L-Acoustics takes root at Garden Shinkiba Factory
L-Acoustics takes root at Garden Shinkiba Factory
Garden Shinkiba Factory, a multipurpose production space on Tokyo Bay’s reclaimed waterfront, has installed a permanent L-Acoustics K3 and KS28 sound system, replacing its previous event-by-event rental model.
Operated by Garden Co, the 660m2 main studio occupies a former industrial site in Shinkiba, running 13.6m x 46m (WxD) under a 7-metre-high truss ceiling and accommodating up to 1,500 people. Around 80% of bookings are live concerts and rehearsals, with the remainder comprising music video shoots, TV productions, fashion shows and live-stream broadcasts. Staging, PA and lighting are reconfigured for each event, with the main PA deployed as a ground stack.
Sound manager Yuki Matsuoka tasked L-Acoustics partner Bestec Audio with specifying a system capable of high output and fast turnaround using a small crew. After evaluating several 12-inch-class systems, the venue selected K3.
“In the end, we were convinced that the only option that offered both the agility we needed and uncompromising sound quality was the K3,” Matsuoka explained. “Its full-range performance within a compact 12-inch format essentially delivers concert-level output without a larger scale system footprint.”
The installed system comprises four K3 per side, ground stacked on two KS28 subwoofers in cardioid configuration at the front of the stage. Two X12 coaxial enclosures provide side fill or can be redeployed as needed. Four LA12X amplified controllers power the system.
According to the venue, a crew of four can assemble the system from an empty floor in under two hours. K3’s rigging allows angles to be preset before stacking, with cabinets locking into position once placed.
Matsuoka said that with stacking before the upgrade, the team had to hold the cabinet and adjust the angle at the same time. “It was physically demanding,” he noted. “With K3, you preset the angle, place it and it locks. At 43kg, it takes two people to lift, but the rigging process is smooth and doesn't require much strength. The large ergonomic handles mean you can pair up the team and work in parallel, which keeps setup fatigue to a minimum."
System calibration is carried out using LA Network Manager presets as a starting point, verified with Smaart measurement before final adjustments. “L-Acoustics' acoustic philosophy and sound are trustworthy,” said Matsuoka, adding that “K3 has a very natural, beautiful sound. There's no sense of forcing in the highs or the lows and the phase is clean, which makes it easy to integrate with the X12.”
The system’s visual profile is also relevant for broadcast and video work. According to the sound manager, the L-Acoustics speakers have a quality that absorbs colourful light without reflecting it and disappears into darkness during blackouts. “It doesn't interfere with any production's visual identity,” he explained. “And when the K3 appears on camera – which our clients sometimes request – it makes the work more convincing.”
Ownership has also shifted the venue’s technical workflow. “Having our own equipment has created an environment where our staff can learn independently and deepen their skills,” concluded Matsuoka. “We are constantly researching, exploring the KS28 subwoofers' cardioid configurations, verifying the optimal tuning for vertical versus horizontal ground-stack use in the venue. Every day is another opportunity to get more out of the system.”
