Double identity

Located at Marsa Al Arab in Dubai, KIRA & LITT brings together two contrasting hospitality concepts. KIRA combines a high-end restaurant with outdoor terraces, while LITT transforms the destination into a premium nightclub after dark. Venue operator Alpha Mind therefore required an AV system capable of supporting two distinct experiences while operating as one integrated ecosystem.

“The client’s vision was to create a world-class hospitality and entertainment destination combining exceptional dining, immersive experiences and a premium AV environment,” explains Levels AV’s Sardor Rashidov. “As it was a completely new build, every part of the entertainment system could be designed and engineered from the ground up.”

Selected on the strength of its experience in Dubai’s hospitality and entertainment sectors, Levels AV assumed responsibility for the complete audiovisual delivery, its scope encompassing systems design, engineering, equipment selection, integration, programming, commissioning and optimisation, including audio, DSP processing and networking. The overall sound design was developed by Bryan McLean of Dirt Sound in collaboration with Levels CEO Daniel Ball. Rashidov and Bonny Augustine subsequently led the programming, technical implementation, commissioning and final optimisation.

A further challenge emerged during the amplifier selection process. The original proposal required multiple 4-channel amplified controllers, increasing both rack space and cost. The newly introduced 16-channel L-Acoustics LA7.16i offered a more efficient option, but its available input formats did not initially match the Levels signal architecture.

“The LA7.16i gave us a way to reduce the amplifier count, but it was a brand-new platform,” recalls Rashidov. “At that point, it supported AVB together with limited analogue and AES inputs. We needed to send 16 digital input signals from the Xilica DSP using AES67, so we either had to change the system approach or find a way to integrate the amplifier.”

The team approached L-Acoustics for assistance and was provided with beta firmware enabling AES67 compatibility on the LA7.16i before the functionality became generally available.

“The support from L-Acoustics was exceptional,” says Rashidov. “They gave us beta firmware before it had been released to the wider AV industry, and it allowed the Xilica Solaro FR1-D to send all 16 channels directly to the LA7.16i over AES67. This meant we were able to keep the system design we wanted, reduce complexity and remain within the project budget.”

“The project was highly collaborative,” says Rashidov. “Bryan and Daniel developed the overall audio system design, combining specialist sound design principles with our engineering and project delivery experience. Bonny and I were then responsible for transforming that concept into a fully operational system through detailed configuration, tuning and performance verification.”

One of the principal challenges was delivering the SPL expected in LITT without sacrificing clarity or allowing excessive energy to escape from the venue. The development sits beneath a five-star hotel, making the comfort of the residents above a significant consideration.

To address this, Levels combined acoustic panels and wall-barrier treatments with isolated loudspeaker and subwoofer mounts to limit structural vibration. Beneath the DJ booth, compact subwoofers deployed in a cardioid arrangement help direct low-frequency energy towards the audience, supplemented by DSP and notch filtering, directivity control and phase optimisation. Following Smaart-based alignment, Levels measured approximately 103dB SPL in the venue and 45dB in the hotel rooms above.

In KIRA, two ceiling-mounted L-Acoustics X12 loudspeakers serve the DJ booth, with 17 X8i enclosures distributed throughout the dining area, eight X6i units covering the bar and 32 pole-mounted X4i loudspeakers providing even coverage across the terraces.

Eight SB15M subwoofers are flown within the ceiling structure, while the indoor enclosures are concealed behind custom acoustic rattan to preserve the interior aesthetic.

LITT’s main system in contrast uses four A10i Focus and four A10i Wide enclosures flown in the four corners of the dancefloor. Six SB15M subwoofers sit beneath the DJ booth in acoustic bunkers, with four facing forwards and two in a cardioid configuration. Two X12 loudspeakers cover the VIP tables behind the booth and five wall-mounted X8s fill in the mid/high frequencies above other tables. DJs are served by two X12 monitors paired with two SB18 subwoofers.

“We selected L-Acoustics for its output, precise coverage, reliability and consistent sound quality,” explains Rashidov. “The X Series gives KIRA the clarity and control required for dining, while the combination of A Series, X Series and subwoofers in LITT creates the power and energy of a nightclub while maintaining the tonal balance expected in a luxury venue.”

The systems were modelled in the French manufacturer’s Soundvision platform, allowing Levels to predict coverage, directivity and SPL distribution. “Soundvision allowed us to understand how the systems would behave before anything was installed,” adds Rashidov. “That was especially important because we needed to focus the energy very carefully. We then used Smaart during commissioning to make sure that the timing, phase and overall system performance were correct.”

The Xilica processing platform also allows KIRA & LITT to function independently despite sharing an integrated technical backbone. Sources, levels and operating parameters can be adapted to the requirements of each venue without affecting the other.

“An important engineering challenge was creating a single AV ecosystem for two completely different identities,” notes Rashidov. “The flexibility of the Xilica platform allows the environments to operate separately while remaining fully integrated.”

In addition to providing audio coverage throughout, Levels designed, fabricated and integrated LITT’s bespoke circular LED installation. The system comprises 19 displays using 2.5mm pixel pitch LED technology – 12 measuring 1m in diameter and seven measuring 1.5m. Their forms echo the venue’s decorative ceiling elements and house light fixtures, allowing them to read as part of the architecture rather than conventional screens. NovaStar technology provides the LED processing, while content is controlled using Resolume.

“The circular screens have become a key part of LITT’s identity,” explains Rashidov. “They add energy to the room and allow the visual content to work with the performances. Because of the way they have been integrated into the architecture, they do not feel like conventional screens.”

The resulting installation allows KIRA to retain the controlled atmosphere required for luxury dining while LITT delivers considerably greater output and low-frequency impact after dark. That contrast, achieved within one integrated AV ecosystem and directly beneath a five-star hotel, became the project’s defining feature. Detailed modelling, architectural isolation, DSP control and system optimisation have helped Levels reconcile the two identities while protecting the accommodation above.

“The greatest achievement was seeing all the elements work together as one complete experience,” concludes Rashidov. “The high-performance audio, flexible DSP control and immersive LED technology all support the original vision. Since opening, the feedback from the client, guests and industry professionals has been extremely positive.”