as ‘Kyobun,’ has redefined its 360-seat Small Hall with an advanced L-Acoustics professional sound system upgrade. After operating with outdated audio technology for over two decades, the venue collaborated with L-Acoustics Certified Provider Distributor Bestec Audio to design and install a cutting-edge solution capable of supporting a wide spectrum of events, from formal ceremonies to theatrical performances.
Bestec Audio designed a system centered around L-Acoustics A Series and X Series technology. The main system comprises a single proscenium centre array of one A10i Focus atop two A10i Wide with a KS21i subwoofer with side arrays of two A10i Focus atop one KS21i, both hidden behind screens. Panflex horizontal directivity adjustment provides precise coverage throughout the venue. Two 5XT coaxial boxes are embedded in the stage lip for front-fill, while a pair of X8 provide out-fill. Two X8 boxes permanently rigged on each side backstage provide monitoring for performers, with an additional X12 and four X8 enclosures available as a foldback system. Permanently rigged X8 boxes backstage and mobile X12 and X8 enclosures provide stage monitoring. For theatrical productions and music performances requiring additional impact, two mobile ground stacks—each containing two A10i Focus speakers on top of two KS21i subwoofers—can be positioned on either side of the stage. The entire system is driven by LA4X and LA2Xi amplified controllers.

“The pristine sound from such a compact box impressed me immediately,” recalls Mr. Takada, Stage Manager, Business Department of the Sapporo City Arts and Culture Foundation. “Now, the experience is consistent for all event types—lectures, music, and dance performances—regardless of sound pressure level,” adds Ms. Kanamura from Horizon Art Co., Ltd. The entire system is powered by LA4X and LA2Xi amplified controllers, delivering a seamless auditory experience across the venue.

Macau 2049 at the MGM Theater in Macau’s MGM Cotai
Meanwhile, the groundbreaking Macau 2049 multimedia production at the MGM Theater in Macau’s MGM Cotai showcases the artistic genius of director Zhang Yimou with a state-of-the-art 19.1 L-ISA immersive sound system.
The production demanded exceptional audio clarity and spatial precision to support its fusion of ancient cultural elements and technological complexity. Macau 2049 masterfully combines Chinese cultural heritage with state-of-the-art technology to create an artistic spectacle honouring the 25th anniversary of Macau’s return to the People’s Republic of China. The show features synchronised robotic performances of Yangge folk dance, percussion drumming, and laser technology animating traditional Shanbei storytelling, all supported by a 900-square-metre backdrop of 4K LED screens.
Designed and deployed by Sound Designer Jin Shaogang and L-Acoustics Certified Provider Distributor Rightway Audio Consultants (RAC), this revolutionary system creates a hyper-realistic sonic environment, integrating seamlessly with the production’s fusion of ancient Chinese traditions and futuristic technology.
“Our approach leverages Soundvision software’s precise SPL and coverage predictions to address critical elements including audience and performer positioning, frequency response, latency, and reflections,” explains Nan Hu, Marketing Director of RAC. “This sophisticated deployment manages the operational noise from the theatre’s extensive stage technology while delivering uncompromising audio quality.”
RAC engineered a complex spatial audio configuration featuring over 70 L-Acoustics enclosures in a 19.1 L-ISA setup. The Scene System features five hangs of 10 L-Acoustics Kara speakers, complemented by an Extension System of two additional hangs of 10 Kara speakers. Low-frequency enhancement comes from two groups of four flown SB28 subwoofers positioned behind the Scene System while four SB28 subwoofers are ground-stacked under the front stage and eight SB18 subwoofers are strategically positioned underneath audience seating for tactile enhancement. Two L-Acoustics ARCSII onstage provide out-fill while ten 5XT speakers embedded across the stage lip provide spatial in-fill. Eight Syva are placed on the side and back walls for first-floor surround coverage, while eight with additional 8XT enclosures provide surround the balcony. Eight 5XT provide under-balcony fill. X15 HiQ monitors provide performers with precise on-stage monitoring.

The entire system is processed by L-ISA Processor II over Milan-AVB networking; and the most remarkable achievement is that throughout the MGM Theater, all 2,000 seats experience the sensation that the speakers have virtually disappeared, creating a natural, object-localized 3D sound field. The L-ISA immersive sound technology allows Jin Shaogang to create specific sonic environments for each of the show’s eight plays. The system helps audiences distinguish individual voices during dialogue-heavy scenes and utilises L-ISA’s Room Engine to create different acoustic environments as needed throughout the performance. The 3D audio approach provides greater spatial definition than traditional stereo or LCR formats, supporting the production’s blend of traditional Chinese cultural elements and contemporary presentation to create a cohesive audio experience.
“Macau 2049 showcases artistic intersections where tradition meets technology, and the past meets the future,” notes Nan Hu, Marketing Director of RAC; indicating that the immersive L-ISA system ensures precise sound localisation, transforming every seat in the 2,000-capacity venue into an enveloping auditory landscape.

TJ Monterde Concert at Quezon City’s Smart Araneta Coliseum
Filipino pop icon TJ Monterde, whose hit song “Palagi” topped Billboard Philippines in 2024, recently captivated 10,000 fans at Quezon City’s Smart Araneta Coliseum through a meticulously deployed L-Acoustics K Series system.
Presented by Cornerstone Entertainment and executed by L-Acoustics Rental Agent Forscink Inc., the concert overcame the venue’s notorious dome ceiling acoustic challenges using L-Acoustics Soundvision 3D modeling software.
“Soundvision 3D was essential in helping us design a configuration that minimized reflections from the dome ceiling,” explains Adi Sajonia, Sound Engineer from Forscink Inc. “We were able to precisely calculate coverage patterns and fine-tune array positioning to deliver exceptional clarity to every seat, despite the venue’s complex acoustics.” The precision of the Soundvision 3D-generated design allowed the team to focus sound energy precisely where needed while minimizing problematic ceiling reflections, resulting in remarkable intelligibility throughout the arena.

The team at Forscink Inc. selected the K Series specifically for its exceptional power-to-weight ratio, allowing them to meet the Coliseum’s strict rigging limitations while delivering the coverage and SPL necessary for the 10,000-capacity venue. The arena production featured a main L/R system of 12 L-Acoustics K2 over three Kara down per side. Two arrays of 12 L-Acoustics Kara boxes provided out-fill coverage, while six Kara speakers delivered front-fill. Sixteen SB28 subwoofers anchored the low-end, ensuring a balanced sound throughout the vast arena.
Timothy Recla, Monterde’s sound engineer, praised the system’s precision, stating, “LA Network Manager gave us powerful control over the entire system, and Autofilter ensured a balanced audio experience throughout the venue.”